Odd inflorescence behavioir

Started by Bulbous, July 18, 2024, 12:37:05 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

Bulbous

Last year both of my large B. josephinae developed a pronounced curve in their inflorescence stalks.  One is in the front garden and one in the rear.  The front one is pictured. Why they did this is a mystery to me.  Has anyone else experienced this?  The one in back grew nearly horizontal to the ground after emerging.

Jim
Santa Barbara

MLoos

Hi Jim,

Just a thought, is there noticeable damage on the side of the stem that faces the ground?  If so, the damaged cells may not have elongated correctly and the healthy cells grew out at a normal rate, bending the inflorescence as it lengthened.  The damage could have come from a simple knock to the side of the bulb during regular maintenance or a feisty critter passing by, batting at the stem.  I've seen stems on Hippeastrum bend like that from Stagonospora.  Perhaps something like that might be the cause?  This year seems to have been a little twisted in general, maybe it picked up on the vibe?  Just guesses, maybe others will have some input.

Michael
Interlaken, NY zone 6+