Re: Nepenthes
Alastair Robinson (100611.1627@compuserve.com)
11 Jul 95 15:48:59 EDT
Dear Liz, I should say first that I have been aware of the list for a
long time; some of the plants in the photographs really are amazing and
beautiful. I thank you for being kind enough to tell me anyhow.
I already grow all three but am interested in any offers of
other
species. Which do you grow?
Yes, I have tried to germinate Nepenthes, several times in fact,
but only
now have I been successful ( for the first time!). I have just
successfully germinated N.tobaica with N.mirabilis, I hope, soon to
germinate as well. As long as you get everything right from the start
you have a chance - I never have done so before this occassion, which
proves something!
Keep the light levels high, but no direct sun which may cause
burning.
Fluorescent lights are great as they are less likely to burn seedlings
whilst still being bright.
Humidity should obviously be high and the compost moist. My
germinating
compost now consists of vermiculite,perlite,moss peat in a ratio of
3:2:1 as recommended to me by the coordinator of the British society's
seedbank. Temperatures should range around 25 degrees centigrade,
possibly lowering it for highland species after a number have geminated.
I Grow Nn.alata, anamensis, ampullaria, fusca, gracilis,
gymnamphora,
infundibuliformis, khasiana, lowii, macfarlaneii, maxima rafflesiana,
reinwardtiana, rhombicaulis, sanguinea, thorelii, veitchii, ventricosa,
vieillardii and four hybrids.
None are really large enough for cuttings, except for
Infundibuliformis,
rhombicaulis and a hybrid, but I am not willing as yet to trim either
presently. Anyhow, I have tried many times to take cuttings but have,
not once, been successful as to date. Any ideas anyone?! Thank you for
your note.
Best wishes, Alastair.