How to Plant Cactus Seed

A cactus plant needs very little care once it's grown and in a pot. In return, cacti produce beautifully colored flowers and shapes. As houseplants, they can grow just about anywhere. Growing your cactus from seed gives the added advantage of cost savings. The extra plants make nice gifts too.

Things You'll Need

• Seeds
• Perlite or pumice
• Potting soil
• Sand
• Peat
• Shallow container
• Transparent covering

Instructions

1. Purchase seeds from a local vendor or reputable online seed company. Many places that sell lawn and garden equipment also sell seeds.

2. Mix your potting soil. Use a mixture of about half perlite or pumice, half potting soil. Or add 2 inches of sand on the bottom with 2 inches of equally mixed sand and peat on top. Aquarium sand is good.

3. Add soil to a shallow container with good drainage, and water the soil before the seeds are planted. Use a container with a depth of at least 4 inches and pure water.

4. Plant your seeds by shaking them on the soil's surface. Distribute evenly, then gently press into the soil to a depth that equals its width. Planting too deeply kills the plant before it reaches the surface.

5. Cover the seeds with no more than 1/8 inch of potting soil.

6. Place a transparent covering across the container. Glass or a plastic bag is best to use.

7. Set your miniature greenhouse in a warm location. Ideally, the temperature should be no lower than 70 degrees F. Your seeds will begin to germinate in about 3 weeks. Certain cactus plants need up to 10 weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Sterilized soil is recommended. A good method is to heat the potting mix in a 200 degree oven for 15 minutes.

• Water sparingly only if the soil is dry.

• Wipe away any condensation gathering on the covering.

• Remove the cover after 2 weeks for proper ventilation.

• Repot when the cactus is at least 1/2 inch in diameter. This usually takes at least 3 months.

• Avoid direct sunlight after the seeds sprout.

• Never use a potting soil high in alkaline.