[Arisaema-l] Cultivation of Arisaema

[Gordon Tingley]

Hello David,

 

When you mentioned bulbils from the exchange, are you are referring to seeds
received from the seed exchange? My experience (mind you- in a cooler
environment than yours ), has been that many seedling Arisaemas can go
dormant after a short growth period. This was especially the case when I
placed the freshly germinated seedlings in our unheated greenhouse. Summers
here aren't all that hot, but the greenhouse frequently heads into the 90 to
95 F range. Since my first efforts at growing Arisaemas from seed, I try to
keep the small plants as cool as possible (most of the ones I like to grow
are Japanese, Chinese or from the Himalayan region). Any plants that are
stretching toward sunlight would suggest to me that they could use a bit
more sun. I tried windowsill culture- attempting to start the seeds as early
as possible, and ended up with stringy, straggly seedlings that didn't bulk
up very much.

 

Any of your seedlings that have withered, have likely gone dormant. My first
batch of Arisaema consanguineum  went dormant early, so I screened the
little tuberlets out of the soil, popped them in ziplock bags and put them
in the crisper in the fridge for 2 to 3 months, and started them up again,
to help them add bulk more quickly. It worked! Most of my plats are potted
in a commercial, peat based potting mix, perhaps with a little added compost
or a bit of timed release fertilizer. Soil that resembles woodland humus
seems to work well for me, as long as watering is steady during active
growth, and as long as the leaves are green. Once the foliage starts tto
wither, I taper off the water, and prepare to send the tuberlets into an
artificial winter, before getting them going again. This method has helped
me push seedlings through at least two growth cycles per year, shortening
the wait for blooming sized plants.

 

I hope this helps you.

 

Cheers,

 

Gordon in Nova Scotia

 

From: arisaema-l-bounces at science.uu.nl
[mailto:arisaema-l-bounces at science.uu.nl] On Behalf Of DAVID LEEDY
Sent: Wednesday, July 03, 2013 3:40 PM
To: Arisaema Enthusiast Group (AEG) Discussion List (and other hardy Aroids
Subject: [Arisaema-l] Cultivation of Arisaema

 

I realize this is a difficult question without being species specific, but
would appreciate ideas and suggestions.

 

I have planted approximately 50 bubils of Arisaema from last year's seed
distribution.  Approximately 35 + or so  sprouted, which I consider quite
satisfactory.  However, after growing for a two weeks or more, sometimes 6+
weeks, the little plants are starting to fade.

 

I have them in 3" pots in partial shade (brief morning sun).  I noticed some
of them leaning towards the light.  Does this indicate they need more direct
sun light?

 

Many are now withering and going down.  Do they require a certain soil
acidity/alkalinity?

 

It seems to make little difference as to whether I withhold water or keep
them moist.  Any suggestions?  Should they be treated differently on really
hot days (over 95+ degrees F.).  Generally I water them almost daily more
when the weather is hot (over 100 degree F.).

 

My soil is a sand and hums mix with perlite, so it drains very easily.  Is
this appropriate or what do you suggest?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

David Leedy

 

 

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