Re: Arisaema, Amorphophallus, etc
Hello Kitt,
Did your Arisaema thumbergii bloom this year? If they bloom, but do not set
seed, they will go dormant earlier. If seeds are present they will stick around
much longer in order to mature the seed heads. Which, incidentally, are as showy
as some of the flowers. This species should be doing fine for you. You have
describe perfect planting conditions for it and if I can grow it here is less
ideal conditions.....
All of these need a bit of patience. Most tubers sold are two to three years
old or divisions. It takes 4 or 5 years to first bloom and then a year or two for
them produce seeds. One of the reasons for the cost on mature tubers. Occasionally
all these can sulk for a year or more. Mark the site with a stick and leave it
alone. I have had the Voodoo Lily come up after 4 years of dormancy... and bloom
to perfection. I have two species that do not show their noses until middle of
July here in my garden.
Almost all of my Arisaema and cousins are in raised bed conditions, but
somewhat heavy soil. A mulch of chopped leaves is used each fall. That is it. I am
on the north side of a hill with high open shade.
More than anything else I think patience is one of the larger elements of
success with this family.
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Kitt <kitt@kaboodle.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 04, 1999 6:42 AM
Subject: Arisaema, Amorphophallus, etc
> > I'm with you, Gene....here's a photo of one of the Cobra Lilies, Arisaema
> > griffithii var. pradhanii - very like the one I found a few years ago that
> > turned me into and Arisaema nut.....how can you resist plants like these?
> > The world of Aroids is strange and wondrous....actually pretty incredible.
>
> This was the first spring for my Arisaema thunbergii, and it went dormant
> back in July...sigh...(I'm going to beleive DORMANT rather than DEAD)
>
> My amorphophallus konjac and Sauromatum venosum have both
> reappeared in early June here in Zone 7 for the last two years.
> They're in truly spectacular soil (very hard worked for here in
> the land of clay/chirt), beautifully shaded from hot afternoon sun,
> and lovingly hand watered when needed.
> But once again this year, they've both already gone dormant.
> I'm trying to ascertain if it's too much/little light, too much/little water,
> too hot, etc..
>
> This year, both produced baby plantlets, so I don't think they can be
> too miserable, but I'd love to hear from folks that have these truly
> thriving and blooming, exactly what conditions they're growing them in.
> Thanks in advance.
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