Re: Tissue culture question/cultivation practices

Dear Alison,

I have read all the replies, but wonder if Agristarts will be willing to tissue culture this plant. My guess is that they will only do so if it is financially a good move by them.
 If you fail with Agristarts, it just MIGHT be a more viable solution to try to replicate it by division.  You say that the owner ''can not divide it'', but maybe if you suggest different (better?) cultural practices, the plant just might be ''encouraged'' to develop divisions.  A while ago Pete Boyce described how certain Alocasias grow in the wild (under natural conditions).   That most in cultivation seem to develop too-long/tall rhizomes and then fall over was explained by the fact that in nature, the leaf fall in the jungle is SO heavy that new litter/compost is constantly being developed around an Alocasia`s elongating/taller rhizome into which supporting roots are produced.  Pete suggested planting these type of Alocasias deeper within a deep pot, leaving space above the original ''soil'' surface within the pot to which leaf compost could be added as the rhizome increased in length.   Some Alocasias also grow seemingly too-tall, then lean/fall over and grow along the ground.  At this stage off-shoots may be produced back along the recumbently growing rhizome, this may be what you guys want to replicate in this one plant, and the off-shoots can be removed.  You could also cut the now way-too-long horizontal rhizome back near its base once there are roots nearer to the growing ''head'', off-shoots will then be produced from joints along the basal section.  Regular fertilization with a WEAK liquid fertilizer will hasten growth.

Good Luck,

Julius

From: STARSELL@aol.com
Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 19:04:19 -0500
To: aroid-l@gizmoworks.com
Subject: [Aroid-l] Tissue culture question

All,
 
Would anyone here have a recommendation for a tissue
culture lab experienced in aroids?  Specifically Alocasia.
 
I have found one Alocasia x chantrieri and the owner
cannot divide it.  It may be the only one - it seems I have
searched the world. 
 
Any help will be much appreciated!
 
 
Regards,
 
Alison Robinson



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