Arisaema sikokianum |
Native Region: Japan and China
Zone Range: 5-9
Preferred Climate: Semi sun to dappled shade; well draining humus rich soil.
Harvest Date: Thursday 05 November, 2009
Seed count: 12-15
Description:
An extremely dramatic plant. In early spring, a mottled pinkish purple spike emerges to gradually unfurl leaves and a purple & green spathe and pure white matt textured spadix that is truely breath taking. I acquired one and quickly learned that I needed (not wanted) more! Dark green leaves can be marked with silver. Doesn't take up much space so its great for small and large gardens. Does well in containers too, but they must accomodate a growing plant that can reach 24 cm or more in height.
Notes:
Gendered species. I've heard stories that its able to switch genders and is a hermaphrodite when in transition. WE SHOULD HAVE SEED FOR FALL 2012.
Cultivation:
Soak seed 24 hours in Skookum solution, sow in baggie of equal parts moistened peat and small grain perlite (sand could be too abrasive) and give warm stratification (20-24C) for 30 days. Then cold stratify 3 months in the fridge. Germinate at 15-25 C. Needs darkness to sprout. Prick out and sow as the roots emerge into deep nursery pots to grow on for 2 years. Do not disturb young plants for the first few years as you'd damage any tender feeder roots making a weaker plant (and who wants that?). NOTE: we've had seed germinate in 10 days during the warm stratifiction cycle, and it doesn't seem to need darkness either.
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