Fruit and Bulbs (was(no subject))
Eugene Zielinski (Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:08:38 PDT)
Somewhat tangential to this is a piece of information I recently found:
"Storing dormant tubers with a ripe banana promotes flowering." This comes
from a guide to Australian native orchids by David L. Jones, and refers to
Leptoceras menziesii (the Rabbit Orchid, which incidentally is nicely
pictured in our wiki). It appears to be a new twist on an old practice. I
remember being advised (many years ago) to enclose a ripe apple with the
plant I grew from a pineapple top; apparently the ethylene from the apple
will induce the pineapple to fruit. I never did try this, so I don't know
if it works.
In case you're wondering, the title of the book is A Complete Guide to the
Native Orchids of Australia Including the Island Territories (New Holland
Publishers, 2006).
Gene
Eugene Zielinski
Augusta, GA
[Original Message]
From: Hannon <othonna@gmail.com>
To: Pacific Bulb Society <pbs>
Date: 9/17/2008 11:48:58 AM
Subject: Re: [pbs] (no subject)
Jonathan,
I can only say I have had a similar experience with this species, from the
same source. I don't get the idea that it is a fire-follower in situ. Mine
are outdoors all winter in part sun in a very sandy mix in 5" pots. Some
grew well last year but no flowers. Since they are outdoors and subject to
the full effect of our winter rains (Los Angeles average about 17"/year)
they are not the victims of any capricious watering regime yet they will
sit
there and refuse to budge in spite of this natural drenching. Some
eriospermums and albucas are like this also and it is difficult to say if
they "alternante" years or just what is going on.
Dylan
On Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 2:32 AM, <jonathanhutchinson> wrote:
I wondered if anybody had experiences with Walleria gracilis?
I purchased this species as seed a few years ago as seed from
Silverhills
Seeds. Some germinated and grew well for the first few years and I have
now
some good tubers which are about 1.5- 2cm across.
The problem is I get no growth, they sit there perfectly happy in a
hibernated state and I cannot seem to shift them into any movement.
I have tried the smoke treatment and awit to see any movement, other
than
that does any body have any suggestions
This is a lovely little plant and well worth growing .... I just wish it
would !
Jonathan