Two of my Sarracenia's started awakening a couple of weeks ago and are
growing quickly. Since this is my first winter growing these, I have
no past experience to compare with. Hey, I'm just happy they didn't die
in their sleep.
I have been quiet lately because I have been trying to finish my thesis.
I should have it turned in within a few days and then I can get back to
the CP that I have been neglecting lately. I have lots of Drosera seedlings
that need transplanting. Michael gave me some seeds when I visited ASU
last May and I now have good sized plants from almost all of them. I did
not have the patience to refrigerate them as I had read somewhere so I am
especially glad that they germinated. They have spent their brief life
in a plastic tray with one of those clear dome covers. The whole thing
is under fluorescent lights and is very low maintanence. I had a little
trouble with fungus early on but managed to clear that up with some
benomyl. Before transplanting them into pots, I think I will gradually
remove the dome so as not to give them ``humidity shock". I have had
some friends express interest so I will give many of them away. If
anybody is interested in some of these, I will post a list of what I
have extras of (probably mostly common stuff).
Speaking of seeds, I have been surprised at how fast the drosera have
matured. How long do other CP take to mature (from germination to
flowering sized plants)? I recently heard sombody say that the local
orchids here in NJ (slipper orchids) can take 8--12 years from seed to
flower. No wonder you don't see people hybridizing these. How would
you like to make a hybrid, nurture it for 11 years and then get
hit by a truck before the flower opens. But enough about my phobias.
Plants are growing well in general, U. sandersonii is in continuous
flower and overgrowing the pots. Does this plant ever not have
flowers? I'm very proud that I have had some live sphagnum growing
for quite a while now. It seems that my plants have greatly
appreciated my new, and improved light setup.
Rick, welcome to the group from a fellow bay arean. I grew up
in Burlingame and am in NJ for grad school. Don't know when
I will return to Calif. I guess that depends on who wants to
hire me.
Robert, you mentioned buying some Dionae. Shortly after I saw you
in December, I bought a couple of Dionae at Orchard Supply hardware
in Millbrae. They were largest ones I have seen for sale (at a
reasonable price) and seemed in good shape. You might want to check
a local Orchard Supply before buying any.
Scott