Home

Strange Wonderful Things

 Rare and exotic plants

Turquoise Puya

 

Passiflora parritae x antioquiensis

Passiflora loefgrenii

Germinating the seeds

 

When to plant -- Plant them when you receive them for best results.

Getting started -- Soak the seeds for about 12 hours in a cup of water (not more than 24 hours).

Soil -- Use a well draining mix.  I use a mix of 1 part coir fiber to 1 part perlite (use fine- or medium-grade perlite, not coarse-grade).  An alternate mix is 2 parts quality potting soil to 1 part perlite.

Pot size - You may use small pots about 3 inches tall (7 cm) and 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm) wide.

 Fill the pots, place a seed on top in each pot, and cover with about 1/4 inch (7 mm) of soil.  Add water until evenly moist (but not fully saturated), and keep them this moist.

Temperature -- Aim to keep them between 68 and 77° F (20-25°C) most of the time.  Avoid letting them get above 82° F (28°C) or below 65° F (18°C) for prolonged periods.   I recommend placing a minimum/maximum thermometer near the pots.

 Keep them in a bright spot out of direct sun.  If you place the pots inside a plastic container to maintain moisture, leave it open slightly to allow fresh air to enter.

 They can sprout at various times between 3 weeks and 3 months.  Once they sprout, give them bright light, with protection from afternoon sun.  You may use a fluorescent or LED light kept 4 inches (10 cm) away while your plants are young.  I recommend growing them indoors the first few months.

Growing on...

Climate -- Older plants prefer temperatures between 40 and 80°F (5-29°C), with cool nights.  It reportedly can tolerate a light frost, but i recommend protecting it from freezing temperatures, especially the first 2 years.  Over about 40% humidity is recommended.

Lighting -- It prefers part-sun, and may need some protection from strong afternoon sun.  It can handle full sun in cool, coastal areas.

Fertilizing -- Feed weekly with a very dilute (1/8 strength) liquid fertilizer.  Hydroponic fertilizer is ideal for this, because it is easily absorbed and contains all essential nutrients.  I use General Hydroponics Flora fertilizer, using 1 teaspoon/gallon (5 mL per 4 liters).  After 6-8 weeks, you may switch to a granular fertilizer that contains micronutrients (I use this one).  Or continue feeding weekly with liquid fertilizer at 1/8 strength.

Repotting -- When your seedlings are at least 3 inches tall (7 cm), you may repot them to larger containers about 1 quart (1 liter) in size.  Avoid disturbing the roots when repotting.

 Repot again after 4 to 6 months.  The final pot size depends on how large you choose to let it grow.  A medium-sized plant can live in a 10 gallon (40 liter) pot indefinitely.  You may prune your plant to any size that is convenient.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Have fun growing them!

- Jeff

Strange Wonderful Things

 

 

Home

Strange Wonderful Things

Rare and exotic plants

Turquoise Puya

Entire site Copyright 2003-2023 by Strange Wonderful Things, except as noted