Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2000 08:41:37 -0400 From: "Steven Stewart" <steven.stewart@worldnet.att.net> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg1878$foo@default> Subject: Darlingtonia californica heat tolerance
Hello,
Steven Stewart here,
I recieved two Darlingtonia several months ago (Thanks Clide) and from past
experience in Colorado, expected fatal problems, here in Florida, with
temperatures above 80-90F.. To my surprise both plants are thriving. The
daytime temperatures are on average 87-93F. with night temps. around 68-72F.
In Colorado, when the temperatures were above 80F. severe wilt occured in
our plants, and unless cooled rapidly death was very quick.
The main differences (other than my age) are geographic location, I am using
a living media of Sphagnum, Polytrichum, and a native liverwort Palavicia
(spelling ?), and reverse osmosis water. The Darlingtonia are also over
potted in a 14" pot. The plants have been in continuous growth and are
increasing in size from around 5-6" tall leaves to 10" and a flower bud has
appeared. I am wondering if anyone has done work to discover why this
species is "heat intolerant" or if water uptake potential can be increased
symbiotically in culture. The summer is young and many days of heat are sure
to take a toll, but I am at present not expecting any severe decline,
barring fire by Florida's current drought conditions.
Just thought an "on" topic subject might be of interest.
Take care,
Steven Stewart,
Sanford, Fl. USA
ps Has anyone made the cross Nepenthes bicalcarata x N. rafflesiana? Cliff
Dodd produced some seed of this cross that are showing quite a bit of vigor.
I am wanting to know if there has been a hybrid name given for this cross
yet?
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