Using large rocks for growth media.
orchidnick
10 years ago
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orchidnick
10 years agoorchidnick
10 years agoRelated Discussions
Growth media for fern spores
Comments (4)A couple things worth mentioning... My preferred fern spore medium so far is a potting mix called "Metro-Mix 360". It's fairly sterile already, so further sterilization isn't really necessary. Agar's good for a few species, but there's a lot of stuff that just won't grow well on it. The things I know do well on it are the climbing ferns (genus Lygodium) and Ceratopteris. The things I know don't do well on it are all the members of Pteridaceae that I've tried. With regards to jello, the main reason I can think of not to use it is that it has a low melting temperature, just above room temperature; stick it under fluorescent lights with spores on it for a few weeks and I figure you've got 50/50 odds at best of getting happy little gametophytes growing on gelatin rather than just a puddle with half-germinated spores floating around in it. Rather than the lab-grade expensive agar, you can also get food-grade agar at some oriental food places and so forth for much cheaper. How long they take varies greatly with species and conditions. Under banks of fluorescent lights on agar, you can get Lygodium to go from spore to sporophyte in a couple weeks less than a semester. On a north-facing windowsill in Metro-Mix I got some Wright's cliffbrake (Pellaea wrightiana) to go from spore to sporophyte in a couple of weeks. Generally, for good development you want bright indirect light and temps in the low-mid 70's. Lower temperatures might not be a problem, but I know that either high temperatures or direct sunlight (which presumably causes high temps) cause major problems. Patrick Alexander...See MoreNeed Help. Large Jade Possible rot??? Root Pix, potting media
Comments (7)Dave I am not sure if keeping the root ball under grow light is a good idea - I would think it will dry out the roots too much? I could be wrong, but I would just let it sit on something absorbent (newspaper, kitchen towels) and let it air dry. Josh, Jeff - you guys know more so please correct me if wrong. From the photo, the 'washing' was good enough and roots look good. Ends of trunk don't show any rotting (dark&mushy/soft). Part of trunk that was under the soil is dark and I would think that's the reason (normal) for discoloration, not to be concerned about. If you touch/gently squeeze it and it is firm, it should be just fine. If soft, that is likely sign of rotting. I believe it is healthy. Rina...See MoreDwarf tree container question: how to stunt growth? Large bonsai?
Comments (18)If you are going to plant directly into the yellow container (with the understanding that when it comes time to root prune or repot, you may need to destroy it to get the tree out) then no rocks or anything else at the bottom other than a screen to keep the potting soil from washing through the drainage hole. Then fill the entire pot to the level you want the tree to be with a good quality bark based potting soil. If you have access to Bumper Crop, look for the acid planting mix offered by the same supplier - it is what all of my 30 or so containerized maples are planted in. Carefully loosen the maple from the nursery pot and gently massage the rootball to loosen it up, then place it in the container. Fill around the rootball with more of the potting soil - but not over the top - firming it in well. Again, I'd direct you to the two threads from the Container Gardening forum I linked to in your other posting. They will explain in more detail about the type of potting soil you should be using and container planting aftercare....See MoreAlmost all of my shrubs and large vines are showing stunted growth
Comments (9)We'd love to help you out but honestly, there is just not enough information provided to make anything more than some broad assumptions or wild guesses. Were all the affected plants planted at the same time? Have you ever had a soil test done? Have you dug up any of the plants and examined the roots? How are the plants cared for.........fertilizing? mulching? watering? Are you close to any neighbors who might use pesticides? I would expect this to be a below ground issue :-) Meaning that something in the soil (or missing from the soil) is causing the problems. Might be insects or other soil organisms; might be nutrient issues; might be applied chemicals that have percolated through the soil to contaminate your plantings. Does the UofG have a plant pathology lab to do a proper diagnosis and evaluation of the affected plants?...See Moreorchidnick
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10 years agojane__ny
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10 years agoKerry Rae
8 years agoKerry Rae
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agojane__ny
8 years agoKerry Rae
8 years ago
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