Question 1

What types of cacti and succulent seeds does Oreshka offer?

Accepted Answer

Oreshka carries 4 sub-collections under Cacti & Succulents: Cactus Seeds (187 species including Mammillaria, Gymnocalycium, Rebutia, Turbinicarpus), Lithops Seeds (56 species — living stones from southern Africa), Adenium Seeds (Desert Rose, 1 curated variety, Adenium obesum), and Succulent Seeds (24 species including Haworthia, Gasteria, Faucaria, Titanopsis). Each sub-collection has its own page with growing guides.

Question 2

Which cacti or succulents are easiest to grow from seed?

Accepted Answer

Gymnocalycium and Rebutia are the most reliable cacti for beginners — both germinate in 5–14 days at 22–26°C and tolerate partial shade. For succulents, Haworthia Mix is the most forgiving, requiring no intense heat. Lithops need more precision: germination at 20–26°C, strict dry winter rest from October to March.

Question 3

Can I grow cacti and succulents from seed in Zone 5 or the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all four sub-collections are grown indoors or under glass in Zone 5 and UK conditions. Cacti and Lithops need a bright south-facing windowsill or grow lights (minimum 12 hours). Adenium obesum requires temperatures above 15°C year-round and does well as a houseplant in cold climates. Echinocereus viridiflorus and several Rebutia species tolerate down to −10°C if kept dry.

Question 4

What is the difference between Lithops and other succulents?

Accepted Answer

Lithops (living stones) are mimicry plants — each plant consists of just 2 fused leaves that resemble pebbles, evolved to avoid grazing in the Namib and Karoo deserts. Unlike most succulents, Lithops require a strict dry rest from October to March: watering during this period causes them to split and rot. Standard succulents like Haworthia and Gasteria tolerate occasional winter watering and lower light levels.

Question 5

Can cacti and succulents be grown in pots permanently?

Accepted Answer

All four sub-collections are naturally suited to container growing. Use a pot only 2–3 cm wider than the plant's diameter — oversized pots retain moisture and cause root rot. Lithops do best in terracotta pots (7–10 cm deep) filled with 80% mineral grit. Adenium obesum develops a swollen caudex and can live in the same pot for 5–10 years. Repot cacti only when roots emerge from drainage holes.

Question 6

How long do cacti and succulents take to flower from seed?

Accepted Answer

Rebutia and Gymnocalycium are among the fastest-flowering cacti — first blooms typically appear in 2–3 years from seed. Turbinicarpus and Coryphantha take 3–5 years. Adenium obesum can flower within 18–24 months from seed under optimal warmth (28–32°C day temperatures). Lithops produce their first daisy-like flowers at 3–4 years from seed, appearing in autumn through a split between the two leaves.

Question 7

Why buy cacti and succulent seeds from Oreshka Seeds instead of a local nursery?

Accepted Answer

Oreshka Seeds offers 268 species across 4 sub-collections, including 56 Lithops varieties with precise collector codes (C-numbers) not available in garden centres. All seeds are harvested fresh each season from documented parent plants. Germination is tested before dispatch. Seeds ship worldwide in sealed moisture-proof packets, dispatched within 2–3 business days.

Seeds of Cactus Mammillaria shiedeana (Mammillaria shiedeana) — 10 pcs