Pillansia templemannii
James Hitchmough (Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:06:30 PST)

I grew some Pillansia from seed from Silverhill too. They were
overwintered in a cold glasshouse last winter, and exposed to about -5C.
About half of the 6-9month old seedlings tolerated this, the others
died. I think this spp requires extremely well drained soils, in its
habitat soils look like coarse sand. I grew them in a 50:50 mix of grit
and a proprietory peat based compost. Had I grown them in pure sand I
think more would have survived. The survivors were put outside in spring
and then under glass lights during an extended period of heavy summer
rain (for weeks and weeks). To be honest they did not show any signs of
damage from this; it was a "just in case" action. Unfortunately I sort
of forgot about them and by September they had browned off as a result
of drought. I transplanted them to a very free draining compost
(grit/sand 80%: peat compost 20%) in September. The roots had shrivelled
but the corms looked good, although only about 5 mm across. They are now
sitting in a cold frame, but have not resprouted yet. I think they may
yet do so but perhaps the drought stress has thrown them into some form
of extended dormancy? It may just be 5-10C (the average temp in the
frames) is just too low for them to initiate veg growth at present?

I think the uncultivatable suggestions in Bryans book are based on
heresay. My experience thus far suggests that like Tritoniopsis the
critical cultivation factor is probably extremely well drained, highly
aerated compost. Coarse sand only or Seramis are probably the way
forward. Getting them to flower may be another issue, they seem to be an
obligate fire responder. Hope this is useful

James

--
Dr James Hitchmough
Professor of Horticultural Ecology
Department of Landscape
University of Sheffield
S10 2TN UK