Attila

Hi Dimitris,

Bald cypress and Chinese elm can grow in almost anything. The problem is something else: a fungus called Rhizoctonia which causes the so-called Damp-off. So you need a steril medium that is less prone to being infected by this fungus.
A mix of composted bark-mulch and perlite is a good one, you can also use pumice, or long-fibered sphagnum.

The bark and sphagnum are supposed to be less likely to accomodate the fungus. Important is good drainage and good aeration. A too warm, soggy environment with stagnant damp air invites trouble.

Some recommend sterilizing the soil with fungicide before the seed germinate. Others don't recommend it saying that fungicide kills beneficial fungi as well, thus killing potential competition for the harmful ones.

Regards,
Attila