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Post by drbgonzal on Jan 20, 2014 17:24:04 GMT
Hi,
I live in Michigan where the weather is not ideal for Cephalotus growing outdoors. I wanted some advice before I order my plant so that I maximize its chances of survival. One important factor to consider is that I want the majority of the plant's care to be automated. I travel quite a bit so having the peace of mind that my plant is doing ok is important. If there are micro irrigation systems that could fill the bottom of the tray without overwatering I would like a link. Additionally, I don't want a DYI automatic irrigation system as they look trashy. Another important addition to my Ceph setup is an automatic mister because spraying them a few times a day can be tedious. Finally, I should be able to find a white/blue CFL grow bulb and put it on a timer but any suggestion on that matter would be greatly appreciated. The two biggest factors that I want to have fixed is maintaining humidity and water levels. Any other input would be fantastic!
Thanks
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Post by sykosarah on Jan 20, 2014 19:56:24 GMT
I grow carnivorous plants in Michigan as well. For one, since you are likely ordering the plant over the mail, I wouldn't recommend getting it until at least March , if not April, because we have has a pretty harsh winter this year and you don't want to be risking the plant. As far as automated systems goes, if you are someone who travels that much, I wouldn't recommend that plant to you, it needs consistent human care. They are small enough to take with you, but they would be too sensitive for travel constantly. But if you are really bent on owning one, have someone look after it for you while you are away. Carnivorous plants in general are the sorts you can just leave by themselves for more than a couple of days.
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Post by sykosarah on Jan 20, 2014 19:57:46 GMT
Forbid it caught a fungal infection while you were gone for a week: the plant could easily die by the time you get back.
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Post by drbgonzal on Jan 20, 2014 20:03:54 GMT
I am sure if there is a will there is a way. For example you could combine a trace amount of fungicide in the reservoir of the mister while I am traveling to decrease the chances of a fungal attack.
I will definitely take your advice on waiting until April. Its supposed to get down to ~9 degrees tomorrow in East Lansing. I will also need lots of research to make this work. I am stubborn.
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Post by sykosarah on Jan 20, 2014 20:13:33 GMT
You said you were attempting to grow one again. What happened to your first Cephalotus?
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Post by drbgonzal on Jan 20, 2014 20:21:20 GMT
The last attempt was around 5 years ago back in HS. I received a bare-root specimen in the winter wrapped in a moistened paper towel. It was pathetic and so were my attempts to keep it alive.
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Post by sykosarah on Jan 20, 2014 22:58:45 GMT
Sorry to hear that. I never have my plants sent to me bare root. They would dry out and be damaged easier.
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Post by sykosarah on Jan 20, 2014 23:08:13 GMT
You know what kinds of fungicides are safe for them, right? Because some fungicides will kill carnivorous plants faster than a fungus would.
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Post by drbgonzal on Jan 20, 2014 23:27:46 GMT
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Post by sykosarah on Jan 21, 2014 0:15:17 GMT
You might want to just manually spray the sulfur yourself, it takes a bit for that fungicide to work, but a decent treatment of it lasts for about 6 weeks.
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Post by drbgonzal on Jan 21, 2014 5:11:36 GMT
Thanks for the advice. I decided to go with the terrarium.
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Post by sykosarah on Jan 21, 2014 5:15:44 GMT
They are good terrarium plants? Most of the time I avoid them with a passion, they are fungus havens. Guess you will have to watch it more closely then.
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Post by drbgonzal on Jan 21, 2014 18:17:29 GMT
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Post by sykosarah on Jan 21, 2014 22:03:20 GMT
Ever notice the contradiction that a lot of plants need both humidity and air flow? One makes it difficult to have the other, that's for sure.
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Post by jdallas on Jan 22, 2014 16:39:05 GMT
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