Re: Collection Protection
Carl Strohmenger (cstrohme@com1.med.usf.edu)
Thu, 7 Mar 1996 15:32:06 -0500 (EST)
It seems to me that if you are really concerned about the integrity of
your CP collection in the event of unforseen extended neglect, then you
should be growing the CPs in a habitat where neglect will not be a
short-term problem. In effect, CPs that like shady cool habitats should
be put into such a habitat, CPs that like it wet and sunny should be
grown in those conditions, etc.
We should not be growing CPs on a windowsill or in a greenhouse that
needs lots of supplementary management to maintain the collection. Find a
place on your property ( or buy a suitable piece of property) that has
the appropriate conditions and establish your CP collection there. Once
established, the plants should do Ok for extended periods of time without
suffering too much from neglect.
Of course, since I live in central Florida, this prescription means that
I should not even try Darlingtonia, since I cannot possibly find a
natural place in Florida that could maintain the Darlingtonia roots at a
cold temperature throughout the year. And there are other species that
would not be appropriate for me to try, But there are many species that
probably would do fine in some space in central Florida - I just have to
learn enough about the plants and the environmental conditions so that I
can plan wisely.
Just my NSHO.
- Carl