Drimiopsis and Ledebouria

Robert Lauf via pbs pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net
Sun, 14 Mar 2021 21:46:39 PDT
I sent some Drimiopsis maculata and Ledebouria socialis for the BX, and as both are coming out of winter rest and blooming, I have attached photos to help folks decide if they are of interest.  Both stay in my cool greenhouse in winter, but can be grown as house plants on a windowsill or under lights.

Drimiopsis maculata (aka African hosta) drops its leaves in winter but the bulbs stay green.  It is tolerant of water during the resting phase but can also be fairly dry.  Note the ferny looking stuff appears to be "resurrection plant" (Selaginella lepidophylla) which was in the pot when I got it and doesn't seem to be doing any harm.

Ledebouria socialis likewise slows in winter but typically never loses all its leaves.  It also isn't as picky about staying dry as a lot of dry-winter bulbs are.  In my greenhouse I occasionally give it a watering during the winter.  I suspect that grown as a house plant, more water or misting in winter would be helpful to compensate for the lower ambient humidity compared to a cool greenhouse.

Both of these should be planted with most of the bulb above ground.  For the smaller Ledebouria bulbs that might not have roots, I would treat like a pregnant onion offset: push it about halfway into moist promix and it will eventually root and take off.  If they're happy, both species multiply well and bloom profusely.

Bob   Zone 7
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