Bangkok Blues
After spending a few days in Bangkok, all i could do as soon as we landed, was thinking about my plants. Worry worry worry.
Some updates on the gloxinia after being in the water for about 7 weeks. Small leaves can be seen around the bulge.
I’m going to plant this soon. Looks like its ready. 
Apart from that, my other gloxinias which I cut, propagated and saved from the mother plant that was killed during a storm one day - are doing very very well. New leaves are coming out…
Sigh….the carnivorous plants on the other hand…the sundew, the leaves at the bottom are bleaching. Maybe its too hot? We moved it, from indoor to outdoor, maybe thats it? Ah well, whatever it is, its back indoors now under the flourescent light where it usually is. And its perking up..is that normal?
And the intermedia are not growing tentacles. I don’t know why…
The venus fly trap that gets full sun everyday is very very happy.
Need to consult the forum, my CP regulars, mutant hybrid or the pet pitchers on the condition of the sundew.
Hello,
Years ago I was able to do it right, but the past few times it didn’t work, and I don’t know what I did wrong/different? The only thing is that years ago I kept the pot (with the leaf) indoors, and the past few times I left it outdoors.
So yesterday I cut five leaves from my gloxinia and I put them in five separate pots. I watered the pots, but not too much. I left them in indirect light. Temperatures here are 65-75º during the day, and around 50-60 at night.
Today 3 out of 5 are looking good, 2 are not as firm. Anything I can improve? Should I water more? Should I move them inside the house? Should they get direct sun light?
Thank you very much!
Comment by lameri — June 11, 2007 @ 12:37 pm
heya lameri,
a few things that i’ve learnt the past two years about caring for gloxinias.
1. Water the soil, not the leaves - the stem is very weak after the cut, so it gets soft and it will rot easily if its too wet.
2. Make sure the soil is always moist. Not muddy/swampy, but just slightly moist.
3. Try not to move them. I didn’t move them since the day i propagated them. Give them some time to acclamatise with the growing conditions. And they will do just fine.
4. If the leaves gets soft and saggy, it usually means two things - Too much water or not enough water. Try to keep a ritual. Plants love that. I water mine twice a day. Morning and late night. But only a little bit. About 2-4 capful (soda bottle caps) of water around the stem.
From what i gathered, yours are getting indirect sun - they do well with indirect sun and shade (outdoor or by the windowsill). But they do need some light. I would also suggest that you cling wrap the top (poke two to three holes) or put a plastic bag over it…this will keep the humidity level consistent. Also let the pot sit on a saucer with a little bit of water and some pebbles. I did this for about 3 weeks after propagating.
Don’t worry. You gloxinias will be awesome. They will start rooting properly in 2 weeks. Do update me on how they’re doing.
Good luck!
Comment by muka ketupat — June 12, 2007 @ 11:33 am