Arnottianus x Self Seedling

[Yashodhara]

I have my first seedling (H. arnottianus x H. arnottianus)  

It was the only mature seed in several pods that Arnottianus shed after the heat wave we had here in Michigan a couple weeks ago... The seed looked ripe (dark, fuzzy, plump), but the pod hadn't turned yet.  I thought it would be a long shot, but I decided to plant it anyway (03/28/12).  Came home yesterday (04/11/12) and saw that it had popped above the soil (or in this case, "cube").  

I didn't have any of the necessities for seed propagation (heat mat, grow tray/incubator, etc.)... So as you can see I improvised (rooting cube, empty water jug, tall water saucer - LOL).  Two weeks to germinate (!!!) Feisty little thing (must take after mom, or maybe dad).

Deb  

[Yashodhara]

Another seedling update: Two baby leaves & just under 1" now (sprouted 04/11/12) 

[Charlie]

That's good, Deb. I was hoping you would make this cross successfully because the H arnottianus is a species and the seedlings will be genetically true to the parents, unlike all the hybrids we grow from seed. My H arnottianus plants are old and rather tired and I was hoping to get a new and refreshed one from you if you were able to get seed from this cross. Keep us informed about how it does and hopefully you will see a first flower (should be identical to the parents) in about a year!

Charlie

[Yashodhara]

Hi Charlie - I hope the seeds I'll be sending you are as vigorous as this one has been for me... You'll have 11 fresh & fiesty H. Arnottianus' in no time!  

Seedling update (two and a half weeks "old"): 2.5" tall and working on it's third set of baby leaves... Getting really fuzzy, too (just like mom/dad - LOL!). Lots of roots showing... How long before I should I pot 'er up?  

[Charlie]

Looking good, Deb! You can pot it into potting mix any time now. It has plenty of roots and should take off once it can sink them into some soil.

Charlie

[Yashodhara]

Arno x Arno Seedling Update:

Baby Arno is now 3.75" tall and has been growing in a 6" pot of soil (without "humidity dome") for almost 4 weeks now... I'm a little concerned about the yellow veins in it's leaves - they're firm and green otherwise. This was starting to happen before it was potted up, but I thought it was because it needed soil nutrients. I water it with HVH indoor plant formula and mist the leaves occasionally with SuperNova (both very diluted in spring water). I've recently given it some SuperThrive as well. It has only lost one "baby" leaf, and doesn't seem to be laking in vigor (probably VERY busy filling it's pot with roots).

I know what yellow leaves/green veins means (lack of magnesium/or iron), but I'm at a loss about what is causing the green leaves/yellow veins  

[Charlie]

Deb, seedlings can show unusual leaf colors and shapes and patterns when they are young. If that is the case here there is nothing to be concerned about. However, it is strange to see the veins turn yellow while the leaf remains green. That usually means a magnesium deficiency so you might want to use some epson salts at 1 tablespoon per gallon of water which won't hurt anything and will solve the problem if there is a magnesium deficiency. You can mix it up with water and then pour it over the leaves as you drench the soil. That will give a quick boost through leaf absorption and longer term correction through the roots.

By the way, did you get my direct email about the arnottianus seeds? I used the email address attached to your forum signup, which may not be correct now.

Charlie

[Yashodhara]

Hi Charlie!  I have the Fulmag magnesium, so I'll start using some of that when I mist and water.  I added the adult Arnottianus leaf photo to show how the seedling's leaves are already showing mature shape (large, rounded hearts) and traits (red stems and beginning veining).

I did get your reply email (thank you!)... When I talked to Cindy two weeks ago about a change in my spring order before it shipped, I asked her about when would be the best time to send you seeds, etc. She said after the holiday weekend, when the bulk of spring orders had been shipped.  So, I'll be sending what I have to you within the next week or two.

I up-potted Arnottianus a few weeks ago, and she thanked me by producing another flush of blooms... I now have two more pods of Arnottianus self-cross seedpods that should be ready by the end of June.

Deb