Post by Brian Barnes on Nov 12, 2007 22:11:58 GMT
Hello All! Due to the emails i've received for more info on my P. planifolia submersion technique, here ya go!!
Firstly, NEVER do this technique in the Summer or in hot weather...you might lose your plants to rot. You need cool, late fall weather to begin. I prefer to grow my P. planifolia in a mix of 3/4 sand to 1/4 peat, as it mimics the conditions in the wild and as i've seen them many times in this type soil. Slowly fill the container to submerge them completely and leave only the tips of the crown leaves above water. Try not to pour quickly, as this will cover the leaves in peat/sediment. Round tupperware containers with no drainage of course, work best...
Believe it or not, you want STRONG sun while submerged, thats why cool temps are crucial. Let the container sit for three weeks submerged. During this time is when i experience a "growth explosion" with my P. plani's. I theorize that the plant produces larger leaves to make up for lack of sun during submersion. During the fourth week, slowly allow the container to become very wet to the touch and then only moist. Now, here's where you'll "color" your plant by exposing the new jumbo leaves to strong sun, to achieve that lovely red hue!
Keep your plants in this moist-only condition for one month, then submerge again. REMEMBER to discontinue treatment when constantly warm Spring conditions return...
This will allow you to grow huge "cabbage head" planifolia and you'll be amazed at how it affects flowering with TONS of spikes in Spring! I'll be donating some seed from my "giants" to the ICPS seed bank in Spring.
Best of luck and enjoy these gorgeous red gems! Brian.
Firstly, NEVER do this technique in the Summer or in hot weather...you might lose your plants to rot. You need cool, late fall weather to begin. I prefer to grow my P. planifolia in a mix of 3/4 sand to 1/4 peat, as it mimics the conditions in the wild and as i've seen them many times in this type soil. Slowly fill the container to submerge them completely and leave only the tips of the crown leaves above water. Try not to pour quickly, as this will cover the leaves in peat/sediment. Round tupperware containers with no drainage of course, work best...
Believe it or not, you want STRONG sun while submerged, thats why cool temps are crucial. Let the container sit for three weeks submerged. During this time is when i experience a "growth explosion" with my P. plani's. I theorize that the plant produces larger leaves to make up for lack of sun during submersion. During the fourth week, slowly allow the container to become very wet to the touch and then only moist. Now, here's where you'll "color" your plant by exposing the new jumbo leaves to strong sun, to achieve that lovely red hue!
Keep your plants in this moist-only condition for one month, then submerge again. REMEMBER to discontinue treatment when constantly warm Spring conditions return...
This will allow you to grow huge "cabbage head" planifolia and you'll be amazed at how it affects flowering with TONS of spikes in Spring! I'll be donating some seed from my "giants" to the ICPS seed bank in Spring.
Best of luck and enjoy these gorgeous red gems! Brian.