Smithiantha thrives

About 5 weeks ago I potted the rhizomes of Smithiantha, and then they sprout and grow rapidly until now based on the appropriate climate. Not extra fertilizer was given so far because the best time to fertilize Smithiantha is after the root system stably develops. We can estimate the timing by checking the growing status of the shoots because if the root doesn't develop well, the shoots look weak with less shine.

the mini hybrids with yellow species

The yellow miniature Sinningia was absent for a long time, but many efforts were done by Sinningia enthusiasts in recent years. Usually people try yellow species like Sinningia richii 'Robson Lopez' or conspicua and hope the yellow color passes to the next generation. It is a straight connection which works in some cases. Although the yellow of the seedlings do not beat off richii or conspicua, they still bring the new look of modern hybrids of Sinningia. Since everything is possible with regard to Sinningia, we'll see ~

Sinn. Jo's Grumpy Cat, made by Jo Foo in H.K.  Sinn. richii 'Robson Lopez' was included. A touch of yellow is demonstrated.

unnamed hybrid made by Stone in Taiwan,  Sinn. conspicua is the pollen parent.

Aeschynanthus tricolor

I met this lipstick plant in the wild many times, and I still find it is cute as usual. Aeschynanthus tricolor grows as epiphytes on tree trunk or rock along the river bank in the tropical low land of Sabah, Malaysia. Flowering in the rainy season, so it's often to see the seed pod as well.

พรมญี่ปุ่น

Episcia in Thai language is พรมญี่ปุ่น , you may find many nice and new Episcia varieties when you tour in the flower market in Thailand. Thai plant and gardening are quite advanced, especially the tropical plants.

  

Pirate's Petite Angel in Singapore

A Singaporean friend shared his recent bloom photo of Sinn. Pirate's Petite Angel, isn't it well-cultivated ? The Episcia shiny above is Jim's Moody Rock. 

Ground Planting

If we have many plants, surely we extremely use the space we have, never miss a place that we can plant. I use the ground for those plants that require less sunlight. The best thing is the microclimate forms and then easily allows the diversity of plants. The big problem is the snail issue, I can't stop them eating the plants for food due to I don't use metaldehyde. During the hot and rainy season, the giant African land snails are so active and eager to feed themselves all the time. Primulina is their favorite. Although there is loss of plants but the advantage of ground planting is more and the flower still blooms.

Time for Smithiantha

From rhizomes of seedlings 2015, I did not have the chance to check their flowers in 2015. But I'm sure I will have them well-developed in this growing season of 2016. It's just 3 weeks after I potted the rhizomes.