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Drosophyllum germination journals:

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_1024_zps3a7a9e9a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_1024_zps3a7a9e9a.jpg" border="0" alt="Drosophyllum medium+ invisible seeds. photo DSC_1024_zps3a7a9e9a.jpg"/></a>

In attempts to not hijack DJ's thread further, I'll be dumping all of my Drosophyllum adventures here, so far 0 germination 5 days in, as expected, but I check every day just in case.

Interesting to see the soil up close like that though! If you are curious about the tan colored it's about a cm layer of finely crushed (milled between the fingers?) LFSM. The red is lava rock, white is perlite, and black is some hardwood and softwood charcoal.

Here's the peat pot itself, there are two, one with a mixture of peat, and one with a mixture of coconut fiber, but you can't tell due to the processed LFSM on top.

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_1022_zps23d42ee5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_1022_zps23d42ee5.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_1022_zps23d42ee5.jpg"/></a>
 
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A small update, one of the seeds was found with a tiny amount of string fungus body growing out of it, this is highly unusual for me as I usually associate fungus with unclean medium, but this stuff was on the seed and nowhere else. The pots were lightly covered in plastic to increase humidity as I am so used to doing when germinating cp seeds.

Those humidity domes have been consequently removed as punishment to the fungus. Not necessarily in the hopes of saving the infected seed (which is possible I suppose), but to prevent the other seeds from the "damping off". There is no air movement in the room they are kept in, and it stays 55-60 degrees. I may consider opening the window they are next to and supplementing higher light levels to counter the cold air.

Independently I may try a similar setup (without humidity domes) but in a different room, perhaps one that is warmer and receives more light and air movement from our central heating.

I will also be saving seeds for the coming spring to attempt germinating them directly outside, or an unheated greenhouse. I'm in it for the long haul and am planting very few seeds at a time. I'm trying to find the best possible way to grow these in my region and any suggestions are welcomed, and frankly needed.

Update x 2:
I've run into a logistical problem, I could not find any peat pots at my local hardware stores, I might try a plant nursery or move to online sources. I'd prefer to keep them in these larger sized pots as I'm not around enough this winter to make sure their moisture levels are acceptable.

Hopefully I can cultivate healthy plants this winter by giving them intense lighting, as I have many t8 and t5 lights I'm not currently using.
 
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In the past I successfully germinated drosophyllum in an incredibly nooby way: I planted a bunch of peat pots and put them in terrariums receiving direct sunlight at times in the day. The plants were overly wet and incredibly weak. I experienced a very low germination rate and 3 of 5 died almost immediately.

The last one which survived was growing well and strong under my light setup, it suffered a setback when I gave it insufficient water one week. On its way to distant recovery it suddenly died. I am on the road of cp redemption so to speak, and I have a long road ahead of me.

Here is "sprocket" before his untimely demise.
2013
<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/10697196_313449845529097_7799837170624069113_o.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/10697196_313449845529097_7799837170624069113_o.jpg" border="0" alt="RIP Sprocket, the beautiful to be plant, lost in the busy week. So thirsty little Sprocket had become, so negligent I had been. photo 10697196_313449845529097_7799837170624069113_o.jpg"/></a>

The elongation of his "stem" region is noticeable due to his initial low lit terrarium.
 
This will be the year for you, I'm guessing. While I have grown drosos I have never sprouted one from seed so I intend to get some tips here.
 
Which is funny because I'm a complete noob compared to you.

I'm just determined to get it right, I have the knowledge the tools, and you guys (the support) to lean on!
 
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Toss the domes and provide more air movement, they don't need high humidity to germinate. Not soaking the seeds before planting might help inhibit mold/fungus from forming, just scarify one end and sow. I have not seen much difference in germination whether I soak the seed or not, so I don't do it anymore. I have also had a problem with moldy seed when germinating them in the house and I think it was due to not enough air movement coupled with higher temps and humidity.
 
Thank you DJ, I'm so used to having to supplement humidity in my climate that I do it purely by instinct!

I got your seeds today, fresh and fresh and fresh!

I may sow one or two more times this year with minimal seeds, just need to find some peat pots...

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_1048_zps895c7c01.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_1048_zps895c7c01.jpg" border="0" alt="Dj's fresh seeds. photo DSC_1048_zps895c7c01.jpg"/></a>
 
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Alright I've sown 8 seeds today. I'm saving DJ's for when I really got this down, as they appear more swollen than my "other" stock.

One small step for Drosophyllum and one great step for ... you get the idea.

I did not soak these seeds, but scarified them with a nail-file which may have seriously damaged about .3 mm of one seed.


<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_1051_zps94a82965.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_1051_zps94a82965.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_1051_zps94a82965.jpg"/></a>



Here's a medium composition without peat or coconut fiber. It contains lava rock, perlite, and silica sand.

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0002_zpsd4210fd4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0002_zpsd4210fd4.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0002_zpsd4210fd4.jpg"/></a>



Here's the second pot that was sewn today, I was really dreaming up this soil after reading about their natural habitat in Spain. I tried to keep the theme of sandy "loamy" soil in areas where burns are common. The mixture consists of silica sand, lava rock, b-mix clay, agricultural charcoal, paver sand, red sand from Southern Utah, and a decent portion of coconut fiber, the top is covered with a small amount of silica sand for ease of sowing seeds.
These ingredients were not well rinsed.

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0006_zps7264001b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0006_zps7264001b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0006_zps7264001b.jpg"/></a>



Here is there current germination chamber.

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_1060_zpsacbc4425.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_1060_zpsacbc4425.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_1060_zpsacbc4425.jpg"/></a>


If you want to see more photos of these adventures--
http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/slideshow/Drosophyllum%20adventures
 
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EEEGAD! Germination!

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Itgerminated_zps3f9bfed6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Itgerminated_zps3f9bfed6.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Itgerminated_zps3f9bfed6.jpg"/></a>
 
  • #10
I can't really see anything in that photo, but Ill take your word for it :-O Congrats!
 
  • #11
:boogie: Yes, congratulations! Don't change anything, don't mess with it, just let it do its thing.

Sashoke: That little white spot you see at the tip of the seed about center of the red circle, that is coming out of the seed.
 
  • #12
Wow nice. Its always an extreme achievement when seeds finally sprout.
 
  • #13
I think I got a couple to sprout. And a few Byblis. Now if I could just get them out of the seedling stage.
 
  • #14
:boogie: Yes, congratulations! Don't change anything, don't mess with it, just let it do its thing.

Sashoke: That little white spot you see at the tip of the seed about center of the red circle, that is coming out of the seed.

The only thing I've changed since this thread has started is added air flow spraying it to keep ithe surface wet :).

@Pearldiver I plan on introducing springtails to my seedling platters once the plants get their first carnivorous leaves. This way the plants will feed slowly and mold will also be eaten by springtails. If there is enough interest, I can do a how to on springtail cultures, and possible even trade some springtails for random plants or seeds.
 
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  • #15
I've counted 3 sprouts! I think we're in business!
 
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  • #16
More germination!

Here's the current germination chamber for the new drosos in my party. The red water is from the lava rock, the TDS remains fairly low after soaking (about 50 after 12 hours in RO water) but it leaves a red sediment. I swear it's not a ritualistic blood thing.

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0094_zps32d6fd89.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0094_zps32d6fd89.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0094_zps32d6fd89.jpg"/></a>


The seedling is still "white" very center between two perlites and near soil chasm.

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0102_zpsa12d87b3-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0102_zpsa12d87b3-1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0102_zpsa12d87b3-1.jpg"/></a>


Here's another guy very center on the tan sphagnum moss. Just germinated!

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0108_zps9b3add5b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0108_zps9b3add5b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0108_zps9b3add5b.jpg"/></a>


Last but not least, an update on the first seedling growing some root hairs that look kinda nasty in the low quality picture.

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0103_zps7de106fc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0103_zps7de106fc.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0103_zps7de106fc.jpg"/></a>
 
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  • #17
Alright boys and girls, the first carnivorous leaves are appearing. As soon as they unfold and gain dew I'm putting springtails in the pots for food and mold patrol!

Here's a cool image of the oldest sprout.

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0153_zpsdaa0bff5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0153_zpsdaa0bff5.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0153_zpsdaa0bff5.jpg"/></a>

And one sprouting in the medium with "B-mix" clay growing fairly vigorously.

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0135_zps7d6c22dd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0135_zps7d6c22dd.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0135_zps7d6c22dd.jpg"/></a>

Here's a couple more in the all mineral composition.

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0146_zps04d6e2a9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0146_zps04d6e2a9.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0146_zps04d6e2a9.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0148_zpsd075ec44.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0148_zpsd075ec44.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0148_zpsd075ec44.jpg"/></a>

Thanks for checking in!
 
  • #18
I hope you don't plan on keeping them that wet, these are dryland plants and while fully mature specimens can taker wetter soils, seedlings will need it just moderately damp or else you face a very high risk of rotting....
 
  • #19
Thanks, I spray the surface of the soil everyday, the medium isn't as wet as it appears. At first they were in about an inch of water in the tray. Now that they are germinating, I'm just letting whatever is in there evaporate without replacement.

It's all part of the greater plan dude ;).

Plus the last droso I actually got to germinate a year ago ended up dying of dehydration. People go nuts when they hear a certain rule about plants, but seedlings (in my experience) seem to prefer almost drowning over any amount of dryness.

Also keep in mind that the wettest looking medium has no peat, Coir, or anything to help retain the moisture, it's just lava rock, perlite, and silica sand so it evaporates/drains pretty fast.
 
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  • #20
Here are some new updates. FYI the pot with a large layer of LFSM moss on the top totally stunted the plants growth so I transferred what I could but two ended up dead.

Anyway, everybody else is really happy!

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0190_zpse3ee5ca2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0190_zpse3ee5ca2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0190_zpse3ee5ca2.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0192_zps52898584.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0192_zps52898584.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0192_zps52898584.jpg"/></a>


Sorry about the focus :)
<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0193_zpsf7c574e5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0193_zpsf7c574e5.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0193_zpsf7c574e5.jpg"/></a>

Here's a sand mix, I harvested it from the local pond and wanted to give it a try, seems to be working so far.
<a href="http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/DavidFlocken/media/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0194_zpsecd5c297.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/DavidFlocken/Drosophyllum%20adventures/DSC_0194_zpsecd5c297.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0194_zpsecd5c297.jpg"/></a>

Thanks for stopping by!
 
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