LJ Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 Hi all Whats the best potting mix for Roridula Gorgonia (just got some seeds)? Also, any advice on germinating/growing conditions would be appreciated. Thanks Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petesredtraps Posted February 11, 2008 Report Share Posted February 11, 2008 Heather, last summer I gave mine a re-pot.I used the basic CP mix, peat moss/perlite/sand,but made the mix a little sandier as where they grow in the wild it's quite sandy.Regarding seeds some of the experienced growers will have to advise on that.While you're sorting out the seeds,why not treat yourself to an actual plant? Triffid Nurseries have them,that's where I got mine,the ones they have at the momment aren't a bad size.Mine was a puny little thing when I got it, but it's not anymore . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LJ Posted February 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 Thanks for the info Petesredtraps. Atleast I know to make the mix a bit sandier now.......... Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Hingst Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 (edited) Hello Heather, although I am not one of these experienced growers (I killed my Roridula plants ) I would suggest to keep it not too dry, and therefore not too sandy in the soil, as it grows in wetter places as e.g. R. dentata. Of more importance may be a good air movement - stagnant, humid air is said to be amongst the worst Roridula killers! The seeds will need special treatment to germinate, as Roridula are germinating after bush fires in the wild. Smoke pads should work, or let the seeds soak in hot (60°C) water, and/or do some scarification of the seed coat. I did have success with a combination of the latter two. Regards Martin Edited February 12, 2008 by Martin Hingst Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LJ Posted February 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 So just sprinking them on the media surface wont work then! If I soak them, how long should I do it for?? I think I remember reading that high humidity can be a problem for these plants, does the humidity need to be low or just not high if that makes sense? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Hingst Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I soaked them for one day, with one time replacement of the water by new, hot one. Well, the plant normally loves a high humidity - the area of the Fernkloof Reserve where R. gorgonias grows is humid all year, close to the coast (Hermanus), the wet winds from the ocean are condensing on the inland mountains what leads to high humidity (around 80%, seldom lower 70%, sometimes above 90%) and a high moisture in the soil, nearly all year round. But - fresh, cool, windy, humid air on the coast is a totally different thing than stagnant, warm humid air in e.g. a greenhouse! So, if you cannot provide fresh air, you will be on the safer side with a lower humidity - the plant will tolerate that. Regards Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LJ Posted February 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 Thank you very much for your reply Martin, that certainly helps Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davy Posted February 13, 2008 Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 Heather, Have you read this ? http://www.drosophyllum.com/english/e-roridula.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LJ Posted February 13, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 Many thanks for the link Davy, very useful guide for Roridula Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petesredtraps Posted February 13, 2008 Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 (edited) I'm not sure about too much humidity, I think our climate is adequate.Mine grows on a south facing windowsill in an un heated room,on a nice day I open the window,Roridula onjoy fresh air circulation,remember that. Here's how mine looked this morning- Edited February 13, 2008 by petesredtraps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.