Kd did you take a pic when you re-poted them? What size where they? Where you using heat and light all the time? Or just your tropical climate?

Thanks, Michel! I realized after about a 1.5 years experience growing from seed that I was doing unnecessary extra work in potting up.

In the past I would transplant my 2 month seedlings from their community crib into 4" pots, then 3 months later into 6" pots, then into 8" panterra bowls 3 months after. And also noted that up-potting causes the roots to be set back, consequently the blooming would occur later.

So with the batches of seeds I planted last Dec. and Mar. I skipped the 4" pot and went directly to 6". The roots had lots of room to grow undisturbed for a few months. As I said above, I also incorporate bone meal...this has phosphorous as well as calcium. These two elements are very important for overall plant health and promotes root and caudex growth.

I plant my seeds in community trays or pots. The roots have room to grow and just as important, they exchange nutrient gases among each other.

Marica, I did not take pictures during transplanting...my chronicle thread contains pictures of my earlier experiences. Light and warmth is provided naturally...the plants grow outdoors year-round.

The size of the seedlings vary depending on the variety. When the seedlings make 5 true leaves then I transplant out of the crib (usually at 2 months old). But previous to that, when the plant develops 2 true leaves, I start fertilizing weekly. I use fish emulson and transplant starter solution on them while still in the crib.

JD What portions do you use on the "2 true leaves" fert mix?

One tablespoon each of fish emulsion/seaweed and starter solution per gallon of rain water.

I picked up 9 bottles of transplant starter solution for $ 3 at Walmart awhile back. That stuff is usually 9 $. Have now been using it regularly til plants get to ~ 12 inches adding some regular fertilizer too at half strength. I also add fish emulsion about 1/2 the time. Have to get over the smell.

I hold my breath when I'm using the fish emulsion.
You lucked out on the transplant starter solution...terrific savings. "...to - 12 inches..." You're talking about your other plants right, David? I use the starter solution on my other plants as well as on my adeniums. It has micronutrients that may not be in regular fertilizer.

12 inches - yes other plants. And that is just a guideline. For example, I grew Eucalyptus and Pomegranate from seed started in February and they are both past 12 inches though I chopped ~ 4 inces from the Pom.

And yes - the plant starter solutions has in addition to Vitamin B, many micronutrients not found in any regular fertilizer.

In general, I would not normally use it to such an extents ... but at 3 $

Hmm I wonder if the bear will play with this does every thing else natural. I might try it on one with a can trap around it just to see if Fish emulation might help my one sad tiny seedling.

Fish emulsion is really good stuff. Smells to high heaven though! You get some on your hands and you swear you will never, ever use it again. Seriously. heh

WOW, thanks to all for your great comments.

Insteat off "that fish solution, very smelly" I used to take a "chemical" solution of 10/50/6 + 2 MgO, good for the roots. Would wood ash, be helpfull ?

Would be great if you pass a link where to find that "tablet" and about that : " I picked up 9 bottles of transplant starter solution for $ 3 at Walmart awhile back " : is it that Fertilizer Analysis 4-12-4 ??

Thanks in advance, best. Michel

Fish emulsion is organic and the one I use has an NPK of 5-1-1. The N is slowly released through microbial activity in the soil. I had forgotten to include that vermiculite is one part of my soil mix...it contains magnesium. Magnesium Mg and calcium Ca are not usually included in soluble fertilizers that are available here, and this is why I incorporate vermiculite and bone meal into my soil mix.

Wood ash contains potassium K. Potassium is also found in seaweed, granite dust, muriate of potash and sulfate of potash, to name a few. It plays many important regulatory roles in plant development: In photosynthesis, potassium regulates the opening and closing of stomata, and therefore regulates CO2 uptake.

The transplant starter solution I use does not have an NPK analysis on the label. It contains Boron, chelated Iron, chelated Mn, chelated Zinc, and Vit. B1.

During the past two years I had experimented with different soil mixes and different fertilizers and ratios. This now is my adenium culture basics: Soil mix of compost, peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and bone meal in a ratio of 1:1:1:3:1/8. My soil mix already contains nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and carbon. I provide the other micronutrients using the starter solution, and also provide a periodic boost with a granular fertilizer of 10-20-20 NPK.

I tried the fish emulsion and the bear knocked the cans down. At least I saved my sprout. I wonder if seaweed would be better I don't think so. I will change the soil and let plant set till I put it out again.
I have a lot of fish fertilizer and minerals I add to my 75g tank I would what would equal the fish emulsion in powder form?

Rainbow, How is your blooming rate. I don't remember seeing your pics on your plants or blooms. It would be nice to see how well you are doing. But again it's also your climate.

Rainbow said:
The transplant starter solution I use does not have an NPK analysis on the label. It contains Boron, chelated Iron, chelated Mn, chelated Zinc, and Vit. B1..

That is pretty much the same as mine. It has no N, P or K

For those who have never used it - it is great when transplanting and/or potting up seedlings.

Marica, blooming on my adeniums is virtually at a stand-still. If it is not raining, it is overcast and my adeniums won't produce flowers in the current weather conditions. It will be nice again around mid-Sept.

A few minutes ago I took pictures of those young seedlings with flower buds that I had talked about in an earlier post. My internet service is very slooow right now so I am unable to download/upload pictures at this time. I promise I'll post them as soon as I can.

Hi every body,

A small overview, and just a picture 6 weeks after seedling. Best. Michel




15 th September

Hi, Michel! Your babies are looking nice and healthy.

Hi Rainbow, yes, up to now they are fine. Should take care during the first winter ... Thanks. Michel

Hi every body,

Seedling end of July 2016, as previous pictures in this post.

Winter (and red spiders) has passed on them ... Now time has come for ACTION ... ... now ready for spring coming ...

.. enjoy, and have a nice WE. All the best. Michel