pollen/information request

Andrew Marshall (andrewm@eskimo.com)
Mon, 11 Nov 1996 11:58:15 -0800 (PST)

Hello folks,
I have a question regarding Drosera regia. In the wild, how does
it grow? What are the tricks if any to keeping this one from crashing? I
have killed to many now and am getting frustrated. They grow well from
seed for me until they reach about 4 inches tall, then down they go. I
use 3/1 peat /sand, and treat them like D. capensis, which is a weed for
me as I know it is for most of us. I have also tried live sphagnum as
soil, and treated it like an intermediate Nepenthes. Problems usually
arise because they seem to be *very* attractive to aphids and not very
tolerant of orthene, or even the soap/oil mix. I think the damage from
both the spray and pest does them in. This is not the only reason they
dive on me though. Some times they just seem to go for no reason. Good
today, going fast tommorrow. It is obvious to me that I don't understand
the plant so any help would be really appreciated. It can't be as
difficult as it wants me to think can it?
Second question.
I have an N. thorelli female going into bloom from 5 seperate
spikes. I estimate pollination will be able to happen in about 4 weeks at
most. Any one got surplus species pollen out there please? If so, my
address is.
Andrew Marshall
131 SW 185th st.
Normandy Park, Wa. 98166
USA

I appreciate any help in this and will, providing sufficient seed
is produced, if at all, send seed to those that send pollen.
Thanks and good growing
Andrew