Hi!
I've been growing exotic plants from succulents to Gesneriads for about thirty years now and I'm very ineterested in growing some of the less "run of the mill" Aroids.
Mostly, I'm growing Gesneriads and I'm wondering if any of the following three Aroids are in any way, shape or form compatible with me growing Gesneriads:
- Spathicarpa hastifolia (Or whatever its current placement might be)
- Sauromatum guttatum/Typhonium venosum (See, I'm confused already...)
- ZZ
And now, if I could find out where I could trade/buy these...
Thanks so much!
Olaf
There are three Aroids that I'm particularly interested in
ZZ's can be had at Home Depot of Lowes and some of the larger mom & pop run family centers.
Spathicarpa is not going to be easy to find, as it is not so ornamental as to be in high demand. The Sauromatum/Typhonium is a rather large and coarse plant when compared to typical Gesneriads such as Episcia and Saintpaulia. IMHO, some aroids that are more like those Gesneriads in size are the Alocasias that I call "Jewel Alocasias". They are smaller growers and would fit in nicely with your Gesneriad collection. They are moderately to very finicky, as are some Gesneriads!
Here's one of many articles I've written for Dave's Garden on the Jewels:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/947/
LariAnn
Aroidia Research
Thanks everyone!
ZZ shouldn't be a problem. The reason why I mentioned it is because I would love to try its propagation by leaflets.
I realize that Sauromatum/Typhonium is pretty large and coarse but I just love its life cycle. When I was a kid, they sometimes sold them together with Spring bulbs. I haven't seen them in a while, though.
Spathicarpa, I've seen once online and I don't remember where. I'll just keep on checking ebay and the "usual supects" online.
LariAnn: Thanks for the info on Alocasias. I realize that they can be very finnicky but no one can argue with their beauty.
Olaf