> I know that tissue culture methods exist for Nepenthes,
> however, i have yet to find decent protocols for this. I would be
> interested to find out what has been done and what needs to be done in
> this area.
As far as I know, there are no protocols for N. tissue culture from
non-sterile plants. The problem seems to be extremely persistent fungal
contamination that grow rampant when introduced in-vitro.
You can certainly grow N. from sterilized seed, and subsequently multiply
the sterile tissue.
Here is all I know about Nepenthes growth media:
Nepenthaceae {DUMORT.}
Nepenthes {L.}
- 2/3 Knudsen C(*)with 0.2-2mg/L BAP for mult. Rooting horm not neces.
- Anderson's may be used also (N. ephippiata likes it).
- Highland ?: 1/3 MS
- Lowland only: (DeKanel) .5 MS, 20g/L Sucrose, 6g/L agar.
w/ 0.1-0.2 BAP multiplying
w/ 2mg/L IBA rooting
Currently, I only have N. madagascariensis in 1/2 MS.
Best of luck!
-----------------
Dear Lenny,
> I need advice on growing a sundews. i know NOTHING, but have
> ...
> 2: planted it in a 60/40 soil/sfagnm mix
> ...
> The glue has left the leaves, the tips of several leaves have turned
> brown, and all the dinosaurs died! Any help would be appreciated.
The recommended mix for most Drosera does not include *any* soil or
compost. Try using pure sphagnum peat, or perhaps 50/50 peat/sand
(if you need more drainage). The pot should be stood in a saucer of
*distilled* water and placed in a bright, sunny (but no overly hot)
location.
> Second, I, the newbie that i am, am enthused and looking to expand a
> little. The only mail-order catalog i have received so far is from
> peter paul and marys. the nepenthes plants where a good 5x more
> expensive than anything else. Is this usual? What is the premium for?
> What are good mail order sources?
Nepenthes are slow growers, and prior to tissue culture techniques were
difficult to propagate in quantity. There is also a pretty high demand
for these plants.
> Where did all the dinosaurs go?
At least a few of the dinosaurs are in my gas tank. Others have been
recycled into trees, birds and people. The majority of carbon atoms in
my fingers have been inherited from the bodies of these beasts. You
might say that the dinosaurs are looking out from behind my eyes. :-).
-----------------
Dear David,
> Hi, "long time listener, first time caller." I know little about
> carnivorous plants but am fascinated with them. I have just gotten
> approval to start a collection of this group of plants and am looking
> for guidance and suggestions. Our aim is to use these plants for
> educational programs as well as "on exhibit" where appropriate. For
> educational uses I would think some of the more "spectacular" kinds
> would be best though budgetary constraints will rule out any of the
> very expensive (rare?) species. We also generally prefer not to deal
> with nurseries/suppliers that wild-dig plants because of ethical
> reasons. Any suggestions of what species to acquire and from where
> would be much appreciated.
You might want to try for a wide representation of each genus. For
ease of maintenance, you might go after fairly robust, fast growing
species. Some local gardens are very good at trading extra plant
cuttings, and have substantially expanded their collections this way.
You might also try to link up (or sponsor) a local CP club. The San
Francisco Bay area club has raised about $1400 so far to support the
Berkeley Botanic Gardens Cp exhibit.
Anyway, here is my vote for starter plants:
Drosera capensis ; easy, weedy sundew with lanceolate leaves Utricularia
sandersonii ; easy growing bladderwort, many flowers Sarracenia purpurea
; a short, rosetted N.A. pitcher plant (easy) Drosera aliciae ; easy,
weedy, rosetted sundew Dionaea muscipula ; the CLASSIC cp Nepenthes
ventricosa ; a good grower, tolerates lower temps & humidity Nepenthes
maxima ; a good grower, showy pitchers Nepenthes x dyeriana ; a robust
Victorian hybrid w/huge pitchers Pinguicula moranensis ; an easy Mexican
ping with showy flowers Sarracenia leucophylla ; a tall N.A. pitcher
plant (beautiful pitchers) Cephalotus follicularis ; a bit trickier to
grow, but nice to have in coll. Byblis liniflora ; interesting annual
included for completeness
You should be able to get all these plants from any respectable grower
within a $200 budget. There is a file of CP suppliers in the CP mailing
list archives.
Best regards,
-- Rick Walker