Amorphophallus growing season (was konjac ques.)

From: markdim at azstarnet.com (Mark A. Dimmitt) on 1997.09.07 at 01:59:14(1169) I've been growing several species in my greenhouse at 32 degrees north latitude (Tucson, Arizona) for several to many years. My A. konjac, paeoniifolius, bulbifer, Syndandrospadix verm., and Pseudodracontium sp. are all very seasonal. Though they sprout at very different times in spring, they all go dormant in September or October. The Pseudodrac. may keep its leaves all winter, but stops producing new ones. My A. titanum and atroviridis are completely aseasonal. I've watched the two clones of titanum most closely. They produce a leaf that lasts 12 to 15 months, then drop it for a few weeks to two months. This year they both lost their leaves in mid August, and are already pushing new ones. Now for my question: My larger titanum will probably hit my 10-foot roof this time. Is there any way to shorten the petiole without harming the growth of the tuber? Can't grow them outdoors here - all of my amorphos are killed by a few weeks of 105+ (40 C) temps. Mark +More *************************************************************** Mark Dimmitt Tucson, Arizona USA ***************************************************************

From: plantnut at shadow.net (Dewey Fisk) on 1997.09.07 at 03:15:01(1171) Mark About all I can suggest is to dig a deep hole in the floor of you greenhouse.... Dewey +More >Now for my question: My larger titanum will probably hit my 10-foot roof >this time. Is there any way to shorten the petiole without harming the >growth of the tuber? Can't grow them outdoors here - all of my amorphos are >killed by a few weeks of 105+ (40 C) temps. Dewey E. Fisk, Plant Nut THE PHILODENDRON PHREAQUE

From: "Carlo A. Balistrieri" <cabalist at facstaff.wisc.edu> on 1997.09.07 at 03:20:01(1172) >Now for my question: My larger titanum will probably hit my 10-foot roof >this time. Is there any way to shorten the petiole without harming the >growth of the tuber? Can't grow them outdoors here - all of my amorphos are >killed by a few weeks of 105+ (40 C) temps. No question about it Mark, you're going to have to dig a big hole in the greenhouse floor and lower the pot into it! Carlo +More Carlo A. Balistrieri, J.D. Email: CABalist@facstaff.wisc.edu P.O. Box 327 Ashippun, WI 53003-0327 U.S.A. Voice: 414.569.1902 Telefax: same number, please call ahead.

From: Rand Nicholson <writserv at nbnet.nb.ca> on 1997.09.07 at 15:28:48(1174) >Now for my question: My larger titanum will probably hit my 10-foot roof >this time. Is there any way to shorten the petiole without harming the >growth of the tuber? Can't grow them outdoors here - all of my amorphos are >killed by a few weeks of 105+ (40 C) temps. > >Mark +More Wow! You could dig a hole or raise the roof ...? Rand

From: "Julius Boos" <ju-bo at classic.msn.com> on 1997.09.07 at 15:32:55(1175) ---------- Sent: Saturday, September 06, 1997 11:20 PM To: ju-bo@msn.com +More Subject: Re: Amorphophallus growing season (was konjac ques.) >Now for my question: My larger titanum will probably hit my 10-foot roof >this time. Is there any way to shorten the petiole without harming the >growth of the tuber? Can't grow them outdoors here - all of my amorphos are >killed by a few weeks of 105+ (40 C) temps. >>No question about it Mark, you're going to have to dig a big hole in the greenhouse floor and lower the pot into it!<< Carlo<< >>Carlo A. Balistrieri, J.D. Email: CABalist@facstaff.wisc.edu P.O. Box 327 Ashippun, WI 53003-0327 U.S.A. Voice: 414.569.1902 Telefax: same number, please call ahead.<< Remember to install a cheap sump pump with float system to keep this hole dry! To the many out there who have these larger species of Amorphophallus, bear in mind that eventually they produce the largest leaf of ANY plant, yes, even larger than the largest palm!!! Thirty feet tall, just as wide!! (Doubters, please see pg.72 of "Aroideana,Vol 17, 1994) It may be getting close to the time to begin a debate as to the ultimate goal of the devoted Amorphophiles who have invested their time (and yes, money) to this worthwhile project of bringing these very rare and little-known giants of the plant world into cultivation. This is the "flowering" of the dream of the late Dr. James R. Symon, who devoted a lot of his life to obtaining seed of these VERY rare plants for us, the "masses". Perhaps we need to canvas the larger botanic gardens of the world and attempt to locate one (or many) with the correct height of greenhouse, where several of the larger specimens that may survive to attain a "respectable" size, could be shipped to and cultivated together, so that when/if they bloom and we get lucky, we could attain pollenation for the first time under cultivation, and thereby obtain more seed. This seed could be re-introduced back into the wild in the future, when there are no more wild plants, or cultivated in greenhouses to provide the tubers for the people who presently rape the jungles for the valuable (to them) and at this time irreplacable adult breeding plants. Comments to the Aroid-L will be welcome. ju-bo@msn.com

From: Craig Smith <craigsmith at sprintmail.com> on 1997.09.09 at 02:38:06(1190) Mark, I've been reading for several days about your pending problems with the giant Arum. Perhaps it was my original question (or Don's posting) that prompted you to send this note and start the flow it suggestions. You might like to know that I can effect the height of my A. Konjacs by almost a factor of 2 by the brightness of light. On the off chance that your plant is in a darker area (in AZ???, right!!!!), I'd suggest that you get it into more light and even add some light. My largest one is 6 feet across but only 4 feet tall because it is in the direct sun for 5 hours a day. When I had it on the porch, it was not as far across or as thick a stem (by far) but it was taller. Also, they only grew tall (and stocky) when I put them in a large pot (2 ft) and much richer soil. Of course they didn't bloom either. But a friend (who I gave a tuber to) had it in a smallish pot in the sun and didn't water as much. Much to my surprise, he got a bloom this spring. I expect to have a couple of tubers this fall which are about 1500-2000 grams. How big are the tubers you have been describing??? My problem, as you might remember, is a short growing season since the oldest tuber only got up in August. I'm trying to extend the season by using 6 florescent bulbs over the plant from 6 to 10 PM. As you might also recall, I have been looking for a A. Titanum for a couple of years with no luck. On the chance that you might have a smaller tuber or offshoot that you could part with I thought I'd ask if you might consider a trade. I know that you mentioned that you already had A. Konjac (probably coming out your ears) but I heard that they don't 'flower' in the south because of the hot weather. I'd be very happy to trade one of mine which will almost certainly bloom. In fact, I'd even be happy to recharge it the next year for you if you send it back when it goes dormant. As for a Titanum, there are 2-3 greenhouses here that would be VERY pleased to babysit the Arum when it starts to frighten or attack my pets and friends. The folks at the Rochester Civic Garden Center would be especially interested as I have donated several dozen tubers for their plant sale in the last few years and they seem very intrigued with the photos I send along to help sell them and the article that was in the paper when the last one bloomed. In any case, this has been a realy interesting discussion. Regards, Craig

From: markdim at azstarnet.com (Mark A. Dimmitt) on 1997.09.09 at 13:03:49(1192) Thanks to Craig Smith for his suggestion of increasing light to shorten Amorphophallus petioles. Mine are in 2000 footcandles; I can probably move them toward the front of the house where I have 4000-5000. It's also hotter up front; hope heat doesn't stretch it! I hadn't heard that A. konjac doesn't flower in the South. Mine flowered in Tucson last winter; so did a friend's indoors. Greenhouse night temps ca. 55-60 F. I do have difficulty getting corms over 8" across with leaves 3' tall and wide; I can't believe some of the sizes I've read about in this forum recently. +More *************************************************************** Mark Dimmitt Tucson, Arizona USA ***************************************************************

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