More on Pinguicula Propagation
/G=Loyd/S=Wix/OU=1890CHPI/O=TMGB.URC/@LANGATE.gb.sprint.com
Mon, 12 Jun 1995 08:05:00 -0400
From Loyd.Wix@URCGB.SPRINT.COM
Clarke and Peter wrote
>> Some are no doubt easier than others, but I have no
>>trouble dividing P. moranensis types around March here in
>>the UK, when they form a tighter 'Winter rosette' for a
>>short time. I have also grown them from leaf cutting of
>>these Winter leaves. The large floppy leaves are no use
>>at all.
>I can vouch for that. If you want suitable leaves in the
>growing season, extra shade will make them revert to
>Winter-type leaves (mine do anyway.)
I have on occaisions successfully taken cuttings of Mexican
species using the Summer leaves. The main reason for using
the winter leaves is that they are more numerous (hence more
cuttings may be taken), and they can be removed without
causing severe damsge to the plants. For P.emarginata which
does not form a winter rossette, cuttings have to be taken
from the 'large floppy leaves' unless you propagate this
species from seed. The summer leaves are more delicate and
will dehydrate quickly unlike the semi succulent winter
leaves - thus a high humidity is important for these to
succeed.
>Fortunately these have produced several buds after laying
>them on perlite - I find perlite a lot more reliable than
>peaty mixes (which seem to rot more often.)
I find a mixture of sand perlite and vermiculite (with no
peat) is the most successful medium for leaf cuttings. I
also use a similar mixture with a small quantity of peat for
most of my mature plants. The peat and sand mixtures
advocated by some books is far to heavy for most Mexican
species and will at best stunt the root system - many will
probably die.
Some Pinguicula are not easy to propagate using leaf
cuttings - the strike rate of P.moranensis alba is always
low for me, and apparently the Guatamalan plant
P.'Chichecastenango' is also a pig to propagate - no wonder
it has been slow to be widly cultivated.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Loyd.