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Kohleria Longwood
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Posted by haneedes z5 NY (My Page) on Fri, Feb 17, 06 at 11:22
| Hi I purchased my first Kohleria from Logees via mail.
I got the plant this morning, but unforunatly two of the stems snapped off during shipping.
I called Logees and they are going to replace it. However, I get to keep the broken plant which isn't that bad off.
My question is:
I know you can root the tip. Can you root stem sections also? I basically just cut the broken off stems (around 12") into two parts, stripped off the bottom leaves and the flowers, and stuck them into standard potting mix and watered it.
Also, how do I care for this plant? Tips would be appreciated since I am new to this variety. I know they are heavy feeders.
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Kohleria Longwood
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| I love Kohlerias, do not have Longwood though. I would put a baggie on your cuttings. Kohlerias like more light than violets, my Strawberry Fields got quite big on a west window, they like to be overpotted and they like tall pots. They produce rhizomes and sometimes when the foliage starts looking tired and ratty, it is the time to dry them up, collect the rhizomes and let them rest may be for couple of months in a barely wet vermiculite. Sometimes they do not ask for rest and the new rhizomes keep sprouting and growing while the old stem keep growing taller and taller all in flowers until there is no soil left in a pot - rhizomes only. On tall growing Kohlerias it is a good idea to snap the tip of the new stem (and reroot) - so the plant be more bushy than stringy and tall. I feed them the same 1/8 teaspoon Peters AV per gallon as the rest of the gesneriads. They tolerate dry air OK, but the leaves look much better if there is some humidity. I think in NY they should be happy. Good luck Irina |
RE: Kohleria Longwood
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- Posted by jon_d Northern Calif. (My Page) on
Sun, Feb 19, 06 at 14:06
| Cuttings are very easy to root and can be taken with one or more nodes as roots will emerge anywhere on the stems. But, they root best if enclosed under a plastic bag or clear dome. Cuttings need good light to root and reasonable warmth. I have best luck on my light stand. I also have best luck using a mix of perlite and vermiculite. Regular potting mix can contain compost, which might encourage rot, when in high humidity. I have rooted cuttings in the open though, so a cover may not be necessary. Its one of those things, where once you get the knack for rooting cuttings it gets very easy--but the first time, and with only written instructions it can be daunting. So remember--good light, humidity and warmth. The base of the plant will branch and grow out nicely. You could end up with a bunch of plants, which can be potted together to make a fuller plant. Longwood can get quite tall, but has wonderful and large flowers. It is an old variety, found in a botanical garden in Portugal about 30 years ago and introduced by Longwood Gardens in the US. It probably is a relic from the kohlerias of the 19th century, almost all of which are extinct. Jon |
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