R. gorgonias germinates - need advice

[cindy]

Hi Roridula experts,

I have one seed germinate in a pot of peat/sand mix. My current temperature now is in the low 80s for the night and high 80s for the day. And the pot is under T5 lights. A few questions for my first Roridula seedling...

1. Should I move the seedling into a pot on its own? How large should the pot be?

2. Should the final mix be kept drier than the mix used for germination?

3. Would natural sunlight at the balcony be better than florescent light? There is slightly better ventilation at the balcony ledge although the plant rack itself is quite well-ventilated i.e. the pot is not kept in a terrarium.

4. How much light would the species need?

Thanks loads,
Cindy

[Brian Barnes]

Hi! I can help you, as i have grown many of this species through maturity. First, a few things i must know;
1) What's your ratio of peat/sand?
2) What size is the pot? How deep?
3) How close is it presently to the lights and photoperiod?
4) What's the inside temps(under the lights when on and when lights are off)
Happy Growing,
Brian.

[cindy]

Hi Brian,

1. 50% sand: 50% peat
2. 3" pot, about 4" deep
3. 4"-5" away from 3ft HO T5 lights, photoperiod of 12hours
4. When lights are on, it is about 89F. When the lights are off, it is about 80F.

Thanks,
Cindy

[Brian Barnes]

Hi Cindy.
Your conditions sound great! Most importantly, your compost sounds good, as drainage is important for this species. I use the same as you, but with a little perlite added for faster drainage. They do like it to become slightly dry between waterings and detest being waterlogged....I always water from above as well.
Adequate ventilation is a must for this species and i truly believe they are genetically unable of withstanding any type of fungal attack whatsoever. I would suggest increasing your air circulation to try to lower your daytime temps a little if possible. Air movement is VERY important with this species, and mine seem to respond better with cooler conditions.
Roridula have very small and underdeveloped root systems, so the pot you have it in will be fine for a year or two.
Happy Growing!!
Brian.

[cindy]

Thanks, Brian.

The reason why I asked about transplanting is because I have several other gorgornias seeds in the same pot. They were sowed at the same time but they have not germinated yet.

Cindy

[Brian Barnes]

Hi Cindy! Keep watching them and hope for the best. Usually when i sow seed, i sow five to the pot and if I'm lucky i get two healthy plants that make it from the lot. Roridula have a reputation of being stubborn to germinate and grow...
Even if you get three or four to come up, you can always carefully move plants, compost and all to a larger pot and let them grow together. You still have enough room for them all to enjoy several months of active growth in the size of pot you've mentioned. They don't seem to mind being transplanted, but try to disturb their roots as little as possible. Usually, a few light taps on the side of the pot will loosen the whole pot of compost into a nice pot-shaped clump, ready to be put into a larger home. Like using a cookie-cutter, you can use the old empty pot to make a perfect sized hole in the new compost/pot for a perfect fit!
Keep us posted on your success and show us some pics of the little guy if you can! ;D
Happy Growing,
Brian.

[cindy]

Thanks, Brian. I'll post pics as soon as I can. It seems to take forever to grow even 1mm.

Cindy

[cindy]

The seedling rotted and died.