... This finally flowered
Edithcolea grandis
I have had many of these over the years but most eventually succumbed to either rot, mealy bug or just dried up. I find they like to be somewhat mistreated. Little water or nutrients and unlike many Asclepiads, a very hot place in full sun.
They don't like pots and tend to sprawl over their confines and seek out other places to root. I therefor placed two of these plants diagonally opposite each other into a cat litter tray and let them scrabble to their hearts content.
These are six years old from seed. For some reason only one has decided to flower, but that's good enough for me!
After ten years of trying...
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For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
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After ten years of trying...
Joined Havering branch 2006, although have been growing on and off since the age of ten!
Have a large balanced collection of both cacti and succulents but enjoy growing cristate, monstrose and generally anything a bit weird!
Have a large balanced collection of both cacti and succulents but enjoy growing cristate, monstrose and generally anything a bit weird!
- Diane
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Re: After ten years of trying...
Excellent! Well done! I managed to flower one last year, after keeping it in a propagator, but it lost its roots over winter, and I haven’t been able to root it again. I have a couple of seedlings from this year, and hope to get them through winter with any luck.
Where do you keep yours, and at what temperature?
Where do you keep yours, and at what temperature?
Diane - member of Kingston branch
Growing cacti - balm to the soul!
Growing cacti - balm to the soul!
- ralphrmartin
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Re: After ten years of trying...
I'm impressed. I once had one which grew like a weed in my office at work, with a mass of stems over 1 foot long - but it never flowered. I'm envious!
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
Re: After ten years of trying...
Excellent! Well done! seconded.
Nice amount of variation in the patterning in the diffferent parts of the flower in your plant. Definitely deserves the name Somalian rug flower (not Persian and not big enough to be a carpet, harrumph).
I too want to know the temperatures. I read one grower who said they only got flowers when they kept it in the high 30s °C. I have my seedlings at minimum 25°C at the moment. They might get in the high 30s if we have a good heatwave next year.
Nice amount of variation in the patterning in the diffferent parts of the flower in your plant. Definitely deserves the name Somalian rug flower (not Persian and not big enough to be a carpet, harrumph).
I too want to know the temperatures. I read one grower who said they only got flowers when they kept it in the high 30s °C. I have my seedlings at minimum 25°C at the moment. They might get in the high 30s if we have a good heatwave next year.
Asclepiomaniac. Armchair ethnobotanist.
Occasional, eclectic blogger:
http://pattheplants.blogspot.com/
Occasional, eclectic blogger:
http://pattheplants.blogspot.com/
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Re: After ten years of trying...
That is brilliant! Well done!
I have 2 healthy 2 year old seedlings but we are now entering the interesting time to keep them going.
I have 2 healthy 2 year old seedlings but we are now entering the interesting time to keep them going.
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Re: After ten years of trying...
Diane and Pattock... I keep mine at a minimum of 20 but they have gone much lower without any problems. I think it is the humidity that usually plays havoc with them.
It seems stressing them by placing them on a high shelf not far from the glass at the correct time of year helped to persuade it to flower, as I have tried this method with other Asclepiads.
It seems stressing them by placing them on a high shelf not far from the glass at the correct time of year helped to persuade it to flower, as I have tried this method with other Asclepiads.
Joined Havering branch 2006, although have been growing on and off since the age of ten!
Have a large balanced collection of both cacti and succulents but enjoy growing cristate, monstrose and generally anything a bit weird!
Have a large balanced collection of both cacti and succulents but enjoy growing cristate, monstrose and generally anything a bit weird!
Re: After ten years of trying...
That is a relief as I didn't want to turn my heat mat up that high.
Cutting the feed and raising my two closer to the lights seems like my next step.
Cutting the feed and raising my two closer to the lights seems like my next step.
Asclepiomaniac. Armchair ethnobotanist.
Occasional, eclectic blogger:
http://pattheplants.blogspot.com/
Occasional, eclectic blogger:
http://pattheplants.blogspot.com/
- MatDz
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Re: After ten years of trying...
What a splendid flower! Can we have a photo of both plants in their full glory as well, please?
Mat
- Tina
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Re: After ten years of trying...
Well done Chris , just need to keep it going for the National next year.
Tina
varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.