As usual, BSI-1 has been acting freaky, chlorotic new leaves with irreguar patches of chlorosis, also with the chlorotic tissue thinner than surrounding tissue, rosetting, distorted leaf margins, and have been continuing to do research on possible causes. I've come up with several possible deficiencies:
Zinc, manganese, boron, and iron- I think manganese or zinc are most likely- they can be deficient due to high phosporous or low nitrogen, even if they are present in the soil/ fertilizer. Also possible are excesses of phosphorous or iron, although I think this is less likely. Due to interactions between soil, fertilizer, and ph levels, any of these or other elements can build up or become unavailable. I switched my potting mix to a ph balanced one some months ago, and am switching from my balanced 16-16-16 fertilizer with all micronutrients to Dyna-gro foliage pro, 9-3-6. I also added some chelated iron/mag/zinc/calcium to the mix, which may prove to be a mistake. I think an excess of iron may be what David Liddle refered to as heavy metal poisoning- he recomended a high nitrogen fertilizer, which my research confirms should be helpful. It seems the higher nitrogen will help plants take up other elements they may be deficient in. I'll report again on this. I hope it works quickly, as BSI-1 is looking VERY poorly.
freaky BSI-1
Mine has looked poorly ever since I got it... It's loosing the few leaves it has and it doesn't grow! Today I cut it up and potted 2 cuttings. If this doesn't work - it's the trash can for this one. I think BSI-1 is one tough hoya to grow and right now I wouldn't mind if it died!
Can anyone tell I'm tired of this hoya?!!!
Christina
Wow, Awanda, thoses are the prettiest BSI-1s I've ever seen! Didn't think those stuck up princesses were ever happy. What are the numbers on the Fox Farrm fert? I'm guessing lots of phosphorous, since it's a bloom formula.
Christina, I'm with you, although the smell is supposed to be so good, I really want to flower it at least once before I give up on it.
Mine are in struggle mode as well. Hopefully, when the weather warms up to over 65 and the ferts can balance out...she will be right.
Here is an exerpt from an email from David Liddle: "I see nothing wrong with H. subcalva being used until publication. Thisshould cause few ripples and we are using it on our sales list."
David has established that H. BSI-1 IS REALLY and truely H. subcalva. Of all of the taxonomists and 'mavens', I trust David more than anyone. His views are unclouded by emotions and strictly professional.
Good news does appear from time to time. More news will be forthcoming with more groups being deted by David.
Carol
Excellent! I've allways liked the name subcalva, much more interesting than BSI-1 and flows a lot better than clunkers like davidcummingiana and
hoagycarmichaeliana!
Mark the Fox Farm fertilizer numbers are 0.01 0.3 0.7 and has earthworm castings and bat guano in it. It's also 100% natural and organic.
Blessings,
Awanda
