Desert Dome

Planting Instructions
-Carefully apply your decal to the outside of the colored planter base.
-Put the large compressed germination disks in the bottom of the base.
-Slowly pour 3 cups of water directly onto the disks in the bottom of the base.
-Use a plastic fork or spoon to aerate and mix the soil.
-Gently press the soil smooth.
-Place your Gold Tiger Eyes Stones where you would like them. Use some of the gravel to make desert paths.
-You can plant your seeds in groups or mix them up.  Either way, place them at least 1/3” apart.
-Empty the pack of seeds into your palm so you can control placement.
-All cacti seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil (1/8”).   Succulents should be covered with 1/8” of soil and a thin layer of gravel.
-Save any extra seeds in the pack to add in the future if you would like.
-Place your scorpion and desert garden stakes where you would like them.
-You can also add a top layer of sand now or wait until after your seeds have sprouted.
-Put the clear top of the biosphere on and make sure that the tabs are lined up.
-Put your Desert Biosphere near a window in bright indirect light where it will not be easily knocked over.
-Seeds also like heat when germinating, so be sure that the planter is not too cool.  72-80 degrees is the ideal temperature for sprouting.
-You can tell how dry the soil is by the weight of the planter.  Add water as required to keep the soil moist on a weekly basis.
-Your seeds should sprout in 1-4 weeks.
-NOTE: Cacti have internal “seed clocks” that inhibit germination in December and January.  -So if you are planting then, you may not see sprouts until February, but don’t give up!  They will sprout!
-Leave the top on until the plants have reached the top.

 Care and Growing Information
-Promptly trim off and remove any dead foliage.
-These plants require very little water and like lots of sun once they have sprouted.
-The more you water them, the more they will grow.  If you water them too much though, they will rot.
-Make sure that you let the soil dry out and stay dry for at least a few days before watering again.
-If you see any mold forming, take the top for a day or two and manually remove the mold.
-You can also water with a 1:50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water to eliminate the mold.  --This is about one capful to 7 ounces of water.
-Removing the top will prevent mold from forming, but only do this after germination.
-Be sure to check water on a monthly basis with the top on.
-If you wish to water less, use clear tape to cover the side vents of the top of the biosphere.
-If you decide to remove the dome top, you will need to check the moisture every week as the planter will dry out much more quickly.
-If you do happen to overwater, simply tip the planter base slightly and allow the excess water to flow out.  You can also leave the top off until the soil has dried out to the desired level.
-Rotate your Biosphere on a weekly basis so the plants grow evenly.
-You can fertilize, use houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.  Only apply in the spring and summer months.
-Feel free to add any other fun items to your garden, it is yours and unique!  Continue to make it your own!

Please email us at service@toysbynature.com if you have any questions or experience any issues with this item.  Please email us directly and do not contact the reseller you purchased this from.