BCSS - Forum

Always pleased to share the amazing bulbs of Southern Africa! Most of mine are seed raised and many yet to flower, which is always exciting.
I wonder, does anyone on the forum grow Daubenya? I have two which are perfectly healthy bulbs, just sitting there doing nothing, no leaves, no roots... Any ideas?
Mike

Mike wrote: I wonder, does anyone on the forum grow Daubenya? I have two which are perfectly healthy bulbs, just sitting there doing nothing, no leaves, no roots... Any ideas?

I grow some Daubenyas. Not uncommon for bulbs to skip a growing season. I am sure it will wake up again next autumn. Not just a Daubenya thing. I have had the same experience with Massonia and Eriospermum. Also with Monilaria, although not a bulb.

I've got a couple of Lachenalias doing it too; one needs fire to flower, and maybe even to grow! Next year, I'll try some ash from my fire in the compost...

Skipping a growing season can be a sign that they didn't experience warm enough temperatures during the Summer. All but the smallest bulbs can take and need a good baking. The only ones I've ever had skip a season were sitting in the (relatively) cool shadow of a porch over the Summer. (I've had the same happen to an Albuca after a cool dormancy).

Mine go under the bench when they're dormant, where they will take almost daily 30-35C for a few months during Summer.

Astro wrote:Skipping a growing season can be a sign that they didn't experience warm enough temperatures during the Summer.

It gets into the 30Cs in my greenhouse most of the days in summer. Often hitting close to 50C on really warm days. I doubt this will be the cause. My plants remain in the greenhouse, bonedry and the pots are just sitting in the baking sun light. I doubt this is the (main) reason for skipping a growing season.

In autumn I always water all pots to get plants started on the new growing season. Occasionally some pots that show no sign of active growth yet get another splash to encourage them to grow. Otherwise I will just let them be until they become active on their own. I wonder if more watering would help skipping a growing season, though...