Date: Thu, 13 Feb 1997 08:38:33 +0930 From: bertozzi.terry@wpo.pi.sa.gov.au To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg574$foo@default> Subject: Re - Drosera cistiflora
Zachary,
>I have heard that D. cistiflora seeds must be watered repeatedly from the top to wash away a
>chemical that inhibits germination. I have no first-hand experience with germinating D. cistiflora seeds.
> This is just something I was told.
I have found that fresh seed germinates very well without the need for top watering, however, the
medium was very wet and so may have behaved in a similar way. I have had seed of D. cistiflora
which germinated after two years and perhaps the top watering method may have sped things up.
>You should be aware that this plant goes dormant in the summer. Lastly, Slack maintains that D.
>cistiflora's growing medium should be kept moist during its dormancy--just something I thought you
>should be aware of.
This is an interesting discussion point. I allow my D. cistiflora pots to dry out totally over summer and
place them on the floor of the greenhouse under the bench accompanied by tuberous Drosera which
are also allowed to totally dry out. I have heard that others give their pots a light sprinkle of water to
keep the dormant roots (and tubers) from shrivelling. During summer, my greenhouse temperature
gets to above 40C during the day and I've had no problems with my tubers shrivelling. I think as long
as the pots are not baking in the sun for long periods they will be fine.
Cheers
Terry
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Tue Jan 02 2001 - 17:30:59 PST