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 > >