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Post by rainforest on Mar 22, 2008 10:00:28 GMT -10
Since we're all running out of bench space, growing nepenthes in hanging baskets creates a new environment for growers. Media suggestions, watering techniques, to have a saucer or not, providing an environment that both hangers and bench dwellers below can compromise on. Also discussion on specific ailments that hanging basket growers can watch out for and reduce problems with.
Michael
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Post by rainforest on Mar 26, 2008 11:06:38 GMT -10
For the most part, I view growing of nepenthes in hanging baskets (no matter what size) is a temporary container eventually to be moved up to a more permanent situation, sooner or later. The majority of hanging baskets today are being made where the catch drain is internally. This has some advantages as well as disadvantages. For some swamp-dwelling species, this is a plus, but for epiphytic types, this may lead to some problems. The best situation where a hanging basket container works is where plants are subject to higher air circulation and where plants are allowed to dry off. This drying also serves to make these plants absorb more moisture, nutrients and in turn grow faster and more uniform. For the nursery industry where hanging baskets are incorporated, many have done very well growing N. Miranda, Ventrata, etc. to perfection. The concept for growing for hanging basket export is to produce a full multi-pitchered specimen that can be sleeved and packed for shipping. The growing of a hanging basket specimen for the commercial aspect is to place a single start or as some do, multiple starts in a single pot. The method we as collectors will grow these is to have just one plant to start with in each. The nursery will get the start to grow profusely, then stop by and cut off the terminal. This will leave a plant with an established base, full of roots and lots of lower leaves. Side shoots will emerge and soon take over the pot making a very full specimen. All species from all regions can grow well in a hanging basket if it is allowed to dry off between watering. But some species and their hybrids actually like to have wet feet. N. bicalcarata, thorelii, mirabilis, are some that like to be wet. Plants sitting in water have shown no discomfort or irregular growths being wet. It is interesting to note that hanging basket plants when grown in an atmosphere of drying-out conditions have actually developed very extensive root systems within the confines of their pot.
M
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