Propagating Mexican Pinguicula

[Joseph Clemens]

This question was recently asked of me and I thought perhaps others may have the same question in their minds, so I make a stab at answering it here:

Growth of newly formed propagules varies greatly depending on the environment they are given.

Most often I produce crops of tiny new plantlets and let them stay small (needing no attention and little space) until I am ready to have them grow-up. For me the easiest way to get them to gro<span style='font-size:11pt;line-height:100%'>W</span> is to transplant them into new media that contains a quantifiable, yet low level of nutrients, be sure the media is moist but not wet, seal them in a ziploc bag to ensure moisture levels stay nearly constant, and place them under fluorescent lights for at least 16 hours/day. They usually start sizing-up very quickly with this treatment.

 

[dgower82]

Thanks I will try that, its only been like four months now. And its still only got 4 leaves.

 

[jimscott]

I've been having good success with sprouting them in ziplock bags, in slightly damp media, on an east window sill. The funny thing is that I got my advice from Wicked Thistle, who credits Pyro who credits Pinguiculaman. Somehow artificial lighting became substituted with east window sill.

 

[Rubra]

Thanks for the tip. I've had trouble with P. gigantea; it seems change size sporadically. Would you treat it the same way?

Peter

 

[Joseph Clemens]

Quote[/b] (Rubra @ July 03 2006,7:12)]Thanks for the tip. I've had trouble with P. gigantea; it seems change size sporadically. Would you treat it the same way?

Peter

Yes, it does work, even with Pinguicula gigantea. Another thing I do, especially for Pinguicula gigantea and Pinguicula agnata. That is to use perlite/pumice that has been premoistened and dusted with iron oxide powder, before adding it to the mix. This seems to help to reduce the chlorosis (yellowing of leaves).

 

[Rubra]

Thanks, I'll try that. Do you buy some kind of iron oxide, or will any old rust do?

Peter

 

[Joseph Clemens]

I buy, and use, that sold in approximately 98% purity, as a powder, for use in ceramic glazes.