Ok time for my own question. I'm at the office all day and I'm afriad to leave my bush outside during the week incase of one of our unexpected Central Florida downpours. I've read so many warnings against over watering, I just don't want to take the risk. So during the week my MF is confined to an upstairs window with a plastic bag over it to combat against indoor airconditioning. Every day when I get home I take the bag off for afew min to change the air. By the 3rd day my peat has mold on it! How do you guys fight this problem, or are you all able to keep your plants outside? I put mine on the front porch yesterday because it's covered and has shrubs partly shading it, but when I got home the afternoon sun had taken quite a toll! -piri

Now on national network TV too. This morning on the Today Show, they tasted "magic berry" during a fashion segment. I wasn't really watching, I don't know if they were promoting a "magic berry" clothing line or what. By the time it caught my attention they were tasting lemons and mustard and stuff, with ooohs and aaahs. So if you thought these bushes were rare before, they're even more scarce now and probably more expensive. By the time my tiny seedlings grow up though, the fad will likely be over. Yes Lynne, excruciatingly slow growers. I have been saving miracle fruit berries in the freezer for now. I wonder how well the miraculin property will hold up?

Thanks for the note back scottrell. I think I'll go with your advice. Purchased my MF plant maybe 2 years ago at Jene's Tropicals and it has always been very healthy. Produced about 30 fruit this past year and I've always babied it. Doesn't look as though there is any infestation and I am always certain to make sure the soil is acidic. There was even new green growth about a month ago.... Tomorrow I think what I'll do is empty it from it's pot, disinfect the clay pot and repot the whole plant into the same pot. Do you think I should remove any dead or dying leaves? I really don't want this little guy to go through any additional stress. Another thought I had, that I read somewhere, was to enclose the whole plant and pot into a plastic garbage bag with a bowl of water underneath, cut a few holes and let the humidity take over in a shady outdoor spot. Any thoughts on that approach? Again, thanks for the note back, Sue

Everything I have read, and my limited personal experience, stresses that any combination of regular potting soil is fatal to miracle fruit. The recommended mixture is 50/50 perlite and pure peat moss, with good drainage, but never let it completely dry out. You can also add up to 20% used coffee grounds to the mixture. I'm using this mix on my larger plants & seedlings here in CT, and they are doing great. A little acidic fertilizer during the growing season may be a good idea too. It sounds like the problems started when you repotted in the inferior mixture. Don't cheap out in this area. Let us know how you make out with this. Good luck! --Rick in CT