Coryphantha vivipara

[Jeremy]

First photo of the little green maggots (seedlings) Rick Rodich told me would grow from the seed he sent me. Most are 1/2"-5/8" tall.

[Lori S.]

Looking good, Jeremy.  Easy to germinate, but surprisingly time-consuming later on, as the little critters need constant moisture... (don't ask me how I know that.    I was more careful with my second batch.)

My seeds were from the same source as yours - thanks, Rick!

[RickR]

They do look good, Jeremy.  Congratulations on the first step. 

Yes, I've come to warn every seed recipient that it is common to lose your first batch of seedlings during acclimation to open air conditions, even inside the house. 

Lori, glad to hear you have successfully jumped that high hurdle.

[Todd Boland]

I'll try to remember to take pics of mine tomorrow...I have lots of Rick's babies....however, i did keep them growing in the greenhouse all winter so they are probably ahead of the game.  I have plenty so I'll try them outside in several places this summer and see what happens.

[Todd Boland]

Here are Rick's babies!

[McDonough]

Here are Rick's babies!

Cacti seedlings are just the cutest things ever, aren't they?  The only ones I grew from seed way back when were some Rebutias... I have not yet taken the plunge into hardy cacti, as tempted as I am.

[RickR]

As usual: whenever I give seeds, cuttings or plants to someone, it seems they always grow said propagation better than I do!

[Lori S.]

As usual: whenever I give seeds, cuttings or plants to someone, it seems they always grow said propagation better than I do!

I usually seem to have the opposite happen - complete fatality.  Rather depressing, and does not provide me with any comparison!

[Jeremy]

OK, now you're all scaring me! My maggots have just starting getting bulbous heads on them (which I assume is a good thing), but I'm expecting them to all croak on me one day for no reason! When can I expect this mass mortality, or better, how can I avoid it and end with Todd's cooey cooey little cuties?

[Lori S.]

Well, I'm sure no one meant to scare you!  I think the only trick with Coryphantha vivipara is to keep them moist.   I'm sure Rick can give the best advice on that.

[RickR]

Yes, that's exactly right.  We know that overwatering can sometimes cause the same wilting symptoms, because roots aren't functioning as they should (i.e. keeping the plant turgid).  It would be a normal expectation, being a cactus, that if the seedlings start shriveling, they are being overwatered.  But that's not so!  They need water.

[Todd Boland]

I agree...I keep my babies watered regularly...they did get dry while I was away mid-winter and a few of the seedlings are now stunted (seen at the top of the pot).  I can see dramatic growth in them in the last couple of weeks now that the days are getting long.

Echinocereus coccineus (in the greenhouse, not outdoors) is starting to bud!