| Even better, when it dies back, sift out the little scaly rhizomes in the pot. You will have more of them every year. Rhizomes (they look like scaly pinkish or whitish caterpillars) can also be broken into smaller pieces, but I try to keep them at least 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. There can also be miniature rhizomes in the leaf axils along the stems. Stem cuttings are best in the Spring and Summer, and are pretty easy if kept moist under cover, like under a clear plastic cup under fluorescent lights. Sometimes they won't do much visibly, but they spend energy producing a rhizome or two under the soil. Achimenes can stay dormant for a long time. Don't toss out the pot even if they go dormant and haven't sprouted by midsummer! Vincent |
