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Plant your seeds immediately for the best germination rate
Getting started -- Your seeds will be sent moist, so a small amount of harmless mold may form on them. Simply rinse your seeds under water before planting - being careful not to drop the seeds down the drain!
Plant each seed in a separate pot about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) tall, with drainage holes. Fill each pot with a well-draining mix that is high in organic matter. A typical mix is 2 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite. Don't add lime, but you may add some slow-release fertilizer if your soil does not contain any. Water the soil until evenly moist (but not soggy). Place a seed on top and cover with about 1/4 inch (6 mm) of soil. Water the top soil until moist.
Keep the pot in an area that will stay between 60-75 degrees F (15-23° C) during the day, and 55-70 F (12-21°C) at night. I have no information about sprouting them outside this temperature range. I recommend placing a thermometer near the pots, since the temperature can vary in different parts of a room.
Keep the soil surface from drying out. If you enclose the pots in a plastic container to maintain moisture, leave it open slightly to allow some fresh air in.
The seeds should start sprouting after 5 to 7 weeks, and continue for a month. Most of the seeds should sprout by week 12, but if any do not, move the pots into the refrigerator for 6 weeks (put them in a sealed bag first). Check on them after a week, to see if any have sprouted. They should sprout within 6 weeks after removing them from the refrigerator.
Light -- Bomarea comes from the forests, where it gets tree-filtered sun most of the time. It should be protected from strong sun exposure. Filtered sun is best. It does not need a lot of sun to be happy, just bright light.
Transplanting -- Once the 2nd or 3rd shoot appears, you may gently transplant it to a larger container. Work your way up to a larger pot as it grows, eventually to a 5-10 gallon (20-40 liter) pot.
Water the soil before repotting, to prevent the soil ball from breaking apart, which can disturb the roots. Always shade the plant from prolonged sun for a week after transplanting, and do not feed during this time either.
Soil -- Bomarea likes humus-rich, well-draining soil. Most high-quality potting soils should work, with 1 part perlite (or pumice) added for every 2 parts soil. Avoid adding lime, since Bomareas like slightly acid soil.
Watering -- Aim to keep the soil evenly moist most of the time (but not constantly soggy). The soil should not be allowed to dry out. If your tap water is very high in minerals and other chemicals, use rain water or bottled water.
Climate -- This species is happiest in temperatures between 45 and 85 degrees F (7-29°C), preferably with cool nights. It warmer climates, don't plant it where heat can collect, like against a sunny wall. Mulch the plant to keep the roots cool and moist. Shade the pot to keep it cool, or at least avoid using a black pot, which can overheat the roots.
The roots can probably handle temps in the low 20s (-6°C), but the leaves will perish. I recommend protecting the plant from all frost the first winter so it can become established.
Fertilizing -- Feed about every 2-3 months during periods of active growing using a slow-release fertilizer, such as pelleted fertilizer.
It's normal for an older shoot to occasionally turn yellow and die, but if it seems excessive, it could be from not enough fertilizer (nitrogen) or under-watering.
Up and away -- Bomarea likes to climb, so give it something to play on, like a trellis, fence, or another plant. Under 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) is the preferred thickness, so it can twine itself around easier. The flowers appear from the growing tips, so do not trim any shoots. If the shoots grow too long, you may wrap them down and around the trellis.
Dormancy -- This Bomarea tends to die back at least partially in the winter if temperatures are cool enough. You may snip off any dead shoots, however don't dig up the tubers, as this may stress the plant.
Pests to watch for -- Snails and slugs can be a problem in prone areas. Watch for other pests that are common in your area.
Feel free to email me if you have questions.
Happy growing!
Jeff
Strange Wonderful Things
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