Re: Sprekelia formosissima
Moira wrote:
>I think the answer almost certainly lies in Dave's insistance on bright
>light at all times while in growth. I suspect I tended to give the pots
>a site a bit on the too shady side in the height of summer to prevent
>them drying out too easily.
I've found that this plant to be less tolerant of shade than its near
relatives the Hippeastrums and certainly in low light intensity areas
like the UK., it must be fully 'baked' in order to set flower buds.
It may be more tolerant of a slight amount of shade closer to the
tropics, but I doubt if will take more than 10% even in very sunny
climates. To get a good flowering here, it cannot be given any shade
at any time. By way of small consolation, it does appear to be
moderately tolerant of drying out for a short time even when in active
growth. However the ideal is masses of water, continuous sun and
regular (weekly) feeds of a good liquid fertiliser. If grown in a
gritty, soil based compost with perfect drainage, they cannot be
over-watered when in active growth.
I used to grow them in large, clay 'half pots' with the upper parts
of the bulb fully exposed. By late August, the pots were turned on
their sides facing the sun and allowed to 'roast', with no more water
given. Once fully dormant, the plants were taken indoors and
over-wintered in a very cool, bright position and watering was not
resumed until the first leaves started to show, the following spring.
Repotting was only carried out when absolutely necessary with the
bulbs being allowed to crowd the pots. I did however, replace the top
inch or so of compost every spring.
Dave Poole
TORQUAY UK
http://www.ilsham.demon.co.uk/gardenviews.html
