Viewing post #588084 by eclayne

You are viewing a single post made by eclayne in the thread called Amorphophallus and friends.
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Apr 12, 2014 10:01 AM CST
Plants Admin Emeritus
Name: Evan
Pioneer Valley south, MA, USA (Zone 6a)
Charter ATP Member Aroids Irises I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Tropicals Vermiculture
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Compared to the offsets your tuber looks pretty sizable Kate. The tubers can double in diameter in a single growing so you may not have to wait that long for a bloom.

I was advised to grow these in full sun in a very well draining soil and I believe that is sound advice. My best tuber growth has occurred, I have sandy loam, by planting 8 to 10 inches deep in soil which I have amended with my own compost. I add a balanced time release fertilizer as well as bone meal and occasional water soluble fertilizer (high P). Many growers suggest using ferts. with a higher P number.

Because our cool autumn temperatures , late September/early October, are usually accompanied by lots of rain, tuber rot can be a concern. I lift the tubers before they would naturally go dormant. I experimented last year by amending the soil in a hole 2 feet wide. I then removed 12"D x 10"W of soil and replaced it with composted pine bark for the 5"W tuber. I'm guessing this technique is overkill, but the tuber doubled in diameter and there was no rot.

Best of luck with yours!
Evan

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