[GrowRR] regional differences?

[FZachariah at aol.com]

In a message dated 05/05/04 01:42:53 AM Central Daylight Time, 
clarson at melbpc.org.au writes:

> A couple of observations I have made over the years:
>   
> Plants from drier areas generally prefer to be watered early in the day so 
> they are dry in the evenings. This definitely helps if they are CAM plants. 
> This may require growing under cover to keep them drier in tropical areas, 
> especially where there is regular afternoon rainfall. 
>   
> When I was in Guatemala I saw T.xerographica which was taken from the dry 
> highlands to the wet Pacific coast, a stones throw from the beach, because it 
> grew better there. The plant did not survive naturally there, but in the 
> nurseries it was flourishing - the nurseries said it grew better there than in the 
> highland nurseries. Sometimes plants may be suited to conditions which are 
> not those of their natural habitat. The conditions of the habitat should be 
> used only as a guide, and not necessarily a rule, as to the optimum conditions 
> for the plant.
>   
> I live in Melbourne, close to the southern most part of mainland Australia. 
> I have swapped many plants with a collector in Cairns ( on the coast, in the 
> tropics - no shortage of humidity there). Most plants sent both ways have 
> survived. There have, of course, been exceptions. My friend has many highland 
> species growing successfully, but some he can't master.
>   
> I'd be looking more into methods of keeping plants from other climates, from 
> growers in a similar climate. Then again some plants can be affected by 
> other things such as water quality. (A friend of mine that lives 50km away from 
> me can't grow plants that grow in my garden due to the quality of his water.) 
>   
> Chris

Chris,

Very informative observations.

Kind of new to growing bromeliads, but this is an observation on other plants 
that may be relevant. Here in Louisiana, the 'killer' in growing plants that 
are not native to the humid subropics is our summer night temps.
We can grow beautiful pansies, petunias, snaps (etc.) until our night temps 
remain above 70-72* F (21*C). Not sure if it's a respiration problem or 
pathogens -- or both.
In the summer, it is normal for our night temp to remain in the 80's(F)
after 10PM. Marigolds and geraniums play out by early July. Fuchsias and the 
high-altitude Oncidium orchids die. 
Plants from other areas can adapt easier to California and south Australia 
because you get respites from the relentless heat.
That's not to say we can't grow beautiful plants. Our neos, billbergias, and 
aechmeas will rival anything grown elsewhere. But, as in any region, there is 
assured failure if we stretch too far from our climate. 
Also, your comment on water quality was helpful. The water in Baton Rouge has 
high sodium and my guzmanias and vrieseas struggle through the winter 
greenhouse till I put them back outside in the rain.
Frank
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