Darlingtonia Stolon Explosion

Carlstrom_Rick (Carlstrom_Rick%P-AME-HQ.CCBRIDGE.SEAA.mrouter@seaa.navsea.navy.mil)
4 Apr 96 12:22:00 EST


I have had a Darlingtonia for about 3 years now. Originally I had
two, one succumbed to overheated roots. Then I created an
electronically controlled thermostatic root cooling system. Since
then It has done well. Last year it produced two new plants from
stolons. One of these is putting up a HUGE new trap as we speak. The
main parent plant has shown no new trap production. I started to
worry until yesterday. I noticed a small new shoot protruding from a
drain hole in the pot. I tracked it down to the parent plant.
Although it has shown no above ground growth there are at least five
thick (0.125") stolons in active growth. I was surprised to see such
prolific below ground growth. Now I have to decide if I should repot
the Cobra to allow it to reach it's full potential or leave it alone
for another season.

A while back someone from the UK mentioned that Darlingtonia grows
like a weed. It appears that under the proper conditions
Darlingtonia's prolific asexual reproductive capabilities could
definitely give it "weed" status.

Now if only Sarracenia could do the same.