Cryptostephanus haemanthoides

John Grimshaw j.grimshaw@virgin.net
Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:52:14 PDT
Cryptostephanus haemanthoides comes from semi-arid bushland in East Africa 
in sandy soil principally derived from decomposed granite. Annual rainfall 
c. 500 mm in one or two annual wet seasons, but then dry and usually very 
hot for most of the year. The plants I've seen of it were growing in open 
places between shrubs or in savanna-type grassland. My collected plant was 
not difficult to grow in a deep pot on a hot sunny windowsill, kept dry in 
the British winter, buit I killed it by keeping it too cool one winter. My 
conclusion is that it needs a dry warm resting period, but that it isn't 
really particularly fussy.

As the bulk of the underground parts are the big fleshy roots one assumes 
that care should be taken not to damage them.

Where in South Africa are you Pieter?


John Grimshaw


Dr John M. Grimshaw
Sycamore Cottage
Colesbourne
Nr Cheltenham
Gloucestershire GL53 9NP

Tel. 01242 870567


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Aqua Flora" <aquaflorasa@telkomsa.net>
To: <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 10:28 AM
Subject: [pbs] Cryptostephanus haemanthoides


> Dear List,
>
> I have just received a number of Cryptostephanus haemanthoides bulbs from
> Rare Exotics. Can anyone advise on growing conditions, growth medium, sun
> exposure, watering requirements etc.???
>
> Looking forward to your comments!
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Pieter van der Walt
> South Africa
>
>


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