WHAT'S LOOKING EXOTIC IN 2015

Just a tiddler at the moment but boy will it grow! Remember, humidity, humidity and then more humidity!

Nice. I really like the darkness of the foliage and it looks like you have plenty of babes.
You can also slice the stem up and lay it on compost if it gets too lanky................


They dislike too much humidity.

I had to look that up - grows into a fair sized tree eventually.

 

That's one thing I really can supply by the bucket load - literally.


I have just bought one of these, about £15 from Amazon, for measuring humidity. I bought a couple of Chinese electronic devices that cost more. But they were rubbish and gave up after a while. This looks altogether better. Its made in Germany. Its mechanical, and that is always more reliable than electronic. There are apparently two mechanical types. One has a coil and is cheaper and less accurate, but this has a thread, which is the more accurate type. They say it covers the whole range with +/- 3% accuracy.

I have only had it two days, but I suspect it will be a lot better than the others. I sat in my conservatory reading , this evening, and noticed that it said 80% RH, so my Tacca should enjoy that.

I suspect you are right about Kalanchoe not liking humidity. I find I am killing off a lot of my plants that way. But there are also things that love it - Bananas, Cannas, Alocasia etc.

I think a lot of the climbers like it too. Many are climbers, because they live in a tropical forest, and need to climb to get to the light. Plants that flower at ground level may not be so keen.

 

Just got the same old stuff coming into flower now, but I like them.

P. anastasia.

Ferrocactus emoryii

Plumbago, not sure about this one, always seems to be a straggly plant.

 

Hi Pete,

You're Passion flower is a gorgeous colour

 

Yep, thanks Anthony, its probably the best red coloured one I've found for outdoor summer growing, just not quite really hardy.

 

It will. when it is older and temps hit the 25 to 30°c region tip some water into the leaf axils - this is supposed to encourage blooming. It worked for me.

The only difference is that you have a low of 10°c so that may be enough to stave off fungal infections.

They are but it is such a good colour that I forgave mine.

 

Thanks LongK. That's a useful tip. One thing I have started doing is misting my plants about 3 times a day. Its a bit like rain - so water collects naturally. It should have been good for the bromeliads, but I made the mistake of watering them as well. I suspect they are rotting off.

 

Hello all, it's not often I can post here, but.....

Gloriosa



I bought this as a Gloriosa Rothschildiana but going by the descriptions I think it's a Gloriosa Superba.

Quote " Gloriosa Rothschildiana has swept back petals that are red with a yellow base. Gloriosa Superba is similar but the petals change from green to orange and then finally to red with flecks.

 

I've got the Campsis now in full flower up to the eves of the house.

But the Bougainvillea appears to be wanting to join it.


Meanwhile on the allotment, the Albizzia is starting to get going

 

Hi Pete,

I like your Albizzia, is it hardy ?

It's similar to my Mimosa Pudica but I have to keep that indoors.

They're in the same family aren't they?

 

Found it to be hardy with me Anthony,its been there for more than 10yrs and come though a few hard winters.
Yes, I think possibly the same family, but the Albizzia leaves only fold up at night, not when touched,.
Pea family, but its never produced any pods, like it does in warmer countries.

 

That Campsis is lovely Pete. I have been growing one from seed - but it is nowhere near flowering size.

 

Unless we have an exceptional spring and summer it is a waste of time here

 

Ismene festallis.................