I've recently tried growing monkey tail cactus from seeds in two pots. Does anyone know how long it takes till they start to show growth through the dirt? When full grown, how do you propagate a monkey tail cactus? Thank you for any and all help. . . .

Nick

to NGA

Have you germinated cactus seed before? Its the same for Monkey Tail Cactus (Cleistocactus colademononis). I use cactus soil (my favorite is Miracle Grow but there are many) with the big pieces taken out in 6-cell pacs. I save the deli food containers that have plastic bottoms and clear tops (with holes cut for ventilation) and make little greenhouses. A heat mat is a must.

The top thin layer of soil is really fine cactus potting mix (put it thru' the colander). Make sure the soil is moist enough to absorb moisture. Sow the seed on top of the soil - don't bury them. Water from the bottom to get the soil wet (no standing water!). The soil needs to stay constantly damp but not soggy. The idea is to create a humid, warm, damp environment - perfect for mold and cactus seeds. If the soil surface dries, mist it with a very fine mist. Keep the fungicide handy (I use a liquid spray - cinnamon is too big). As the soil dries, moisten it with a spray bottle. Once in a while, you will have to add water to the tray.

Keep it in an area with no direct sun (mine are in north facing windows) and take the lid off for awhile if the plastic top mists over.

Cactus seeds germinate when they are ready to. A few days or a few weeks. I've re-used cactus starting soil years later and had baby cacti pop up in the new pot.

Let us know how you do.

Daisy

Ive grown cacti from propagating, but never from seed. This is my first time and I planted a few pots of golden rat tail cactus and monkey tail cactus. The rat tail is already sprouting up after two weeks a lot, but I havent seen anything from any of the monkey tail cactus pots. That's why I came on here to see if anyone had any experience with growing these. . . . . . .

A lot of how you said to start sowing a seed is how I read and did it to, aside from a few pointers I'm thankful for. I have mine in a plastic bag currently that I got the soil wet and then heated in a microwave before sowing. So you'd recommend a heat mat and fungicide?

Thanks for your help

Nick

I have a mature monkey tail I just bought
How often do you water
Grower said very little water every 2 weeks
I'm use to flooding my plants

Ive never grown any cactus from seed before and im researching all I can before I sow my first seed. Im wondering if I need to have them under a light.

It depends upon the type of cactus. What you need to determine is if the seed needs to be buried or not. If not, then light. This thread from the Cactus Forum will help.

The thread "Growing Cacti from Seed- Soil Mix? Fungus control? Help a beginner out!" in Cactus and Succulents forum