Date: Sat, 2 Dec 2000 17:03:13 -0800 From: "Steve Klitzing" <starbirdcom@earthlink.net> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg3469$foo@default> Subject: Nepenthes Stenophylla seeds are sprouting
Hi all:
Well, the first two Nepenthes Stenophylla seeds from the ICPS seed bank
packet
have sprouted. I have primary leaves that have popped up. If this is any
indication,
it should be a good overall germination in the jar. So far, so good. Looks
like
this seed is viable. I'm still waiting on N. Ventricosa and N. Rafflesiana.
But, as
I've read from other postings, sprouting Nepenthes seed can take some time.
I think
this is the first batch I've attempted to sprout in almost 20 years. So, it
was a
pleasant surprise.
And, I've solved the humidity problem in my new greenhouse. The air dried
out too
easily. And, overhead misters dumped too much water on the greenhouse
plants and
floor. I also thought that buying a centrifugal fogger was cost prohibitive
as they run
about $300. So, I brought my old Sears portable swamp cooler out of
retirement. The
problem was, it had to be refilled all the time. So, I went to a local
swamp cooler
parts place and bought a sideways float valve that fit its tank. Cost was
about
$6.50. Then, for another $14.00, I connected a refrigerator poly ice water
line from
the greenhouse faucet to the float valve. Now the swamp cooler refills
itself automatically,
and its fan blows moisture-laden air across the plants. So, it now serves
two purposes,
air circulation during the day, and humidity control...as it is linked to an
existing humidistat.
And, for a mount, I have it sitting on a small $10 wooden table with folding
legs that I picked up
at Walmart. Surprisingly, it's very stable and rugged.
I'm interested in seeing how the Nepenthes will respond to the new type of
humidity. Anyway,
seeing Nepenthes seed sprout is a nice Christmas treat (at least to me).
---Steve Klitzing
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