Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2000 18:07:11 -0500 (EST) From: john green <thegreens13@juno.com> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg3425$foo@default> Subject: Re: Tannins
Dave Evans wrote:
>I think these plants need a long time to become established. >Or more
specifically the soil has to be of the correct mixture
>and the plants then need time to be established in it. I have >often seen
spectacular CP's growing in soil that appears to >have a lot of clay in it.
However, in cultivation I have be >unable to find a similar soil that works.
Hmmm, that got me thinking - is it likely that the spectacular colors are
dependent on the availability of specific nutrients (in addition to the
intensity and length of sunlight)? I've heard of "Georgia clay" before, and
the nice orange color it has. I think the red rock in Southern Utah is
caused primarily by the presence of iron in the soil. Is it possible that
CPs need iron (or some other mineral) in certain quantities to produce their
pigments? Has anyone fertilized Sarrs with iron (in very dilute quantities)
and measured the effects? I guess what I'm thinking is that a diluted
fertilizer with a wide range of micronutrients might help to achieve the
spectacular coloring. I know that fertilizing my lawn with iron will give
it a richer green color, but I don't know how CPs would react to it. I
realize that the soil chemistry and the various habitats are very complex,
but if there's something simple I can do to enhance the coloration of my
plants I'm willing to give it a try. Anyway, just thinking...
John Green
Salt Lake City, Utah
john.green@ascensus.com
http://homestead.juno.com/thegreens13
PS. - I've never fertilized my plants (just bugs) so I'm not familiar with
the potential benefits.
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