PBS Forum

Daubenya zeyheri.

This may be an unusual one.  Leaves wit ha central mid leaf white strip.

Had a look at Bothalia Vol. 32.2 from Oct 2022  "Systematics of the genus Daubenya (Hyacinthaceae: Massonieae)  and the descriptions do not  state any    have a   mid leaf white strip.

Massonia bredasdorpensis  Two year old seedlings.

 
What have you added, over what sort of area? Reflectors/shades?

--I've added two four tube LED fixtures each about 15-18 inches above the plants.  The come on at 7 AM and turn off at 5 PM.  They are suspended from the greenhouse supports.

In reality, approaching natural maximum light levels would be almost impossible - cramming enough lamps in would be impossible. Ignoring the costs.........

--The cost of LED's has been minimal for me here in Northeast USA. I think the up front cost for LEDs is more than other systems but the operating costs are less. The idea was  to add a bit more light energy to the plants.  It's worked out well for the Ferraria's as they have started flowering consistently
 

Here are four locations as compared to Capetown SA.

You have to subtract 6 months to get the same growing season.

I think it's brightness.  I'll dig up some charts I've done comparing the 'insolation' of SA with the northern hemisphere.  We get far less light energy falling on the ground than SA.  Also the number of cloudy days can play into the overall light.

Yes, they sit in a greenhouse heated to around 42-45 F.

The key in my view was the  addition supplementary light I added couple of years ago.  Our light levels here in the northeast USA are just not bright enough to get these to flower reliably.

First Ferraria of the season. Last year blooms on Dec. 17.

I guess three cheers for David, figuring out how to do that.

Great work Ken,

Lets have a three cheers for Ken in NJ

Amethyst pools of nectar at the base of the flowers

Othonna gymnodiscus

Massonia longipes

David:

You've hit on my favorite line/

If it is goalless it has to be a draw.

We had a TV guy here who would say a "Goalless tie"

I've had this bulb for well over ten years.  Grows in winter and goes dormant with the rest of the SA bulbs in our spring.

Came to me as a Eucomis, but can't recall from where.  Any help with an ID would be greatly appreciated.

The only winter grow Eucomis I know of is E. regia

Thanks,

Money talks and everyone else goes thirsty!