Hello Roger, >>>I also understand that seedling tecophilaea is extremely slow to reach maturity. This implies that they need careful handling for some years.<<< On the contrary, I have found Tecophilaea to be extremely easy from seed. My seedlings are planted in a 25:75 mixture of coarse river sand and composted fir bark and are growing in a sunny position with some afternoon shade - I feed and water regularly. After two seasons of growth my seedlings are between two and three inches tall. Good luck! Rogan. Please find our Email Disclaimer here: http://www.ukzn.ac.za/disclaimer/