GROWING CACTUS FROM SEED: Lava gardening with hydrogen peroxide

[@davidschmidt270]

Ana from cactus caffeine introduced me to your channel....and we'll after seeing your greenhouse set up and hearing your enthusiasm in your voice within 33 seconds of your video I hit the subscribe button... Thanks hunter, you "rock" bro , LOL 🤭

[@truncated_sleigh]

Just got my first 10 seeds of Copiapoa cinerea from mesa gardens. Will be using this method to sow. Wish me luck.💥

[@SimaShangde]

I also use hydrogen peroxide, but for a different reason. It can help breaking down germination inhibitors and be helpful for the hard to germinate species (in some cases even 5% solution might be a good option). I use 0,5-3 mm zeolite instead of scoria. Zeolite works pretty similar to pumice and scoria, but it has a cool property of changing the color from green to gray, depending on hydration level. It's also better as a cation exchanger. I spay my soil with 1% H2O2 solution with seeds sitting on it. When it stops fizzling I transfer them into bags and under the diy LED lights. 4-5 days later I spray them with fungicide and fertilizer, put them back into bags and let to grow untill they are big enough to repot into the regular soil.

[@mhushrooms]

Love to find more cacti content on KZbin haha

[@CactusQuest]

Mhushroom S I’m working on it!!!

[@intity4305]

Learned about something new today! Thanks dude!

[@CactusQuest]

for sure dude! thank you

[@blyndefur]

Came here from IG and was not disappointed - awesome vid - I just planted some seeds but man - I want to try this next time!!

[@CactusQuest]

hey thanks for watching! glad you made the journey!

[@calebpayment5827]

Super good info!! Interesting that you use peroxide! Good stuff! Thanks Hunter!!

[@CactusQuest]

yeah man it cuts down on mold and crap like that. zero algae issues since I switched. and ice used other soil mixes to but always peroxide.

[@agavefunkiana587]

Will try this method for sure in a few weeks. Will do a side by side with my old method. Thanks Hunter!

[@felipejdelgado2171]

Good stuff Hunter. Will try this method next

[@CactusQuest]

Right on Felipe! Thank you. let me know how it goes

[@kassandraleal891]

Excellent information for seed propagation, thanks for the video!

[@mbwadd]

This is fascinating and the m so excited about the possibilities! Thank you!

[@CactusQuest]

mbwadd your welcome thank you for checking out my video!!

[@rissjones4932]

So cool ! Definitely trying this out.

[@CactusQuest]

right on. let me know if I can help along the way

[@bogdanpastor9391]

Very interesting technique! Will have to try this on a batch of parodia ottonis seeds. Thanks for the info :)

[@CactusQuest]

you're very welcome, I actually tried it with parodia seeds. germ rates where insane, I mean crazy. probably like 100 in that tint container. I had to open them earlier to get more moisture in because there was just so many little seedlings

[@ry1266]

Thanks for the video. Now time to try this.

[@CactusQuest]

hell yeah let me how it goes!

[@whflake]

I would like specifics on the grow light and heating pad you use. Very helpful video.

[@CactusQuest]

The light is a T-5 6 Lamp and it’s 4 ft long. The heat mat is the same size. I purchased the light from a local hydroponic store and the heat mat on Amazon for like 20 bucks. They have all different sizes. If you hit me up on Instagram I can send you video showing you a bit more. But I think that covers the basics.

[@johnbosko6190]

Another great video. Your channel is a treasure

[@maureenswallow3054]

Possibly the same system used to this very day, Good info, Bill.

[@focusandpresson]

Great stuff dude. Thanks

[@lilczarcesar]

So useful! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@CactusQuest]

ah you're totally welcome! 👌🏻

[@IncaKola444]

never seen someone sow seeds in full lava rocks. Cool video! I have some seedlings too Trichocerues

[@newmanmansell760]

Wow! You just grow seedlings on larva rock and vermiculite😌🙏I've never used hydrogen peroxide to sterilize, but I did buy some because I grow rescued orchids😉Thanks for your awesome and helpful tips

[@billgolightly7203]

Very informative, thanks for your time.

[@delfic1108]

Great tutorial. Love that shirt! Thanks.

[@erkka87]

I found your channel through Monsteracactus on Instagram. I didn't know you could grow them with hydrogen pyroxide! I currently have about hundred seedlings growing, mostly astrophytums because I love them the most! :)

[@CactusQuest]

erkka87 awesome thanks for taking the time to check out the channel. I’ve used this method with astrophytums and had good success. How are you currently doing your sowing?

[@erkka87]

@@CactusQuest Doing great! Most of the seeds germinated and are now growing. Interesting to see how they grow as I have not grown cacti from seeds before! Edit: Oh and you asked how I did it! :D I baked the soil in oven, then put it in clear plastic boxes with covers and sprayed water on them. I kept the boxes shut for the first month and now start to open them slowly so the small cacti get used to new air.

[@cactusandfriends_by_vane]

Oh, thank you for the tip! I'm going to try it, definitely 😃👌💞

[@kristileyva7423]

Omg they are so cute!! ☀️🌵

[@javsoul]

Thanks for this! I have been meaning to grow my own... after this, now I will try it out!

[@plantmanjan1310]

Wow that’s a great way of growing cactus!

[@mcbailey115]

Great video. At what point do you remove them from the ziploc baggies. And at what point do you remove the dome lids. Also, do you mist the seedlings / baggies daily with peroxide or do they get enough moisture from the hydrogen peroxide that’s already in the closed baggies ?

[@nathanwolber4503]

Awesome, thanks for the information! Subscribed!

[@CactusQuest]

Nathan Wolber right on! Thank you!!

[@growindoors]

awesome production. I've got some seeds that have been neglected. I guess there is no better time than now!

[@mregan57]

Love this

[@thelordofthemanor]

This sounds like an interesting approach to sewing seeds. But have you seen any advantage of lava rock and hydrogen peroxide, as opposed to pumice, horticultural sand and fine cactus mix?

[@wildermendoza1619]

great video! im gonna try this with ferocactus and gymnocalecyum seeds

[@moppchilly]

Love your content man. I found this video very helpful

[@adriangil9482]

Gunna have to try this technique!

[@TrenT83]

hello brother, I use chlorhexidine .. try to recommend to everyone ... thanks for the video!

[@yardstickcivilization5851]

Great stuff. Going to try this.

[@toproman17]

What kind of grow lights do you use to grow your potted cactus collection that you showed briefly there?

[@yehudamoshel7307]

how much time sould they that way after germination? great video btw :)

[@lancecozzens1616]

Followed these tips for some recent seeds! Wanted to ask when this came out, how strong or light do seeds need? Thanks!

[@CactusQuest]

Lance Cozzens I run two fluorescent t-5 bulbs. I messed around with more light but two t-5s seem to be my sweet spot.

[@dorebom]

Yes!!! Thank you for this. I sowed some seeds last year in a mix of clean hydro soil, perlite and vermicompost and had a pretty bad showing so I might switch it up. How long before you start giving them some nutes and fresh air?

[@JamesEndoSanJoseCARealEstate1]

Wow, so simple. I did not do this and am suffering. I used potting mix, microwaved, sowed Astrophytum seeds. Put in baggies, they sprouted and are growing, but are dying. Is there anyway to save them? I have a cheap grow light and have heat map. My plants are about 3 months old, look brown, not green and not as big or developed as yours. They are still blobs. I used Physan 20 fungicide where it looks like you are not using anything? When do you start to open and water? Man, I need help as I want to grow astrophytum asteria super kabutos and myriostigmas!!! Is there any books or material you can recommend? I think I am making this seem a lot harder than it should be!!! Love your videos. Thanks.

[@brianrose4060]

Awesome stuff! Thanks for the tips, was curious how old the seedlings are when you take them out of the enclosure, and how do you transition them out of the sealed bags? Do you use any different soil after that?

[@melquisedecgumahad3141]

I do this kind of method, minus the Hydrogen Peroxide part, on my astrophytum seedlings, and all of it rotted. It is kinda sad. :(

[@forrestsnow580]

With the Tupperware that you initially showed, Holes on the bottom and I noticed you had a few on the side? Tupperware top on and wrap in sandwich bag????

[@CactusQuest]

No longer using lids in the bag. Not really needed. This was a first go at it.

[@jeffgorski6754]

Details on the grow light? Curios the distance from the seedlings. Also are you giving them a 12hr light cycle? I have a very similar setup trying to dial it all in. Thanks 🙌🏻

[@rodlrfilmmakercreator1460]

Interesting video. How long the cactus need to be without open the lid? I already subscribed, thanks for sharing your experience

[@littlealison12345]

do i need to open the bags at anytime to get fresh air in ?

[@CactusQuest]

ali lady yes it is a case by case basis but most of mine are coming out of the bags in 3-6 months.

[@ellenwenou8614]

👍👍👍

[@chadh9457]

"Like I've said, cactus seeds are extremely small" *Laughs in Dinteranthus*

[@yardstickcivilization5851]

Great stuff! Question, if you use water instead of HP do you sanitize the soil and water?

[@brianrose4060]

How hot is too hot on the heating pad? Do you have an optimal temperature of soil for germination?

[@kaseyhenderson574]

Where do you find such small lava rock? How long do you leave em in baggy n container before removing lid or giving fresh air? As soon as i find such small lava, im trying this, or would chicken grit work, its crushed granite?

[@CactusQuest]

So I will say this. I am switching up the mix for seedling a bit this year but I’m still going to have lava rock in it. I bought it from bonsaijack.com this year I’m adding in some Pumice and some decomposed granite as well. I’m also trying to find this one other substrate locally becuase shipping is insane. But yeah decomposed granite is def going in the mix this year.

[@dannettesavas3269]

Off-topic but I just purchased a monkey tail cactus and I’m wondering if I can use a grow light for it

[@johnventer6533]

Hi is there a update on these seedlings

[@maryannmooradian5502]

Can I use that technique using Succulent seeds?

[@jrobnez]

Giveaway brought me here, any tips as to where i can find some lava like this online?

[@shenyildirimlar841]

My dad and I are going to try this in London :) we are slowly filling up his conservatory with many amazing cactus species . So far have not been able to grow only propergating. Want to see how we go with seeds @shenderbolt

[@CactusQuest]

Shen Yildirimlar that’s really cool. I actually learned this method from the Gibraltar botanic gardens curator. You should have great success!! Wish you and your dad all the best. Happy growing!!

[@Jesrick]

Do you think this method work for succulents? I also have some Dioscorea elephantipes seeds I need to show.

[@CactusQuest]

Jesrick that I’m not 100% sure of. I have used this method for pachypodiums and have some decent germ rates. But it’s my first time trying non cacti.

[@dannettesavas3269]

Hey Hunter I just purchased a monkey tail cactus can I use a grow light to help it along its vertical

[@CactusQuest]

Yes. As long as the output of the light is strong enough you should be fine

[@dannettesavas3269]

Happy Easter Hunter it’s adjustable intensity should I put it on the highest it will be about a foot away from the plant

[@dannettesavas3269]

Can I hang it outside for the summer

[@modemode3663]

IV used grow lights with heat mat, with no success. They grow better in my window

[@donnaknowels2931]

Hi. Do you know of someone who sells cactus seeds? I'm interested in buying a lot. Thank you Donna

[@eliasscalise5455]

I was curious what your germination rate has been using this method?

[@CactusQuest]

lots of variability but with viable seeds, the rate have been generally between 75%-90% . that also varies species to species. but with most of the things I'm growing its been in those ranges with one or two exceptions.

[@eliasscalise5455]

@@CactusQuest Thanks for the reply, I definitely want to give it a try. I see from your videos you enjoy Copiapoa species. Are you growing Copiapoa from seed? I have been growing as many Copiapoa Columna Alba I can get my hands on. I was curious if you put them on a heat mat as well?

[@norielsariente8515]

Hi, how long you will keep them on the heatmat? cheers

[@CactusQuest]

I keep them on the heat mat and it is set to come on if the temps dip below 70

[@norielsariente8515]

@@CactusQuest Thank you

[@mcactus6210]

Hi Hunter, I know that some people (including me) use 100% mineral soil mixes to sowing cactus seeds and the results are grate. People still use extremely organic substrates but I think that your approach is really nice and modern, we need more youtube channels with accurate and modern knowledge about cactus. In fact, there is a paper from the Gibraltar Botanic Garden about sowing cactus seeds in lava as you do (www.researchgate.net/publication/328101668_Curator%27s_Notes_on_Growing_Cacti_Part_1_Soils_and_Containers). But, what is the reason to use oxigen peroxide? Did you soaked the soil only with oxigen peroxide? I believed that oxigen peroxide could damage the seeds and it is used only to desinfectate seeds or in scarification process. What do you think about leave the seeds some hours in water before sowing them? I read that it could help to accelerate the seeds hydration process. Finally, how many weeks do you keep the bags closed? Thanks far all, this channel is unique!

[@Dream-Stake]

There’s a cactus Called Lava cactus that you don’t have