It may be the root structure. It is was not planted properly, the roots can be strangling each other. If the plant was root bound with the roots circling inside the pot, it could be they are now strangling each other if the roots structure was not opened up when it was planted. If you dig it up and replant it you can inspect the root structure. When transplanting, never let the roots dry out. A dry root is a dead root. It could be very sensitive to dry weather. If the weather becomes dry before the new growth fills out, it will dwarf the new growth. Dry weather will also cause a branch here or there to die. Most areas of the Pacific Northwest are notorious for dry summers. You may have to water this one and/or move it to a shadier area. It may be a variety that wants some shade. Some varieties can't stand a lot of sun and want part shade. If you do transplant it to a shadier location, check the roots to see if they need to be opened up.

Hi Aveo, As for your papilio with the split down the side, I know exactly what you mean and I have had MANY bulbs like that and not only bulbs that I have purchased, sometimes they grow like that after a summer in the sun (looks like the inside grew so fast it split the outer layers) nothing to worry about on that score. That happens frequently. As for the squashed blossom that is not acceptable. Just a little bit of ingenuity and the bud could have been protected. I too have had that happen. Two years ago I ordered 2 mini bulbs from a popular Ebay dealer and the buds had grown up about 2 inches and what did he do? He cut the buds in half!! I was livid!! He gave me an extra bulb and said that's the way they came to him. Regardless of whether or not they came to him that way, he never should have sent them with the buds cut!! One of those bulbs ended up being virused and the next summer I threw it away. The other was a Joker and the poor thing is still alive and only about the size of a small walnut..after nearly 3 years!! and of course it has never bloomed.. OK back to your problem. If I were you and if the bulb is as big as you say it is, I would most likely keep it and hope for another scape. The split not being an issue, I would chalk it up to experience, but would let them know that I was displeased. Maybe you could tell him you belong to a forum and say you might post his name to warn others. (only if you're in a really bad mood);-) As for your Green Dragon, when my bulb arrived it was very small,(it is a small bulb I think) and as it was a gift from someone, I made the best of it. It bloomed the flowers that you saw in my pictures on 2 very short scapes. It had at least 4 flowers on each scape, but only a couple came out, the rest were in distress. I just went to find my Green Dragon currently and it is now 2" in diameter and looking very good..still small but growing 3 nice clean green leaves. I don't expect it to bloom for me again for some time, but it is healthy and it will recover. If your bulb was supposed to be 32cm and it's only 16cm then you certainly have something to complain about. And yes, I would say that in this case they are ripping you off. $25 sounds a bit much for a bulb that small plus postage?? In the case of the damaged papilio bud, it was carelessness but I wouldn't say they were trying to fleece you. Maybe they can make a large adjustment concerning the Green Dragon and my guess is that it will bloom, but the flowers will be stressed. Your best chance for enjoying your green flowers will most likely be your Evergreen. Maybe someone else has a large Green Dragon, I can't accurately tell you if in fact they are supposed to be a small bulb, but mine was and I guess yours is too. Hope I've been able to help you and let us know how you make out..and you have got to learn how to post pictures..:-) Donna

Red Dragon holds its red color better than any red dissectum I have seen, but most of the red-leaved Japanese maples will green up if planted in a lot of shade. My Garnet gets similar light conditions to yours, and it's nearly all green by June. However, my Red Dragon gets full sun from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and keeps its deep red color all through the growing season. My Crimson Queen gets sun from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and holds its color nicely as well, but not as much as Red Dragon. You might consider moving your Red Dragon to a spot with more sun if you want to keep the red color, but I would wait until late fall or winter to do that.

Shelbyguy nailed it. Seed starting mix has very little nutrients so you don't "nuke" the seedlings (over fertilize). Although they can grow quite a bit in this mix, I prefer to transplant to regular soil as soon as the first set of true leaves are out. Be gentle at this point as they are quite delicate, but they will thank you later. Other than that your plants look happy. Thai Dragon is a hearty plant. They were one of the few plants to survive last years exceptionally cold/wet winter here. They were making fruit the entire time too, although it ripened very slowly. -HabBob