What types of cacti and succulent seeds does Oreshka offer?

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.

Which cacti or succulents are easiest to grow from seed?

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.

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

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.

What is the difference between Lithops and other succulents?

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.

Can cacti and succulents be grown in pots permanently?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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Seeds of Succulent Gasteria brachyphylla (Gasteria brachyphylla) — 10 pcs

Oreshka seeds

SC265

€

5,00

€

8,33

Gasteria brachyphylla.

Description:
A compact succulent from South Africa, growing up to 20 cm tall.
The leaves are stiff, thick, dark green with white spots, arranged in two rows.
The tubular flowers are reddish-pink on a long stem. Blooms in spring.

Uses:
For growing in pots on windowsills, creating succulent arrangements, including tabletop gardens.

Growing from seeds:
Sowing succulents can be done year-round, but seedlings will need additional light (up to 10-12 hours) in the fall and winter.
Soil: Prepared soil or prepare a mixture of sand, perlite, and light soil (1:1:2).
Containers: Low and wide, with holes in the bottom.
Sowing: To ensure the seeds swell, thoroughly soak the soil at the beginning. A temperature range of 10-12 hours is recommended. Temperatures should be +10°C at night and up to +20°C to +25°C during the day.
Add a drainage layer and a layer of soil to the container, moisten with a spray bottle, and let it soak for an hour. For even sowing, carefully space the seeds with a toothpick at the desired distance. Then press them lightly into the soil with your finger, but do not bury them. If the seeds are larger, you can sprinkle them with a little sand. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm (+25°C), well-lit, draft-free area. Open the container daily for ventilation (1-2 times a day for 15-20 minutes) and monitor the soil moisture. As soon as the first shoots appear, increase the ventilation time until the plastic wrap is no longer needed. Seedlings that have reached 7-10 cm in height can be transplanted into individual pots.