Root ball ⭕

Alocasia wentii/uhinkii in pon with moss top dressing. I am only showing what's possible… Later we can discuss pros and cons of tiny vases.

They all grew from corms almost a year ago, mostly window sill light and 4 months under these grow bulbs.

The empty glass vase went through a 'chop and reset' at the time of the photo, another wentii, the plant is doing great today.

For this wentii duo, I am going to grow them displaying a woody stems. It might take 2-3 years….

I have learned:

Oxygen: super important for root health. If water goes down easily into the vase then air can enter as well. Lose moss can help control the evaporation in case you go on vacation, or to water less frequent.

Dry period: resets the roots. Secundary root will dry out and new set of secundary will grow after water is reintroduce. The plant won't droop within 1 week, lots of water reserve inside the stems.

Light: leaves without light will be sacrificed even if the top leaves are being push to the limit (I mean 1,500 foot candles).

Nats: minimum when using inorganic pon, some when topping with moss.

Benefitial soil crawlers: lots of them will migrate if you have a plant in soil close by.

Benefitial fungi: Trichoderma and Mycorrhizal. The best allies against bacteria and bad fungi. Very efficient root protectors and support feeders.

Pros:
-Space saving. Wentii can take over your house if you let them free space for roots.
-Learning. Make you observe and iterate often. Great schooling base on experience.
-Wifey approval. Looks 'cutie'
-Easy to take to the shower.
-Easy when moving out.
-Niemal ppl will be impressed.

Cons:
-Frequent watering.
-You won't sleep if you care and introduce a new product or something you are experimenting for the first time.
-Plant parents will crucifie you for such a sin.

I love the discussion around plants. I follow and break rules often.

I'm here for the learning and to expand the possibilities so you are very welcome to share your experience/thoughts 🙂