Re: VFT's from flower spikes

Janice Ritter x5444 (ritter@floyd.HQ.ileaf.com)
Mon, 12 Feb 1996 12:21:20 -0500

Date: Sun, 11 Feb 1996 14:16:33 -0800
Originator: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com
From: bertozzi.terry@wpo.pi.sa.gov.au
X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas
X-Comment: Carnivorous Plants Distribution List

Many moons ago, some of you may have recalled that Russell Elliot
mentioned that he had successfully used VFT flower spikes for
cuttings. As I religiously remove the flower spikes as they emerge
anyway, I decided to put his observations to the test. Once detached
from the parent plant, the spikes were just stuck into peat/sand and
sat in a water tray next to my Sarracenia. The tops began to wither
and die, but I was surprised on the weekend to find new plants
growing at the base of the spikes. I also tried a couple in Sphagnum
but perhaps the medium was too wet and so the cuttings didn't make
it. A third cutting was placed on its side just under the Sphagnum
and I have big hopes for this one as it appears that small shoots are
begining to form along it.

It's good to hear that this worked for some - my one experiment
died. :-( Does it matter how old the spike is? Before opening the
flowers? After? Size?

-- 
 Janice Ritter		    ritter@ileaf.com        Boston, MA