Question about Grapsospadix (soil and rot)

[Russell Coker]

Hi Giorgio,

Thanks for the welcome.  I also ordered aff. grapsospadix for Chen Yi last
winter.  Mine arrived as yours did.  I planted it just under the surface of
the soil and left it outside during the cool winter, protecting it from
frosts and freezes.  It sprouted when the weather warmed in the spring and
bloomed.   The plant was fine all summer, then just melted after Katrina hit
at the end of August.  A couple of others did too, but earlier in the
summer.  Large black spots appeared on the leaves, like rotten spinach.  I
had hoped that the old plant would be replaced by new shoots, but it just
rotted away.  Its a pretty plant and I've ordered it again.  Incidentally,
the plant that arrived as A-112 is identical to the victoriae I purchased
from Arno last spring, neither has flowered but both seem healthy.

I've switched my plants to my bonsai soil mix, which is basically sifted
pine bark and crushed red lava rock.  It holds moisture but does not stay
wet, and the moisture content can be regulated be adjusting the bark/rock
ratio.  The rhizome bunch seems to dislike being planted too deeply.  Some
roots will even run around on the surface of the soil.  I also plan on doing
a better job of drenching the soil with a fungicide called "Subdue" this
next go-around, and I'm staying away from organic fertilizers too.

Thoughts anyone?

Russell
lovely Mobile, AL
8b


----- Original Message -----
From: "Giorgio Pozzi" <studiopozzitaubert at TISCALI.IT>
To: <ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL>
Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2005 7:23 AM
Subject: Question about Grapsospadix


> Hi everyone, I got today some A.Grapsospadix from Chen Yi, they have many
> roots and the stems were cut before shipping,yet wet when arrived, some
> new germs are growing, I read on Guy's book the plant is evergreen but
> couldn't get info about hardiness, I potted them and set in sheltered
> position, hoping someone can advice me how better grow the plants...
> Thanks.
> Giuorgio Pozzi
> North of Italy
> Hardiness 6/7
>