Depressed poepeggii

[SimonR]

My Maihuenia poepeggii has been struggling this year. There was no sign of fresh growth in the spring, so I feared it had died. Fortunately, by June some (albeit stunted, reluctant) green tips were showing. It’s pretty much sulked ever since. Can anyone please offer overwintering advice - last year I kept it dry in the cold greenhouse from November to April. Does it require some water through the winter, or even left outside in a sheltered position? Also, any thoughts on potting mixture / feeding would also be very gratefully received. Thanks

[Mike P]

This the one next to the alpine house at Wisley which lives outside and thrives.

[Tony R]

This the one next to the alpine house at Wisley which lives outside and thrives.

...and more 'crevice planting', Mike!

[Mike P]

Yes if had a few old clay tiles lying around I would make one like this as it’s very appealing.

[Tony R]

Yes if had a few old clay tiles lying around I would make one like this as it’s very appealing.

I'm sure I can find you some - how many?

[RAYWOODBRIDGE]

Mike just find a skip where they are reroofing a house lots of free broken slate or tiles
But the question Simon asks I cannot answer because the two plants I have, one is exactly like Simons and the other a small version of the one at Wisley, yet they both get the same treatment and are next to each other on an outside bench ?

[SimonR]

And here’s the rub… my plant produced copious fresh, green growth last year, but only stunted, green tips this year. I’ll move it into the greenhouse in November and bring it out again in April. I will however (on advice from Mike) give it a little water through the winter.

I’ll probably repot in the spring and treat it to a few doses of low-nitrogen fertiliser through the growing season.

Think I’ll attempt to take a few cuttings too - plunge them into some molar clay granules with a little bottom heat and careful watering.

[RAYWOODBRIDGE]

They do like water in the winter, drying out is not good for any alpine plant.

[Mike P]

Yes if had a few old clay tiles lying around I would make one like this as it’s very appealing.

I'm sure I can find you some - how many?

Enough for a Belfast sink?