Managed to find a Welwitschia from Plants for the Southwest in Tucson. I live in Phoenix (Mesa), but on the outskirts at a bit higher elevation. I plan to grow it outside to give it full sun but am struggling with how much sun it actually needs. I've seen one growing in the ground in full sun at a local nursery but it was way more established and they may be using shade cloth during the summer. Any idea how much shade cloth I should use? I was going to get 50% aluminet because it keeps things much cooler beneath the cloth.
Or should I just keep this guy inside? I have east or south facing windows I can put it near but I wasn't sure if that was enough sun, especially during the summer.
I read somewhere that they shouldn't be transplanted often and to go larger when they're small (with depth). I managed to find some terracotta chimney flues on marketplace (13" x 4") which I turned into a planter. They're open on both ends so I used an angle grinder to trim a terracotta plant saucer to fit and used mortar to secure them. I still need to leach out the lime from the mortar (testing the water ph after soaking to make sure) before I'm willing to plant it. My planned soil mix is 40% pumice, 25% crushed lava rock, 25% coco coir, and 10% worm castings. Anything wrong with the setup? all advice appreciated.
by Crazyhairmonster
3 Comments
I use 100% pumice and water daily. Full Arizona sun sounds way too intense for a seedling. It’s probably best kept in shade.
That Dorstenia in first slide is on steroids 😳
I’m so glad you got a well AND that dorstenia! I picked up another dorstenia hybrid in TX on my way home this weekend.
I think your full sun is too intense at this stage. I would shade it fairly well. FYI mine are all in straight pumice and I water daily or every two days. I really saw an increase in growth when I started fertilizing with every watering. These welwitchia from Plants for the Southwest do appear to have quite a bit of organics in the soil when you look at the drainage holes so keep an eye on that, make sure it’s not wet still at your next watering.
Also your pot turned out perfect, I can’t wait to see it all potted up in there in a few years once it’s pushed more growth.
I’d keep it a bit shaded for now. They grow in the open desert in habitat, but almost at sea level so the sun might not be as strong as in Arizona depending on elevation and latitude. The most important thing is to not let it dry out, it’s not really a succulent and needs constant moisture through it’s roots. It’s very interesting in that way being a desert plant.