> Hi CP Growers, I recently received some seeds of Ibicella lutea but as
> I dont know anything about this plant I want to ask the CP community
> some questions:
>
> 1. Is there any special protocol to make seeds germinate?
Patience and a well-drained but fertile compost, sow 1-2 cm under
the surface and keep moist, warm and sunny until germination occurs.
> 2. Wich medium shall I use to grow this plants?
I use 1:1:1 houseplant compost:sand:perlite, or use a cactus type
compost and feed regularly - this is not a (typical,) CP, so doesn't
want infertile, boggy peat.
> 3. How must I water the plants?
Once germinated (which may take from 3 weeks to several months,)
allow the soil to dry out quite a bit before watering - the plant
will wilt if it wants water, and this is less harmful than over-
watering which can rot the base of the stem. I like to water by
tray rather than top-watering, but don't leave it standing in water
for hours/days at a time.
> 4. How many ligth do this plant likes?
Lots - as much as it can get if it's grown in the open, though it
can get burnt under glass, so light shading might be beneficial if
you get very hot days. I guess it's like Pinguicula - the droplets
on the leaves focus the sun, but it can stand lots more than Pings.
> 5. Does it needs a resting period?
It's an annual, so when it dies back, it's not going dormant - it's
dying! But it should set seed if you let bees get at the flowers,
or pollinate it with a small brush. It's not self-pollinating.
If you want to see what it's like, check out my website (URL in .sig,)
go to my growlist and click on Ibicella for a page of info and photos.
Hope this helps,
Happy growing,
Peter
snail:Peter Cole,17 Wimmerfield Cr. :mailto:carnivor@bunyip.demon.co.uk
Killay, SWANSEA SA2 7BU, WALES :http://www.angel.co.uk/flytrap/index.htm
vox:+44 1792 205214 :Tissue Culture Kits for sale