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IAS Aroid Quasi Forum
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This is a continuously updated archive of the Aroid-L mailing list in a forum format - not an actual Forum. If you want to post, you will still need to register for the Aroid-L mailing list and send your postings by e-mail for moderation in the normal way.
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Proud mama (arums)
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From: Ellen Hornig <hornig at Oswego.EDU> on 1997.01.13 at 15:23:54(112)
Much to my amazement and delight, arum seeds planted a year ago
September have, in fact, germinated, and are putting up their
first leaves (A. gratum, korolkowii, and orientale). The percentages
so far are not high - roughly 15% - but they're only just peeking
up, so maybe more will show. I'm so proud! :-)
And now a question (to justify cluttering the airwaves with gratuitous
boasting) - has anyone on the list had experience growing the above
species outdoors, and if so, under what conditions? Winter lows?
Snow cover? I know they're only 1/4" high, but I like to plan ahead....
Ellen, in the frozen north of upstate NY
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From: W T McClure <W.T.McClure at durham.ac.uk> on 1997.01.14 at 17:13:45(125)
I've been itching to ask a couple of questions but, as all other
'beginners' on the list can sympathise with, I've refrained from asking
for fear of being branded a moron. However, i ask myself these questions
over and over again because the subjects come up time and again. First,
why is that when aroid tubers go dormant do growers generally stick them
in a box or what have you? What's wrong with leaving them in the pot to
grow again? Presumably, in the wild they don't get up and go into a cave
to rest. Is it because the potting medium is exhausted of nutrients? The
other question is how do you deal with sowing seeds that take up to a year
or more to germinate? Do you vigilantly keep the seed compost moist at
just the oh-so-right level for such an incredibly long time? Is it
possible to germinate these seeds in the home or is equipment associated
with glasshouse or conservatories necessary? I imagine
that people who regularly sow aroids seeds must have a large number of
seed pans scattered everywhere as well as growing plants. The attention
and organisation involved in keeping track of these 'lifeless' seeds and
their environment would seem to me mind-boggling. I guess love knows no
bounds (barf!). I know that when I try to germinate seeds outside of
early spring they almost always don't germinate and rot, or they germinate
and rot anyway.
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Thanks for any info.
Sincerely
Wiliam Perez
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From: Don Burns <burns at mobot.org> on 1997.01.14 at 18:44:23(126)
On Tue, 14 Jan 1997, William Perez wrote:
> I've been itching to ask a couple of questions but, as all other
> 'beginners' on the list can sympathise with, I've refrained from asking
> for fear of being branded a moron....
William,
I have found that everyone on this list is most tolerant of those of us
who need some basic information. It turns out that we all were in that
place at some time or other. It is also clear that there is not much
information in print on the horticultural treatment of aroids. But this
may be due to the fact that the genera are so diverse in habitats and
growing habits. I don't know how many plant genera have both tuberous
and non-tuberous plants, but this in itself makes handling Araceae unique.
In the case of Amorphophallus I have learned from Wilbert Hetterscheid
that certain tubers of this genus can be removed from the medium while
dormant while others must stay in medium. (See the web site pages for
this info.) I have also been told that Drancontium reacts negatively to
the disturbance of its root system. Certainly Guanghua Zhu can elaborate
on this for us. So ask away - many of us will benefit from hearing the
answers to your questions.
As for germinating seeds, I am fortunate to live in a climate that will
allow this to be done outside at almost any time of the year. But I
still provide the seed with protection from the elements. I have found
that the disposable plastic containers, many of which come from
bakeries are very useful for germination. I cannot speak for the UK,
but here bakeries will probably give some away. They can also be
purchased at stores that specialize in selling ingrediants for bakers and
candy makers. The containers are very handy because they can be closed
to maintain humidity at high levels, and since they are clear one can see
what is going on inside without opening them, similar to an incubator.
I have also germinated seed inside of plastic bags as Ellen has, but I
like the plastic containers because they provide physical protection as
well. Since these clear plastic containers are hard they can be stacked,
thus saving even more space.
I am sure some of the other list members will have their own unique
solutions.
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Don
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From: Ellen Hornig <hornig at Oswego.EDU> on 1997.01.15 at 00:01:19(128)
On Tue, 14 Jan 1997, W T McClure wrote:
> I've been itching to ask a couple of questions but, as all other
> 'beginners' on the list can sympathise with, I've refrained from asking
> for fear of being branded a moron. However, i ask myself these questions
> over and over again because the subjects come up time and again. First,
> why is that when aroid tubers go dormant do growers generally stick them
> in a box or what have you? What's wrong with leaving them in the pot to
> grow again? Presumably, in the wild they don't get up and go into a cave
> to rest. Is it because the potting medium is exhausted of nutrients? The
Answering for myself - I only do this for aroids that I don't trust to
winter over successfully in pots, frozen solid (i.e. many arisaemas).
They take up a whole lot less space packed in bags or boxes, in peat moss,
in the refrigerator, than they would in pots.....go figure. Pinellias
and hardy arisaemas *do* stay in their pots. As to medium deteriorating -
yes, that's a valid concern with soilless mixes. They do start to break
down and get dense and wet after a year. Nutrients can be (are)
provided artificially.
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> other question is how do you deal with sowing seeds that take up to a year
> or more to germinate? Do you vigilantly keep the seed compost moist at
> just the oh-so-right level for such an incredibly long time? Is it
> possible to germinate these seeds in the home or is equipment associated
> with glasshouse or conservatories necessary? I imagine
> that people who regularly sow aroids seeds must have a large number of
> seed pans scattered everywhere as well as growing plants. The attention
> and organisation involved in keeping track of these 'lifeless' seeds and
> their environment would seem to me mind-boggling. I guess love knows no
> bounds (barf!). I know that when I try to germinate seeds outside of
> early spring they almost always don't germinate and rot, or they germinate
> and rot anyway.
Arisaemas only take a few weeks to germinate, hence are no more of a problem
in that respect than any other seed. I start those indoors, under lights,
partly because it works well for me, partly because they develop slowly
enough that I needn't worry about them outgrowing their community pots
and needing transplanting, etc., and partly because it's something to do
in January. The arums of which I spoke the other
day - the ones that take 16 months - are sowed when received (fall/winter),
after a 2-day water soak (w/ a few changes) and the pots set on the
basement floor in out of the way places such as dank corners, under the
work sink, etc. Pots may be covered loosely, individually, with a
plastic bag, and ignored until spring (though I do check occasionally
in case something unexpected happens). In spring, the pots are moved out
to the shadehouse (plastic covers removed) and left to enjoy whatever
treatment nature affords. In fall, they are brought back in and left,
once again, on the basement floor. None of this requires much labor,
attention, or specialized equipment. As to the amount of love involved -
boundless, no doubt (retch). But do the seeds care?
Ellen
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From: plantnut at shadow.net (Dewey Fisk) on 1997.01.15 at 00:04:39(129)
William Perez...
Sorry I can't help with the seed portion of your message.. But, the reason
I unpot my tubers is so that I can watch for fungus. Also, to harvest the
'babies'.
Dewey
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> I've been itching to ask a couple of questions but, as all other
>'beginners' on the list can sympathise with, I've refrained from asking
>for fear of being branded a moron. However, i ask myself these questions
>over and over again because the subjects come up time and again. First,
>why is that when aroid tubers go dormant do growers generally stick them
>in a box or what have you? What's wrong with leaving them in the pot to
>grow again? Presumably, in the wild they don't get up and go into a cave
>to rest. Is it because the potting medium is exhausted of nutrients?
Dewey E. Fisk, Plant Nut
THE PHILODENDRON PHREAQUE
Davie, Florida 33328
FAX: (954) 680-0305
e-mail: plantnut@shadow.net
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From: grsjr at juno.com (George R Stilwell, Jr.) on 1997.01.15 at 04:03:49(135)
Wiliam,
I leave my tubers in the ground.
On the long germinating seeds, use the Norman Deno method. It takes
practically no space, assures moisture will be there, and lends itself to
cold stratification in the refrigerator if needed.
Dr. Deno's address and the price of his book and supplement were in a
recent posting on Aroid-L. Buy both. You need the original and the
supplement is well worth the modest price.
Ray
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GRSJr@Juno.com
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From: Rand Nicholson <writserv at nbnet.nb.ca> on 1997.01.15 at 16:56:14(139)
>On Tue, 14 Jan 1997, William Perez wrote:
>> I've been itching to ask a couple of questions but, as all other
>> 'beginners' on the list can sympathise with, I've refrained from asking
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>> for fear of being branded a moron....
>
>William,
>I have found that everyone on this list is most tolerant of those of us
>who need some basic information. It turns out that we all were in that
>place at some time or other. It is also clear that there is not much
>information in print on the horticultural treatment of aroids. But this
>may be due to the fact that the genera are so diverse in habitats and
>growing habits. I don't know how many plant genera have both tuberous
>and non-tuberous plants, but this in itself makes handling Araceae unique.
>
>In the case of Amorphophallus I have learned from Wilbert Hetterscheid
>that certain tubers of this genus can be removed from the medium while
>dormant while others must stay in medium. (See the web site pages for
>(Snip)
>I have also germinated seed inside of plastic bags as Ellen has, but I
>like the plastic containers because they provide physical protection as
>well. Since these clear plastic containers are hard they can be stacked,
>thus saving even more space.
>
>I am sure some of the other list members will have their own unique
>solutions.
>
>Don
Yogurt tubs with clear plastic _Dairy Queen_ tops. Excellent for
germination! You make holes in them with a Bic lighter for drainage and
aeration.
Unh ... eat the product first.
Rand
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