VFT's from flower spikes
bertozzi.terry@wpo.pi.sa.gov.au
Mon, 12 Feb 1996 08:39:59 +0930
Many moons ago, some of you may have recalled that Russell Elliot
mentioned that he had successfully used VFT flower spikes for cuttings.
As I religiously remove the flower spikes as they emerge anyway, I
decided to put his observations to the test. Once detached from the
parent plant, the spikes were just stuck into peat/sand and sat in a
water tray next to my Sarracenia. The tops began to wither and die, but
I was surprised on the weekend to find new plants growing at the base of
the spikes. I also tried a couple in Sphagnum but perhaps the medium
was too wet and so the cuttings didn't make it. A third cutting was
placed on its side just under the Sphagnum and I have big hopes for this
one as it appears that small shoots are begining to form along it.
I guess next year it will be a matter of how small the spikes can be cut
and still produce plantlets. Well done for your observation Russell :)
Cheers
Terry