Date: Thu, 2 Jan 1997 11:07:15 -0500 From: BREWER__CHARLES@ecomail.damneck.navy.mil To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg12$foo@default> Subject: re: growing vfts
Jack,
Growing vfts in Virginia is fairly easy. They can stay out side most
of the year except during January and February. A little freezing
weather has never hurt mine at all. I grow about 300 or so vfts from
seedlings to 15 year old plants. Some are growing along side my Sarr's
while others are growing in 5 inch pots. I use a combination of 60
percent sand to 40 percent peat. I also grow them in all peat and in
live sphagnum moss. I have received excellent results no matter which
method I use. In other words, vfts are not real picky when it comes to
peat/sand, sphagnum mix. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the pot, the
better. I like to use 5 inch pot if all possible. These pots hold more
moisture in the soil which requires less maintenance on my part.
In regards to setting the pots in water, I usually don't and don't
recommend it. I find putting them in a container of water increases
there chance for rot, sour soil and fungus attacks. Where I live at in
Va. Beach, we have very high humidity and lots of rain. If anything, I
will only mist my plants between rain falls using a garden hose.
Moist, but well drained soil usually has less problems to.
During the colder part of winter, I bring my plants inside the
greenhouse and set them on the floor (a cold garage works just as
well), then I let Mother Nature does the rest. If I see that the
sphagnum moss starts looking a little dry, I will mist the plants down
just a little.
Vfts grow well in strong light to full sun light. More sun, more
color. I feed my plants crickets and any other Fat belly bugs I can
find. Small plants, will they are on there own. I do not fertilize
them at all, but they have been known to respond to a weak solution of
fertilizer sprayed on them once a month during the growing season, but
you better know what you are doing before you attempt this. I will
also change the soil yearly during dormancy. I hope this will help
some what and get you off to good growing habit. Any questions can be
sent to me directly.
Charles Brewer
Va. Beach, Va
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