Rain can't stop the flowers

[iann]

Three drops of rain this morning, three more forecast this afternoon, but Fenestraria rhopalophylla braves it all. In a greenhouse
[attachment 3320 rhopalophylla6.jpg]

[David_L]

Looks like you've been watering that. Isn't it their rest period?

[iann]

[quote]Isn't it their rest period?[/quote]

Apparently not

Fenestraria grow strongly in both spring and autumn. I water them year round, there is nothing to be gained by allowing them to shrivel up either during a winter drought or a lengthy baking summer dormancy. They are often described as a winter grower and there are reasons to expect they would be completely opportunistic and grow whenever temperatures are moderate, light is good, and some water is available, but they do appear to show a distinct mid-winter pause even under lights.

This one is growing particularly strongly. It is an old plant which had been somewhat neglected, you can still see some of the old slightly yellow leaves. All the new blue-green leaves have grown in less than a year.

[Peter]

Ian: have you encountered no problems using that 'Autumn Gold' top dressing?

Many of my plants seemed to stop growing until I replaced it with alpine grit type when repotting. I couldn't get rid of it soon enough when I identified the problem and now the plants seem much happier.

[iann]

It is actually Supamix Alpine Gold but it is a flint-based grit which should be similar to Autumn Gold. I test all new substances for pH and any strong carbonate reactions before I use them on my plants.

I haven't noticed any problems. Not every plant is in the same top dressing but I can guarantee that a good proportion of those that are in it are showing good growth. Here is an example that you might appreciate.

[Julie]

What a beauty! I love those leaves.. they look like eyes all watching what goes on around.

And love the daisy flower.

[Peter]

Ian: show me a Copiapoa and I sure will appreciate it!