Growing Adenium from Seeds: Damping Off Nightmare

Damping-off is a common disease that can occur in both germinating seeds and young seedlings. The disease is caused by any of a number of pathogens that can also attack cuttings.

The problem often occurs before seeds are able to germinate but it can also develop after germination and attack the emergent seedling.  If it happens before your seeds germinate, you'll know because nothing will come out. In seedlings, it starts with dark rot on the stem near the soil surface and as it progresses, the seedling falls over and dies. If the pathogen is below the soil surface, the rot may start from the tip of the roots and progress up the seedling until the stem rots and then the seedling falls over and dies.