Watering question for seedlings

Use this forum to discuss matters relating to Aloe, Gasteria, Haworthia and related species. This is where one posts unknown plant photos for ID help.

Moderator: Geoff

Post Reply
clinkfield
Rhizome
Posts: 8
Joined: Sun Mar 03, 2024 8:42 am
Location: Clearwater, FL
USDA Zone: 10a

Watering question for seedlings

#1

Post by clinkfield »

I don't what species these are - I collected them from an aloe in a nursery near me, but the guy didn't know.

When the bottom part of the seedling is brownish like this could it indicate too much water? Too little water? Either?

I've heard that you need to keep aloe seedlings fairly moist. So I think I was giving this batch too much water. They started looking like this. I've let them dry a bit and starting misting them instead of just watering the soil.

I had a different batch a few months back. I went out of town for 10 days and thought - they're aloes, they won't need any water! When I returned, they also looked brown like this. I started back watering them regularly and they greened up and most are doing pretty well.

I'm new to agaves and aloes, but I'm enjoying them thoroughly.

Thanks for any feedback.
Attachments
20240707_183150.jpg
20240707_183150.jpg (439.83 KiB) Viewed 355 times
User avatar
Niensiensis
Rhizome
Posts: 13
Joined: Sat Mar 02, 2024 12:57 am
USDA Zone: 10b

Re: Watering question for seedlings

#2

Post by Niensiensis »

I’m curious what others say here. I have some seedlings that are just past the stage of yours, I believe they want less moisture once the true leaves show.

Starting to dry them out to prevent damping off at this point but I am also an amateur
All about that Asphodelaceae
User avatar
mickthecactus
Moderator
Posts: 3050
Joined: Fri May 23, 2014 5:36 am
Location: Hertfordshire UK.

Re: Watering question for seedlings

#3

Post by mickthecactus »

The browning is just normal colour as they get used to the light.
At this stage they need to be kept moist not wet as the roots are tiny and can easily dry out.

Also I would leave them to grow together, don’t prick them out for some while.
clinkfield
Rhizome
Posts: 8
Joined: Sun Mar 03, 2024 8:42 am
Location: Clearwater, FL
USDA Zone: 10a

Re: Watering question for seedlings

#4

Post by clinkfield »

Thanks for the feedback, mickthecactus!
User avatar
meridannight
Offset
Posts: 228
Joined: Fri Oct 16, 2020 2:09 pm
Location: Italy

Re: Watering question for seedlings

#5

Post by meridannight »

I keep mine moist at all times.

When they get bigger, it really depends on species. Some of them will love being kept moist even then, and grow faster that way. Others (looking at you Namibian species!) will absolutely abhor water.
Species I'm growing from seed: Agave nizandensis, Agave difformis, Agave parryi, Agave schidigera, Aloe alooides, Aloe manandonae, Aloe dhufarensis, Aloe barbara-jeppeae, Hyophorbe verschaffeltii, Kerriodoxa elegans, Johannesteijsmannia altifrons, Chrysalidocarpus leptocheilos, Licuala grandis.
Post Reply