I used to deliver houseplants residence to Alaska each time I visited the Decrease 48. This was lengthy earlier than the COVID-19-induced, houseplant craze, which, judging by the variety of indoor plant retailers I see when lecturing, remains to be going robust. Really, it’s defying the percentages with its length, not that I’m complaining.
Anyhow, the vegetation I introduced residence had been cuttings taken from dad and mom or a relative who didn’t thoughts my taking a wholesome measurement reducing (or, being a Lowenfels, truly had some rooted cuttings for me). These had been often not very unique just like the vegetation being featured lately. Nonetheless, they had been issues I couldn’t purchase this far north. I nonetheless get pleasure from a number of of these vegetation. I’ve even made cuttings for others to take.
My dad and mom are gone, and principally my kin go to Alaska lately and never the opposite means round, so now I go to Exterior plant shops each time I journey. I prefer to see if there’s something “new” that is perhaps a worthy addition to an Alaskan’s assortment. Given the cutthroat nature of retail, there often are a number of vegetation that pique my curiosity.
So for instance, the opposite day I wandered right into a retailer and noticed a wierd plant labeled as a relative of African violets, Ramonda myconi, aka the Pyrenean-violet. It’s also often called the “hardy African violet” as it’s member of the Gesneriaceae, the household that features African violets. Since I knew nothing in regards to the plant, nor did the shop worker, I did some analysis to see if it was price shopping for.
Come to seek out out Ramonda myconi is a rock backyard plant in hotter areas, although one dependable supply says should you can develop primulas, you may deal with Ramonda myconi. Nevertheless, these vegetation do finest in areas which can be zone 6, and we aren’t there but. It may function an uncommon home plant in cooler climes like ours.
The leaves are 3 inches throughout, bushy, darkish inexperienced and type rosettes. The 1-inch flowers are purple with yellow “facilities” (truly anthers) and develop above the leaves in typical African violet model. The plant grows about 4 inches tall and might unfold to round 8 inches.
[Houseplants are Alaska’s way of gardening through winter. Make your collection something special.]
The fascinating factor about this plant is that it’s “poikilohydric,” which means it has developed to not solely face up to chilly, however extreme drought, two situations usually confronted by Alaskan houseplants. That is certainly one of a handful of so-called “resurrection vegetation,” as a result of it will possibly lose as much as 95% of its water, look utterly useless, but utterly revive when uncovered to moisture.
I’m positive a few of you may already see the utility in a resurrection plant; go away residence for an extended trip and upon return, revive what would in any other case be useless vegetation. Have a cabin or a second residence someplace? That is for you. (Observe to self and reader: Must do a resurrection plant column or two.)
And, have a look at this: Since it might be onerous to discover a native supply or to have just a few vegetation shipped within the winter, it’s good to know it is a plant you could develop from seed. All you want is the seed (verify the web), gentle (which you already personal), seed beginning combine and endurance, as they’ll take a month or so to germinate.
One other astonishing factor about Ramonda myconi is these vegetation’ longevity. Amazingly, they’ll reside 250 years. Yup, you learn that accurately. Wow! You may need to incorporate a bit in your will to make sure somebody takes care of it after you may’t.
Hmm. What am I ready for? The shop during which I noticed the Ramonda myconi vegetation is charging $26 for a plant in a 3-inch pot. I used to be spoiled as a result of my kin by no means charged me for vegetation, however I’ve come to acknowledge that if we wish to hold the houseplant craze alive, we have to pay the going fare.
So, again I’m going. I hope they’ve one or two left. My level will not be essentially to get you to purchase a Ramonda myconi, however moderately to persuade you to take a look at Exterior plant shops. They’ve a lot of neat issues, and most are sufficiently small to suit right into a carry-on. In actual fact, I’m wondering what else they’ve that is perhaps of curiosity?
Jeff’s Alaska Backyard Calendar:
Alaska Botanical Backyard Brighter Winter Nights: Wow! Carry your sun shades! Tuesday by Jan. 21, get pleasure from botanical themed gentle shows, luminaries, hearth pits and extra! Reservations and tickets can be found at https://www.alaskabg.org/brighter-winter-nights.
Poinsettias: They’re again. No drafts, hold barely moist, and they don’t seem to be toxic.