> I recently received a D. Capensis plant from a commercial grower. I
> planted it in peat/sand/perlite mix and have been watering with
> distilled water under lights. My problem is that the plant seems to
> be getting progressively weaker, no new growth. Could it be that I've
> received a dormant plant? I have grown this species successfully
> before, and am puzzled because it's supposed to be an "easy" species.
You're right. It *is* easy! If you have grown it successfully before,
then it's hard to guess what is wrong. This species doesn't really go
dormant - if very cold, then maybe it will stop growing or even lose
foliage, but normally it will stay in leaf and grow throughout the
year.
A sick plant normally means sick roots - rotted, eaten through by
insects (I found a nice potted Primula has suffered the attention of
vine-weevil maggots this afternoon), or whatever.
I've never grown anything under lights - is it possible to give too
much? Or is it possible to overheat D. capensis due to the proximity
of the lights?
-- Clarke Brunt (clarke@brunt.demon.co.uk)