Re: Sparmannia africana
Susan George wrote:
>
> Hi
>
> I know I'm a little late re the discussion on Sparmannia - but does anyone
> else have trouble with chlorotic leaves (particularly the older ones) - have
> have assumed that it was iron deficiency - but my soil is fairly neutral -
> iron chelates doesn't seem to have any effect.
>
> Any ideas? What are its natural conditions?
>
> I can remember reading somewhere that it is often used in pots near cafes
> and regularly survives on coffee grounds - which would suggest that it does
> like acidic conditions.
>
> Regardless it is still a great plant - and often grown around here on the
> coast.
Hi Susan
My book says indigenous to tropical and temperate southern Africa...
Plants need a sunny position with shelter from wind and frost and
well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Keep the soil moist
during the active growth period.
There is no mention of it needing specially acid conditions.
Could your yellow leaves perhaps be a reaction to rather low winter
temperatures? It seems to like a good warm climate, being scarcely known
this side of the Tasman.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata,
New Zealand (astride the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
