[pbs] Haemanthus TOW
Cameron McMaster
cameron at haznet.co.za
Fri Dec 10 01:59:11 EST 2004
It has been very interesting reading of other's experiences with
Haemanthus. Mary Sue's comprehensive commentary was excellent. Virus is
common especially in H albiflos and we have had to destroy a number of
plants - this is the only solution because they degenerate and die in few
years, and one needs to eliminate the infected plants to stop possible
spreading of the virus. I have seldom seen virus in other species.
We grow all ours in pots with mature bulbs in 20cm diam pots (H humilis
"Giant" needs much bigger pots). Mature bulbs of most species flower
annually with us. How much to water is always a question - but a good rule
is the one suggested - water when actively growing - and good drainage is
essential. Winter rainfall species should be kept quite dry when dormant,
but summer rainfall species should not be allowed to dry out completely.
I was interested in Tom Glavich's observation of the different form of H
albiflos from Cradock. This is a very dry region and our experience is
that this form with the rounder, tougher, grey leaves is more prevalent in
the dry regions and is much more tolerant of full sun. H albiflos, being
so widespread and occurring in many different habitats, is variable (but
not as variable as H humilis).
Cameron McMaster
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