should i crack open the leaves

pigdevil

Member
Hi guys, sorry for the focussing, so my seedling is growing but then the leaves are not cracking open should i do it manually with a blade? thankyouuIMG_3702.jpg IMG_3701.jpg
 

Beachwalker

Well-Known Member
Here is a tip: keep misting the shell so it will stay moist and be easier for the plant to split; also if you must remove it manually moisture will also facilitate easier removal for best results!
-good luck
 

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
The (seed) shell has not come off yet? or has it? Not the best scenario but if it doesn't loosen soon, I would try. Maybe hit it with a spray bottle and soften it.
I will occasionally use a toothpick to gently pry off a seed shell that sticks to the cotyledons...but I can't exactly see what's happening there.

I would think a knife would be a bad tool to use if you do mess with it. Me? I'd just wait.
JD
 

pigdevil

Member
The (seed) shell has not come off yet? or has it? Not the best scenario but if it doesn't loosen soon, I would try. Maybe hit it with a spray bottle and soften it.
I will occasionally use a toothpick to gently pry off a seed shell that sticks to the cotyledons...but I can't exactly see what's happening there.

I would think a knife would be a bad tool to use if you do mess with it. Me? I'd just wait.
JD
there is a layer of something wrapping the leaves together, i can see the green part in the middle, so ive put a dictionary under, hoping there would be more light and it will grow better? Its kinda weird tho, Ive ordered another seed from the same seedbank and its growing weird two compared to the two bagseeds ive grown~ (btw the seed closed up is a pineapple chunk and the other one is green crack) thanks for the replies btww
 

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NaturalFarmer

Well-Known Member
The cotyledon has a mucus that for whatever reason seems to have the leaves stuck. A razor blade if you must, just try not to cut the main stem at all. Have you tried warm water? I would do that first but it does need to open or else.
 

Somatek

Well-Known Member
It happens sometimes like others have mentioned. I've never tried misting it or keeping it moist, sounds like it'd be worth a try.

When this happens to me I give it a day or so to see if it'll pop off on it's own, if not I very gently rub my finger on the cotyledon. Usually comes off easily, worse case if I was impatient & rough I'd break a leaf off.
 

Beachwalker

Well-Known Member
I called this the operation LOL it is not that common but it does happen from time to time. Wait 24 hours for it to do it by itself before attempting this

Place new razor edge in between cotyledon, pull outward through membrane gently, it is important to only cut membrane, not leaf, you do not have to cut it completely off, just a small slice will enable it to open ?
 

Somatek

Well-Known Member
Wet it, sure.
Crack the leaves open?
No way.
I guess he meant the husk.
It's the membrane left after germination that usually breaks off by itself. Not the husk (aka seed shell) but embryonic sac (for lack of proper terminology, the analogy hopefully makes it clear)
 

pigdevil

Member
Please tell me all about the eggshell situation.

Pros n cons type thing.
i heard eggshell has a lot of nutrients and as it grows big, you just put it in normal pot and the eggshell would crack from roots? :$ idk it was based on research and btww, i did it with a needle and managed to get that membrane/mucus away? its growing like a normal baby girl noww :') thanks guys
will update you guys with the grow soon!
 

Somatek

Well-Known Member
My experience with vermicomposting is that eggshells take forever to break down in typical soil pH. Maybe if they were ground into a fine powder but eggshells are commonly screened out as something that doesn't break down fast.
 

OldMedUser

Well-Known Member
I did a SoG type grow a couple grows back and sprouted 76 seeds of which about 56 actually sprouted and half of those couldn't shed their shells on their own. I just used the small blade on my little Swiss army knife to take them off and didn't mess up a one.

I just put one index finger on the end of the shell that the open end of the leaves are at. Then just slip the tip of the blade between the leaves and push toward the other finger and they pop right off.

Even just pinching them gently to pop the shell open works fine. Same if it's just the skin.

Not a big deal.

:peace:
 
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