Temperature for seedlings 41 

These seedlings are a good shipping size and will be ready for individual pots 
during the warm growing season. The plants from left to right are: Tricho- 
cereus spachianus, Selenicereus vagans, Cereus peruvianus, Eriocereus martinit 
(5 sided), E. tortuosus (7 sided), Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Cereus 
peruvianus, Lemaireocereus pruinosus. 
of the soil aids in preventing damping-off (rotting away) caused 
by continuous dampness and scarcity of fresh air. 
Do not expose the seedlings to strong sun. Glass covered with 
muslin or whitewash will give sufficient protection so that seedlings 
may enjoy the sun’s warmth. A single thickness of white paper can 
be used in place of the glass. After all seeds have germinated (3 to 
60 days, depending on variety), ventilate during the sunny part of 
the day. Never forget the need of sun, air and moisture. As soon 
as fitst spines appear, put a match under one edge of the glass te 
allow air to enter; increase this tilt to prevent “bronzing” or burn- 
ing the seedlings. A reddish color means too much light. The 
amount of water can be lessened, but not to the extent of allowing 
the soil to dry out. 
The soil mixture will care for the seedlings in their original pots 
over the next winter unless the plants appear too crowded. The 
following spring, the seedlings can be carefully transplanted into 
seed flats in a mixture similar to the first, but with four parts of 
leaf mold instead of two. In “pricking” out the tiny seedlings, a 
V-notched wooden stake, whittled small and thin, will be helpful 
