Trying Organics With Better Organix

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Moto

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This is my new favourite plant its called Strelitzia reginae and here is some data on it


Distribution and habitat: Strelitzia reginae is a tufted, evergreen, acaulescent (stemless) perennial herb which occurs naturally only in South Africa: eastern coast, from Humansdorp to northern KwaZulu-Natal in coastal bush and thicket. It grows along river banks in full sun, however sometimes it occurs and flowers on margins of forest in shade. Strelitzia reginae flowers are pollinated by sunbirds, which use the spathe as a perch when visiting the flowers. The weight of the bird when standing on the spathe opens it to release the pollen onto the bird’s feet, which is then deposited on the next flower it visits.
Strelitzia reginae has been introduced into parts of central and tropical South America and is widely cultivated as an ornamental.

Description: Strelitzia reginae are clump-forming plants with big, dark green leaves on long leaf-stalk in a fan-like arrangement and strangely shaped strikingly colourful flowers. It is a large plant in the wild, but its growth is considerably restricted in a pot or small tub, where it will grow no taller than 1m (3 feet) or so. This restriction encourages early flowering.

The leathery leaves which are oblong to spear-shaped, 30-38cm (12-15 inch) long and 8-15cm (3-6 inch) wide, have sturdy, cylindrical leaf-stalk 30-75cm (12-30 inch) long. The stalk rise from sheaths in the base of the plant. These plants flowers when they are about six years old. Thereafter, they produce crested flower heads every year on stalks about 1m (3 feet) long that rise from the axils of the lower leaves in spring and early summer. The remarkable flower head consists of a 20cm (8 inch) long, boat-shaped bract held in a nearly horizontal position, from which a succession of three-petaled flowers emerge during the course of several weeks. These erect blooms, each up to 15cm (6 inch) long, give the flower head its crested appearance.
The boat-like bract is green, through it is something flushed with purple or red; the flowers are bright orange; the tongue-like projections are dark blue or purple. Individual flowers last for about a week, but a single boat-shaped bract will produce several flowers in succession. When not in flower, the plant still has a striking appearance due to the large glaucous leaves which resemble those of banana plants.

Houseplant care: Apart from its need for sunlight along with a cool winter rest period, this exotic plant is not particular difficult for the amateur indoor gardener to grow successfully. It is a slow growing plant that make it perfect for growing indoors.

Light: Give these plants bright light with at least three or four hours a day of direct sunlight. They will not flower if grown in inadequate light.

Temperature: During the active growth period Strelitzia reginae will do well in normal room temperatures. They need a long cool rest period during the autumn and winter months, however the temperature should be kept at around 13°C (55°F).

Water: During the active growth period water moderately, giving enough at each watering to make the potting mixture moist throughout but allowing the top couple of centimetres (0.8 inch) or the potting mixture to dry out well before watering again.
During the rest period give just enough to prevent the mixture from drying out completely.

Feeding: Apply standard liquid fertiliser every two weeks during the active growth period only.

Potting and repotting: Use a soil based potting mixture. Move young plants into containers one or two size larger each spring until the maximum convenient pot or tub size (probably 20-30cm (8-12 inch)) has been reached. Thereafter top-dress the plants with fresh potting mixture in spring.
Apart from the annual top-dressing, do not disturb mature, flowering plants. They are likely to stop flowering for a year or two if subjected to any sort of displacement.

Garden Culture: Winter hardy to zones 9 to 11, Strelitzia reginae is an easy plant to grow in the garden. They are, however, very tolerant plants and will thrive in most soils and can survive with very little water once established. The plants are also wind resistant and grow well in coastal gardens.

In cold climates, it is better to grow them in containers that can be moved indoors when freezing temperatures are expected. When temperatures rise above 21°C (70°F) outside, place your plant in a semi-shaded location with good air circulation.

Remove dead leaves and flowers as they occur.

Position: Strelitzia Reginae needs full sun to light shade with warm temperatures, however it will grow best when it receives a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight a day, but they should have bright light all day. They like a mild climate with evenly distributed rain during the year.

They will produce the most flowers when planted in bright sun, but the best-looking foliage when planted in shade, in which case, there will be fewer flowers.

Soil: They will grow in most types of soil as long as it is well-drained, but they do best in rich acid soil. In other soils, rotted manure or a time-release fertilizer should be added to the hole when planting as these plants will use much nourishment from the soil.

Dig a hole at least twice the size of the rootball. At a minimum, make the hole 0.6m (2 feet) in diameter and 0.3m (1 feet) deep. It also is a good idea to finish with the hole 2.5 or 5cm (1-2 inch) recessed so that a watering basin is formed.

Irrigation: Tropical Strelitzia reginae plants do well on a grass watering schedule. Basin or flood irrigation is recommended because it helps keep the salt from water from accumulating around the roots. Furthermore, deep watering will encourage the plant to develop deeper roots, making it tougher when the weather gets hot and dry.

Fertilising: The plants should be fertilized monthly. Slow release chemical fertilisers are recommended and varieties that also acidify the soil will help the plant look greener.

Propagation: Propagate Strelitzia reginae in spring by divining old, overcrowded clumps or by gently separating a section with two or three leaves with some roots attached from any mature plant. Pot the small section in a 13-15cm (5-6 inch) pot of soil-based potting mixture and place it in a warm spot in bright filtered light (but no direct sunlight) for six weeks. During this period do not feed the small plant and water it sparingly, allowing a full half of the potting mixture to dry out completely between waterings. By the and of the sixth week the roots will have become active in the new pot, so treat the plant as recommended for a mature specimen. It will normally flower in two to three years.

Strelitzia reginae can also be grown from seed. This is an extremely slow process, though. It involves a wait of possibly as long as 10 years before any flower are produced.

Problems:
Scale and mealybug insects sometime attack Strelitzia reginae. Look for them from time to time near the midrib on the underside of leaves, which is where they are usually found.
Treatment: Use an adequate pesticide.

Flowering problems: Usually needs at least four years to begin flowering, but it is not uncommon for blooming to take 10 years or more. To encourage the plant to bloom, allow it to become root-bound. Instead of regularly repotting it, keep the plant snug and happy by adding just a layer of fresh potting soil each spring.
Also might be considered supplemental lighting. While the foliage looks healthy, to produce flowers that bloom in late winter or spring, bird of paradise needs as much bright light in fall and winter as it does in spring and summer.
Finally, evaluate your fertiliser schedule. Strelitzia reginae needs water-soluble fertilizer every other week in spring and summer. Too little fertilizer can inhibit flowering; too much can produce lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Cutting flowers: Strelitzia reginae flowers and leaves are long-lasting in flower-arrangements. Flowers can be picked as soon as the first signs of colour show on the bill of the bud. They will then progressively come out and will last for up to a month if the water is changed regularly and they are kept in a well-lit situation. The leaves also last well.

Note: It is an relative of bananas trees.

Uses: Strelitzia reginae is highly-prized and widely cultivated as an ornamental.

Strelitzia reginae are the only plants from its genus that can be grown indoors. They can be potted as indoor plants and they make a showy and non-messy plant beside swimming pools.

Strelitzia reginae is widely used in landscaping as an architectural plant and focal point. Also, it is grown for its spectacular flowers and are used all over the world for cut flowers in exotic floral displays

Simply beautiful flower. I would love to grow one just needs a permanent home because

Strelitzia reginae can also be grown from seed. This is an extremely slow process, though. It involves a wait of possibly as long as 10 years before any flower are produced.

It does intrigue me to grow it one day and see. :D
 
Moto

Moto

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Thank you lil bro. :D This BOX is great stuff and you and Eco are wonderful teachers. :)

Thanks buddy your the one putting in the time and growing them. :) Hope you get to feeling better and figured you would enjoy this. :D Made me laugh. hahahah

1099397
 
Moto

Moto

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by the way, not that I am against formal school but just for the sake of it

you might also like to watch this afterwards if you dont know the story of Aaron

Hey Buddy, :p

Self Teaching Presentation-- Ted

I absolutely love his presentation and I always enjoy some humor even during serious subjects. :) It is simply mind blowing just by those simple studies of thinking outside the BOX to help children in need. It's true our current education system does have some problems, but it takes men like him and us who stand up and do these things to change the world as we know. Very eye opening presentation and I couldn't help but smile when he was explaining how the kids was learning English and Biology. Hehe anyone who watches it will know. :D

Aaron Swartz Documentary

This one as you know really hit me hard and not in a negative fashion. :) I am a big time Reddit Lurker and I remember this whole incident. Aaron was a very loving young man who's life was ended way too early. Aaron was someone who changed the world in his short time here and it shows if you have the time to watch the documentary. I think anyone who takes the time to learn about Aaron is simply another Aaron in this world. We should all do our part and do great things just like Aaron Swartz. IMO :)

Thank the lord for people like Sugata Mitra's and Aaron Swartz and Others. :)

Download 100


I will never forget and hope everyone is having a good day. :D

Moto

 
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Moto

Moto

3,041
263
It Be Tuesday!!! :D

Going on my normal walk with some local hairy friend named Phantom. This section I am currently working on that was bare dirt in past and rough health is starting to throw mushrooms all over. HELL YEAH :D

Red Chickawawa Mushroom from around the local Oak Tree. I loved the coloring and hope to find even more in the woods behind my house to photo. :D

20160823 120023


Bottom side of these fine Red Chikawawa Mushroom. Jk I have no clue on exact species. :D LOL


20160823 120029


Here is my bucket I was dragging around and look at all of them from a small section. I am going to photo some up closer and see if I can get more information. Good day for Moto :)

20160823 120608


Came across this wild plant growing in one of the wetland area's by my home also. :D Any idea's? :)

20160823 115919


Feel free to share any photographs and have a good day friends. :)

Moto

 
Moto

Moto

3,041
263
Plant Testing With Moto
Better Organix

Pro-Mix Recycled Media

I got some extra time to play with my plants so time for some new testing and experimenting. :D Current plant I will be showing and testing with is Cherry Tomato From Seed. :) Hope you enjoy and feel free to ask any questions. :D

Current Cherry Tomato Mother Plant

20160823 122434


Closer Look of Cherry Tomato Mother Plant and her styling in the sunshine. :D Most of her has been harvested and cleaned up. Some was dead foliage from her stop drop and roll. LOL

20160823 122446


Three different size and length of clones. This test is simply to see if I can make them survive in the current high heat conditions and also make them thrive in shortest time possible. :)

20160823 122022


Cleaned up old Cherry Large Tomato Plant #3 that clones was inserted into. Oh and Phantom. LOL

20160823 121000



I will update in time with progress and my testings results. I dusted the hole I made for my clones with Root Better and my next Drench Application will be with Bio-Balance Media and Bio-Hydrate to ensure my media is in prime condition for some new testing. GO MICROBES GO

They will receive a Foliar Application soon with Bio-Hydrate and K-amino. Time will tell friends. :D

Sharing Is Caring and Grow Responsibly

Moto
 
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Srenots

Srenots

14,210
438
Plant Testing With Moto
Better Organix

Pro-Mix Recycled Media

I got some extra time to play with my plants so time for some new testing and experimenting. :D Current plant I will be showing and testing with is Cherry Tomato From Seed. :) Hope you enjoy and feel free to ask any questions. :D

Current Cherry Tomato Mother Plant

View attachment 627967

Closer Look of Cherry Tomato Mother Plant and her styling in the sunshine. :D Most of her has been harvested and cleaned up. Some was dead foliage from her stop drop and roll. LOL

View attachment 627968

Three different size and length of clones. This test is simply to see if I can make them survive in the current high heat conditions and also make them thrive in shortest time possible. :)

View attachment 627970

Cleaned up old Cherry Large Tomato Plant #3 that clones was inserted into. Oh and Phantom. LOL

View attachment 627978



I will update in time with progress and my testings results. I dusted the hole I made for my clones with Root Better and my next Drench Application will be with Bio-Balance Media and Bio-Hydrate to ensure my media is in prime condition for some new testing. GO MICROBES GO

They will receive a Foliar Application soon with Bio-Hydrate and K-amino. Time will tell friends. :D

Sharing Is Caring and Grow Responsibly

Moto
great pics, ole phantom in thar too...thx bro
 
GreenHouser

GreenHouser

3,109
263
It Be Tuesday!!! :D

Going on my normal walk with some local hairy friend named Phantom. This section I am currently working on that was bare dirt in past and rough health is starting to throw mushrooms all over. HELL YEAH :D

Red Chickawawa Mushroom from around the local Oak Tree. I loved the coloring and hope to find even more in the woods behind my house to photo. :D

View attachment 627962

Bottom side of these fine Red Chikawawa Mushroom. Jk I have no clue on exact species. :D LOL


View attachment 627963

Here is my bucket I was dragging around and look at all of them from a small section. I am going to photo some up closer and see if I can get more information. Good day for Moto :)

View attachment 627964

Came across this wild plant growing in one of the wetland area's by my home also. :D Any idea's? :)

View attachment 627965

Feel free to share any photographs and have a good day friends. :)

Moto
good god there's dirt in them nails, put some gloves on son!!
 
Srenots

Srenots

14,210
438
It Be Tuesday!!! :D

Going on my normal walk with some local hairy friend named Phantom. This section I am currently working on that was bare dirt in past and rough health is starting to throw mushrooms all over. HELL YEAH :D

Red Chickawawa Mushroom from around the local Oak Tree. I loved the coloring and hope to find even more in the woods behind my house to photo. :D

View attachment 627962

Bottom side of these fine Red Chikawawa Mushroom. Jk I have no clue on exact species. :D LOL


View attachment 627963

Here is my bucket I was dragging around and look at all of them from a small section. I am going to photo some up closer and see if I can get more information. Good day for Moto :)

View attachment 627964

Came across this wild plant growing in one of the wetland area's by my home also. :D Any idea's? :)

View attachment 627965

Feel free to share any photographs and have a good day friends. :)

Moto
that last pic ur wondering about we have here, I see them a lot, but don't know what its called, some kind of a weed...Rag Weed maybe, lol...
 
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GreenHouser

GreenHouser

3,109
263
don't forget about forsythia's, I keep them around too! Turn yellow when the ground is warm enough to plant, then they return green in august. As soon as they turn i know to plant sets in garden. Lookie there, Houser droppin knowledge like golden rabbit turds habha ha
 
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