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Getting started -- Use small containers or cups that have drainage holes. For soil, use a well draining soil mix, such as 2 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite or coarse sand.
Fill each container with soil, but don't pack it down - just water it until evenly moist. Place a seed on top, and sprinkle a thin layer of soil on top - just enough to barely cover the seed, because light helps the seeds germinate. Sprinkle some water on the top soil layer.
Until the seeds sprout, ensure that the soil surface does not dry out. You may wish to enclose the pots in a plastic dome or bag to maintain moisture - just leave it open a crack to allow fresh air in. You may need to drip some water on the soil every day or 2 to keep it moist.
Keep the pots at about 65-75 degrees F (18-24°C). Avoid letting them get above 76°F (24°C). I recommend placing a thermometer near the pots, especially if using a heating mat. Keep the pots in a bright spot, but not in direct sun. A fluorescent bulb kept 5 inches (12 cm) above the soil provides the right amount of light.
The seeds should begin sprouting within 4-6 weeks, but allow up to 10 weeks for any slow ones to sprout, especially at cooler temperatures. Give your seedlings bright light, but avoid direct sunlight the first 4-6 weeks. I recommend growing them indoors the first few months.
Watering - Keep the soil evenly moist - but not soggy. Never let the pots dry out, and don't let them sit in a tray of water.
If your tap water is very high in minerals (or "hard") i recommend using bottled spring water or rain water.
Repotting - When the plants are 2-3 months old, transplant them to a larger container. Transplant carefully to avoid letting the soil ball break apart, which can damage the roots. Watering the soil before repotting will help avoid this. For the first week after repotting, give no direct sun.
Feeding - The plants like soil of good fertility. Feed about every 2 months during the growing season with a slow-release fertilizer, like pelleted or organic fertilizer. If your potting soil contains fertilizer (check the label), your seedlings shouldn't need feeding the first 2-3 weeks.
It's normal for an older leaf to occasionally turn yellow and drop, but if it seems excessive, your plant may need more nitrogen fertilizer. It can also be from overly dry soil. Keep in mind that the leaves normally drop each winter.
Sunlight -- Iochroma australis likes mostly-sunny conditions, but in warmer climates, it's best to give it some afternoon shade.
Climate - The plant prefers moderate temperatures; it's possible that consistently hot temperatures may stress the plant. In warmer conditions, give the plants afternoon shade, and don't place them near a wall where heat can collect. Keep the pots shaded to avoid overheating the roots, and mulch heavily to keep the soil moist.
They should be protected from frost, although a mature plant can probably survive a few degrees of frost.
Over about 40% humidity is recommended. Indoors, if your humidity is too low, you may use an ultrasonic room humidifier, which you can get from thrift stores or home improvement stores.
Pruning - You may remove any lanky branches, to help keep the plant looking tidy. Avoid removing too many branches at one time.
Pests to watch for - whitefly, aphids, scale (little lumps on the stems or leaves), mealybugs.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me.
Have fun growing them!
- Jeff
Strange Wonderful Things
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