For lovers of big leaves - ficus roxburghii (auriculata)

[spike]

15 hours ago, ego said:

Woke up today and saw that half of the seedlings have died. Only like 4 remain. Yesterday I sprayed with distilled water. I didn't cover the container with a lid during the night as I do most nights. Could it be that spraying isn't enough? The medium feels dry to the finger. Could it be that spraying is not enough as the water only stays in the surface? Night temperature was 19C but they were also on the heat mat. Humidity may have gone down to 40%. I'm attaching a photo. What could be the issue? I'm afraid by tomorrow they will all be gone. 

 

 

I think that humidity is pretty important as they come from a wet area. I'd suggest just keeping the lid on always as long as they aren't getting steamed in there.

Also, I don't grow these but I guess it's a good idea to cover them.

Edited March 21, 2022 by spike

[Than]

I think I killed them by overwatering tbh. Thankfully no losses during the night. Those 4 are still standing. I left the lid open to let water evaporate. Let's see. 

[Than]

Second attempt with this plant. About 10 seedlings have just sprouted. This time I am using regular compost (disinfected) and no perlite. I am keeping them covered with a lid and warm (80-85 F). My fear is dampening off again so I must do something different this time. I was wondering if putting them under the sun directly would help kill the fungi that cause damp off? It's quite warm outside now, maximum is 77 F. Or will direct sunlight kill them at this stage?

Edited May 18, 2022 by ego

[MICHAELPNYC]

Absolutely gorgeous! Been looking for a cutting as I have doubts on purchasing seeds. It kills me hearing about pruning! I would be totally in your yard clippings! Thanks so much for posting!

[Josh76]

12 hours ago, ego said:

Second attempt with this plant. About 10 seedlings have just sprouted. This time I am using regular compost (disinfected) and no perlite. I am keeping them covered with a lid and warm (80-85 F). My fear is dampening off again so I must do something different this time. I was wondering if putting them under the sun directly would help kill the fungi that cause damp off? It's quite warm outside now, maximum is 77 F. Or will direct sunlight kill them at this stage?

Can I ask where you purchased seeds from?

[Silas_Sancona]

15 hours ago, ego said:

Second attempt with this plant. About 10 seedlings have just sprouted. This time I am using regular compost (disinfected) and no perlite. I am keeping them covered with a lid and warm (80-85 F). My fear is dampening off again so I must do something different this time. I was wondering if putting them under the sun directly would help kill the fungi that cause damp off? It's quite warm outside now, maximum is 77 F. Or will direct sunlight kill them at this stage?

Yes,  direct sun at this stage will fry the seedlings  esp. in a covered container ( magnifies the heat entering it ).. Keep them on a patio that provides all day bright shade.  Direct sun won't kill the pathogens that causes damping off either.  Providing a few minutes of fresh air / air movement can help though.

[Than]

7 hours ago, Josh76 said:

Can I ask where you purchased seeds from?

Rare Palm Seeds. In both times the seeds sprouted within days. I also have good experience with other tropicals such as delonix and terminalia. Can't say the same about their palm seeds though which mostly never sprout.

[Than]

5 hours ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Yes,  direct sun at this stage will fry the seedlings  esp. in a covered container ( magnifies the heat entering it ).. Keep them on a patio that provides all day bright shade.  Direct sun won't kill the pathogens that causes damping off either.  Providing a few minutes of fresh air / air movement can help though.

Thank you, I'll do that. I'll also water from below. I have them in three different pots so I'll use different techniques and placements for each one and see what yields better results. Perhaps early morning sun for one of them (without a cover).

Edited May 19, 2022 by ego