Detailed Guide to the Planting Methods and Steps for Cycad Seeds
Cycad seeds can be planted in two ways: freshly harvested and sown immediately, or sown the following year. For freshly harvested and sown immediately, simply soak the newly harvested seeds in warm water for two days, then scoop them out, drain off the water, and sow them individually in pots. They will sprout after two weeks, and after three to four years of cultivation they can be transplanted. For sowing the following year, soak the seeds in warm water for one day, then wash them, scoop them out, and plant them in pots. Generally, the seeds sprout by May to June of the following year, and when true leaves appear in July to August, they can be transplanted.
How do you plant a freshly broken-off cycad so it survives?
1. Soil
Specific requirements: first, good drainage, as cycads dislike wet conditions. Second, loose and nutrient-rich. Third, the plant itself prefers slightly acidic sandy soil.
2. Light
Cycads are especially fond of light, so in every season they should be placed in a spot with ample light. If light is lacking, their leaves will become sparse and lose their green color, and the whole plant will be very weak and spindly. This is especially true in spring and autumn, which are exactly the times when new leaves grow, so light must be guaranteed.
3. Temperature
It likes warmth. However, it should not be too high, so in summer water should be sprayed to cool it down. Nor should it be too low; in winter it needs to stay above ten degrees to survive the winter safely.
4. Water
Overall, it likes dryness and fears waterlogging, so you can water after observing that the soil has dried out. The frequency of watering differs by season. In spring and autumn, generally once every three to five days; in the high temperatures of summer, water more often, once each in the morning and evening; in winter, the least, about once every ten days. The general principle is “water when dry, let dry when wet”, and do not let water accumulate.
5. Fertilizing
Mainly nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilizer, such as decomposed cake fertilizer water. However, the fertilizer should not be too concentrated. In addition, to promote a deep green leaf color, ferrous sulfate can be added to the fertilizer.
The above is the relevant introduction on how to plant cycad seeds. We hope it is helpful to everyone.