Hi gang, just got back in.
Adeniumgirl said:You should read this blog.
http://kalachuchiatbp.blogspot...
Very interesting.
Willeke, the blog, "Transplanting Adenium Seedlings" is spot on. There are only a few things I do differently.
As I had previously mentioned, I use rooting hormone powder on the taproot cut. I tried not using it before and the seedlings rotted. I don't use cinnamon on seedlings because although it is a natural fungicide, it also kills the good fungus in the soil. The good fungus is needed for microbial balance in the soil.
Before transplanting into the new media, I drench the media in the new container with water and allow it to saturate the media thoroughly and to settle down. Then I place the seedling on the soil, spreading out the tiny feeder roots, then place soil on top of the roots and spray water on it to moisten. This way the powder will not wash out of the media. Every couple of days or as needed, I spray more water on the soil.
I have used discs under the seedlings, but found that they did not need it as the roots develop nicely without them. I do use the discs to train my arabicums' roots.
If the seedling had not already started ramifying (making multiple branches/stems), I snip the terminal bud (tip of top) also before transplanting. This will force ramifying. The more branches you have at the beginning, the more flowers will be produced. And as an added benefit, the caudex will grow fatter in order to support the branches.
