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[mbosold at meijergardens.org]

hardy  Aroids)" <ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL>
From: Mike Bosold <mbosold at MEIJERGARDENS.ORG>
Subject: Re: Arisamea bulb storage
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David, I will give you a brief summary of my work with A. triphyllum and =my
storage techniques.  When I get them germinated I move them from the mist=ing
bench to the normal greenhouse.  This allows them to dry out a little and
get 'tough'.  I do still water but allow the soil to dry slightly.  I als=o
use a very dilute solution of fertilizer.  They (the leaves/leaf) will br=own
up and witheraway (about 6 weeks or so), when I see this I let the soil d=ry
almost completely out, then remove the bulbs.  I take them (now soilless)
and put them into a Ziploc bag with moist New Zealand peat moss.  The key
here is moist, how do I get it moist and not wet?  Good Question.  I take
the bag, fill it about half full of moss and pile in the water.  I shut t=he
bag, let the moss take up some moisture and then invert the bag and
physically squeeze the moss until almost no water comes out.  This leaves
the moss moist but not wet, which will rot the bulbs, definitely a crucia=l
factor when dealing with older and mature bulbs, especially with bulblets
attached.  The moss fluffs up and I make a pocket , put the bulbs in , an=d
put into a cooler set between 35-45 F.  I leave them for about 3 months, =pot
them up and put 'em on the mist bench again.  I have successfully germina=ted
close to 100% and have produced bulbs in one year that are the same size =as
three year olds.  They are producing bulblets now and I think the next
planting will see them actually flower.  I like the moss beacuse it: reta=ins
moisture and air without stifling the resting bulbs, is easy to get 'mois=t
but not wet', and it's uniform and reliable.

Hope this helps...
Mike

Michael Bosold
Outdoor Horticulturist
Frederik Meijer Gardens
1000 East Beltline Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
ph. 616-977-7694
fax.616-975-9545
mbosold at meijergardens.org
www.meijergardens.org
Zone 5




-----Original Message-----
From: Arisaema Enthusiast Group (AEG) Discussion List (and other hardy
Aroids) [mailto:ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL]On Behalf Of Mellard, David
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2001 10:12 AM
To: ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL
Subject: Arisamea bulb storage


I'd appreciate getting some advice about handling Arisaema. bulbs.  I hav=e a
variety of bulbs that I'm trying to decide how best to store before
planting. I know that most do not tolerate a wet winter and so have sever=al
options.  I live in Zone 7, Atlanta, with mild, wet winters.

1.      Plant them now and cover to prevent rain from keeping the soil we=t.
The only problem now is that the soil is damp from recent rains so I woul=d
need to wait until the soil dried somewhat before planting.

2.      Store them in paper bags in the basement until spring.

3.      Store them in the refrigerator in paper bags.  I have a small
refrigerator in the basement but storage would be cramped.

4.      Plant them in slightly damp soil in pots and keep the pots in the
basement.  I've always considered this a rather tricky approach of keepin=g
the soil damp but not too wet so as to prevent rot.  Or, keep the soil dr=y.

Thanks for your help
David