These Titanopsis calcarea seedlings are now almost 3 months old. Even though they are so young they already have several leaves and the leaf surface is just as nicely textured as the adults. The roots are of an appropriate size compared to the plant size. After the inspection I've planted them more evenly in the pot and can now only hope they don't hold the dig-up against me.
They spend their whole days in the full sun but, compared to Stomatiums, rarely look thirsty. I like that.
They look very nice Rika. Very pretty tubercles on the leaf tips, almost like ice crystals.
ReplyDeleteI'm continuing to digest your system, and another advantage of growing in pure pumice is the ease with which to clean off and inspect the root system. Organic matter in the potting mix is often difficult to completely remove and makes root inspection more difficult. I continue to be amazed at the very low level of nutrients (essential elements) you grow your plants at, and yet they do so well. Makes me wonder about the nutrient content of your water and the pumice itself. Very interesting and a paradigm shift for me in terms of potting soils.
Pretty plants; makes me want to go out and check on my few renovated T. calcarea seedlings -- in fact, I will go out and enjoy them! Take care hard working mesemb grower.
Thank you, I'll pass your words on to them ;)
DeleteFour out of five have grown new leaves since the transplantation. One is a bit weak but I'm not giving up on it.
I wish I could check the nutrients content of the pumice and water ( I use tap water).. I really don't know how. I don't even know how to check for pH.
Since I live in a very small appartment on the second floor pumice is perfect. I wouldn't know where to put soil (or different kinds of soil even, for a proper mix). Pumice is clean therefore appartment-friendly. I just have it in a cardboard box under the sink (2-3 kg stock). And also, as you said, the plants are clean when you transplant them ( I do it on my desk XD ). I re-use much of it (if there are no bugs detected of course), throwing away only parts with old roots to keep it fresh.
I think pumice and water are poor on nutrients though. My lithops are rather small. Even if a sometimes buy a fat one it reduces in size after regeneration.
My calcareas are a lot older and look a lot smaller, grats =)
ReplyDeleteThanks :3
DeleteI think most of mesembs (if not all) grow in phases. Now they grow quickly but afterwards they might rest for months. When mine stop yours will have a growth spurt ;)
they look so cute !I've never seen this one before !
ReplyDeleteThey really are cute. :) You can grow them from seed if you like them, you know~
DeleteHi Rika
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the .pdf - S.Hammer lithops. Before chickens ruined my work I collected many Lithops and other seeds , but most of them date to 10 to 15 years ago - do you think they would still be viable ? I especially would like to get the Titanopsis, Faucaria and Lithops collection going again.
I know where to get fresh seeds in the field but the time, fuel money and accommodation expenses are very prohibitive.
regards
Lance
brakdakkie@gmail.com
Hi Lance,
DeleteI read (probably even in the same book) that lithops seeds are viable even after 30 years. I'm sure Titanopsis are similar and your seeds will germinate fine :)
I'm really glad you getting your collection going again! Mesembs are fun to grow from seed. Wish you all the best~