First hybrid seedlings

[Niensiensis]

Hey everyone, first time seed grower here. Germinated my first hybrids in coco coir, now sprouting. Curious when everyone thinks I should apply fertilizer or transplant into an organic mix? One had already died on me and my germination rate was already fairly low (15/40). They’re about three weeks old now. Thanks in advance

[mickthecactus]

I certainly wouldn’t transplant them yet and if the seed raising compost has little goodness suggest feed with 1/4 strength general feed.

[Azuleja]

They don't transplant well until they have several sets of true leaves. Even then, the longer you wait the better. They do best in a community pot until their roots are sturdy.

I will usually put organic soil at the bottom of the container that I sow the seeds in with seed starter mix in a thinner layer on top. That way as the seedlings grow their roots can find nutrients and they don't need to be transplanted or fertilized.

Since yours don't have actual soil, when you do transplant them try to scoop them out without exposing or disturbing the roots at all.

These seedlings are almost 2 years old and I've been pricking out the bigger ones to finally be in their own pots. The one I'm pointing to is an example of a seedling that I normally consider big enough to transplant to its own pot.

I haven't really fertilized these. Occasionally I'll give them some weak kelp solution or hormex to encourage root growth. I suppose I could push them harder but they're very vulnerable to rot and I think they're stronger when allowed to grow slow

20240608_164627.jpg (436.02 KiB) Viewed 533 times

[meridannight]

I disagree on Aloe seedlings not taking well to transplanting. I've done it successfully with no losses at all. Even at the 1-leaf stage I haven't had a single loss, much less later when they already have a few true leaves.

That being said, it's just more trouble than it's worth and it's going to eat up space FAST. You might not realize it when it's your first time germinating Aloes, but once you've germinated a few thousand of these plants you do not want all these tiny plants in individual containers lying around all over the place.

[Niensiensis]

I’m debating transplanting, I applied some fertilizer and nothing has happened so far. Good to know about your success rates. Going to give it some heavily diluted Jacks 20-20-20 tomorrow and see if that helps. If not, I’ll transplant into soil I use for my adult aloes. I was going to transplant them into a tray that holds six at a time, after much later move them to individual terracotta.

[Melt in the Sun]

You'll almost certainly kill them if you try to transplant at this stage. Patience!

[Niensiensis]

Will fertilize and be patient. Thank you!

[mickthecactus]

Look at my Aloe cooperi seedlings in the gallery.

Plus the fertiliser won’t work overnight. Slow and steady!

[Niensiensis]

Will do and noted about fertilizer, great to know. These are my first hybrids but I have a ton of Gasteria and Gasteraloes that are about to pop so I’m going to be neck deep in seedlings soon.

Thanks again everyone

[Niensiensis]

I’ve separated my seedlings into trays, most survived and coming along well. Noticed several specimens have almost two leaves before the first true leaves. Has anyone else experienced this? Could this indicate something different about these specimens? I’m assuming it’s nothing unique but curious what others have observed.

[meridannight]

I’ve separated my seedlings into trays, most survived and coming along well. Noticed several specimens have almost two leaves before the first true leaves. Has anyone else experienced this? Could this indicate something different about these specimens? I’m assuming it’s nothing unique but curious what others have observed.

I have had that happen, but it's very rare. I've germinated hundreds of Aloe plants, and I've only had 3-4 plants like that come up. I think such plants have jumbled up genetics. They're not vigorous growers, and I don't think any of mine survived. They tend to stay small, and if the next leaves come up doubles as well, I don't think they have good chances of making it. But maybe yours will do better. These aren't all that common, and every plant is unique from seed.