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 Rare and exotic plants

Turquoise Puya

 

Sinningia helleri

Sinningia helleri

 

 

Getting started -- You can start your plant in a pot that's 50% wider than its current pot. 

 Use a well-draining soil mix.  I use a mix of 1 part coco fiber to 1 part perlite (use small- or medium-size perlite, not large chunks).  An alternate mix is 2 parts quality potting soil to 1 part perlite or coarse horticultural sand.  Don't add lime to the mix, because the plant prefers slightly acid soil.

Watering --  Aim to keep the rest of the soil evenly moist (but not constantly saturated).  Don't let the pot sit in a tray of water.

Lighting -- The plant likes filtered sun or bright shade + morning sun.  Protect it from strong afternoon sun.  A bright LED or fluorescent lamp kept 3 inches (8 cm) away provides the right amount of light (See: "Growing indoors with LED lights").

Fertilizing -- It likes average amounts of fertilizer.  Feed about every 2 months granular fertilizer that contains micronutrients, following the dosage on the package.

Climate -- It grows well for me in warm indoor conditions with a drop in temperature at night, similar to intermediate-temperature orchids.  I haven't tried it in cooler conditions.  I presume it will be unhappy below 55 degrees F (13°C), although its tuber could probably survive a light frost.  Over about 50% humidity seems to be best.   If they seems to suffer from low humidity indoors, consider using an ultrasonic humidifier, sold at home improvement stores and some thrift shops.

Dormancy -- The plant can through a rest period some time after flowering.  Some or all of the leaves may drop off during this time.  Do not remove any stems unless they are dead, since new growth will emerge from the stems.

 If you have any questions or problems, feel free to contact me.

Have fun growing them!

- Jeff

Strange Wonderful Things

 

 
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Turquoise Puya

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