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Post by 31drew31 on Mar 18, 2013 15:27:35 GMT -5
Not that anyone here would try this, but who knew that Roridula was so explosively flammable. I had noticed that my plant had some dried dead leaves near the base of the plant and figured it would be a good idea to just burn them off with an open flame from a BBQ lighter - VERY BAD IDEA!!!. One side of the plant went up in a wall of flames that i had to blow on furiously to extinguish. The funny thing is, i didn't just stop right there and then, and acting eerily similar to Sheldon knocking at Penny's door, i proceeded to try and even out the other sides of the plant with more flames. Needless to say, every active and open leave on the plant had some fire damage. Now, because fire is a natural part of these plant's habitat, the plant did survive and has made about six new leaves, but the plant is only a shadow of its former self. So fair warning: Roridula and fire don't mix too well at all. dvg hahaha this would get my vote on America's Funniest Home Videos!
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Post by Apoplast on Mar 18, 2013 18:09:50 GMT -5
Hi DVG - I'm not sure it would have even occurred to me to burn off old leaves, but I'm glad it did to you! That sounds like quite an informative adventure.
I'm a little surprised that it made it, happy for you but surprised. I was under the impression that unlike Drosera, Roridula are killed in wildfires and have to re-sprout from seed. Actually, if that's accurate the flammability you experienced makes sense. Many species that are "seeders" in fire prone habitats have evolved to be highly flammable to give their seedlings an advantage when they sprout. Now I'm just rambling.
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Post by H2O on Mar 19, 2013 10:20:14 GMT -5
Just priceless! I'm sure your plants will be amazing in no time
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Post by dvg on Mar 19, 2013 13:12:57 GMT -5
hahaha this would get my vote on America's Funniest Home Videos! Just priceless! I'm sure your plants will be amazing in no time The humor of the situation wasn't lost on me either. ;D Actually, if that's accurate the flammability you experienced makes sense. Many species that are "seeders" in fire prone habitats have evolved to be highly flammable to give their seedlings an advantage when they sprout. Now I'm just rambling. Yes, i think that the the sticky resin from these plants is highly flammable. And it does make sense that these plants might burn to the ground when a wildfire hits, thus allowing direct sunlight to make its way to the ground to nurture the next generation of Roridula seedlings. dvg
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Post by bonfield on Mar 19, 2013 17:02:35 GMT -5
Be honest Doug, did the toasty portions taste a bit like grilled fern fiddleheads?
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Post by dvg on Mar 19, 2013 18:33:42 GMT -5
Be honest Doug, did the toasty portions taste a bit like grilled fern fiddleheads? Haha! Cole, while i will admit to trying some of the dripping nectar from my Nepenthes plants, i didn't think to try the toasty tidbits on that Roridula. dvg
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Post by bonfield on Mar 19, 2013 18:37:16 GMT -5
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Post by dvg on Mar 19, 2013 18:42:13 GMT -5
Haha. ;D Looking forward to your Cooking with Carnivores thread Cole. dvg
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Post by Apoplast on Jun 3, 2013 21:09:15 GMT -5
Hi DVG - I have to crow a little bit. The larger of my R. gorgonias plants is flowering for the second time this year! Check it out! Plus, my half hearted hand pollination attempt from the first flowering was successful - sort of. It resulted in 3 seeds, two of which look like they might be viable. So, not great, but I'm going to try harder this time, and hope for better results. How's yours doing?
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Post by lloyd on Jun 3, 2013 23:31:41 GMT -5
Mine never germinated
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Post by Apoplast on Jun 4, 2013 10:25:58 GMT -5
Hi Lloyd - That's a bummer. When and how did you try to plant them? They might still be viable. I find that a smoke treatment, in my case smoke disks because I am lazy, and then cool autumn temps, even a frost on the seeds helps germination greatly. They are pretty tough little seeds though, so unless you've squished them (or tossed out the pot) you might be able to try again with them this autumn. Just let the pot dry out this summer and the seeds should make it.
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Post by lloyd on Jun 4, 2013 11:31:13 GMT -5
They rotted. Maybe I'll try again in the fall. Thanks.
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Post by dvg on Jun 4, 2013 12:12:34 GMT -5
Lookin' good there Apo! dvg
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Post by 31drew31 on Jun 4, 2013 19:04:23 GMT -5
Great work getting it to flower again Apoplast!
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Post by Apoplast on Jun 4, 2013 19:06:21 GMT -5
Hi Lloyd - No problem. I'm sorry to hear that they rotted for you. Good luck this autumn.
Hi DVG - Thanks! I'm just doing my best to keep up with you. Your last name wouldn't happen to be Jones would it?
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