what's outdoors?

I decided that indoor and outdoor temps have equalized enough that I can kick out some plants. Some orchids went outdoors over the weekend, and this evening I actually got home while there was still some light, so I sent the Streptocarpellas and Sinningia Tampa Bay Beauty (x self) out there.

Some summers I've grown episcias outdoors, as well as a big annual Chirita that grew to be 2-3 feet tall and about the same wide. Last year I put one Smithinantha Texas Freckles (see pic) out, and having broken the tip, it branched and grew to be about 3 feet wide. Mind you, I've also had this one bloom from me (probably from a cutting) in a 3" pot and about 5" tall.....

The Titanotrichum oldhamii (which looks like a golden mini foxglove) is hardy here so it lives outdoors year round. Some Achimenes are supposed to be borderline hardy, so I might try leaving one out come fall.....

This year, I'm also considering trying an Aeschynanthus or Columnea outside for the summer. What about you?

Key: That is one Beautiful Flower!

Since I live in Florida .... most everything can stay outside during the Spring, Summer, Fall and into the Winter since we only have a chance of cold weather in late January and February! I don't leave African Violets outside because it gets so hot and humid here and even on my covered deck, there's not enough air circulation in summer ... I'm afraid they would get mildew and mold and fungus out there! My deck is closed in on two sides by the house and a large Shed, so it's miserable in the Summer, unless we are in the pool and we haven't used our pool in years! It just sits there mainly to look at nowadays! We've talked about draining it and filling it in, but I'm sure that won't happen! I'm trying to talk my husband into somehow thinking of a way to install a ceiling fan out there on the deck ... would make it perfect for plants and me too during the 90 degree hot, humid summer days!

so interesting to hear what the outdoor challenges are. It also gets hot and humid enough here in the summer for some plants to complain. I've killed a few orchids that way. On the other hand, a lot of the tropicals love being outside in the summer as we have the humidity. And, since I live in an apartment I do not have to battle squirrels! The only thing is lack of space, lack of space and lack of space!


I say convert the pool into a water garden!

I adore your Texas Freckles. Must have been spectacular at 3 feet wide! I will put out aeschynanthus, and will plant achimenes in baskets. Expecting 100 rhizomes shortly of mixed colors.

Keyring, that is the prettiest strep I have ever seen....I am sitting in zone 9.....thanks for the information....mine are getting kicked out to the front porch this weekend....You always grow the best plants!! Our summers are horribly hot but, the southeast winds always keep a breeze on the front porch .....most plants are happy campers out there...(after the spring powerful winds subside...which they are starting to do now)

That is one beautiful plant. You are so lucky to get warm weather already, we don't expect any till July,lol

Sue

thanks for the name, Snowrose.....it is googling time....

100 rhizomes! I can't imagine growing 100! (well, okay, I can.... ....)

100 rhizomes, that must make an awesome basket or two. I think we have had our last really cold night, so this weekend I moved the Orchids and Begonias out. Thanks Key, I didn't know I could put the Smithiantha or the Kohleria out but they're going this afternoon when I get home. Do they need total shade or will they take some sun? The Achimines baskets are already outside, they're only up a tiny bit. I didn't have much luck with my Achimenes last summer, it was way too hot and dry. I've never put an AV outside but there was once a nice article with photos in the AV magazine of someone that had violets planted in their flower beds and the violets thrived, but I think they lived somewhere like Hawaii.

Susan

Keyring, that is a beautiful picture, such a pretty plant!!!!!! : ) Pam

Susan, this will be my first year trying achimenes outdoors so we'll see what happens. I saw some growing so pretty in a greenhouse when I went to Brennan's Orchids. I corresponded with the guy in Hilo, Hawaii you mentioned in the AVSA mag article. Believe it or not, some of the episcias shown were ones I sent him in his own paradise on earth. Small world.

The smithiantha Texas freckles should take some sun. I know someone who grew it in full sun in nyc. Mine got only some morning sun in the DC area and it certainly could have used more.

I've never put kohleria out but I've seen them in pots around here. My guess is they need some shade, but depends on the plant..?

PS the smithiantha is a water hog.

always listening and learning from you ladies!!!

I have my Alsobia Cygnet , and two Columnea hanging baskets, and several lipstick plants ourtside under my covered deck. I have 70% shade cloth over my deck. The lipstick plants were outside all last year and most of the winter until the temps dropped into the low forties for a couple days. Once the temp went back up they were back outside. I am not sure how the Alsobia Cygnet, and two columnea will do, but time will tell.

I do know this!!! My Alsobia Cygnet is not particularly happy under gro-lights, so she is going outside today!!! Her bottom leaves tend to turn yellow....maybe I am over watering??? If she goes outside and she gets a little "benign neglect" she may bloom on me!!!

Oh what a neat thread.It never even occurred to me to put some outside.I bet they would look great in hanging baskets.It sure would free up alot of room on my shelves too ; )
Gail,I have the same problem with my Cygnet.It has never bloomed for me so I am taking it outside.maybe your idea of "benign neglect" might just work.

I 'over nurture' every plant I have inside.....those outside are doing great on the covered screened in front porch......This, thanks to Keyring, is what I am going to do with every plant except my AV's......even my epsicias will free up space.....

Here is my Cygnet. I wanted to repot it, but was affraid to do so.

This message was edited Apr 24, 2007 10:38 AM

Holy Mackerel Patti,That is gorgeous! What are you feeding that?? LOL Mine isn't even a quarter of that size.That makes a beautiful hanging basket plant!

I love to propagate so much, I would never be able to enjoy a plant this large!!!! (LOL)...it is beautiful

Nancy, It only gets rain water so far. I bought this plant two months ago at Lowes, and it was the only one I saw there. I know it needs to be repotted,but I am trying to get the nerve up to do it. LOL
I feed my other plant a recipe from the hoya forum.Here is the recipe .
12 oz beer (any beer but lite)
1/2 c. plain amonia ( no lemon or added detergents)
1 c. epsom salts
2 c. water
added to the orig. recipe:
4 T. bloom booster
1/2 c. molasses
1c. vit. B-1 plant starter
dilute to 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, and use when you water
I don't use beer in mine.
Should I use it on my Cygnet ?
Patti

Thanks Nancy and Gail.
Patti

Inquiring minds want to know, rose318.....will be looking for the answer to your plant recipe....

LOL Patti,I use that same beer formula(with beer added) and I know my hoyas,lipstick and goldfish plant really love it .Maybe I will try it on a small cygnet I have and see how it does.Nothing really to lose for me but I don't know if I would try it on your big beautiful cygnet plant.I don't think I would have the guts to try that.

My plants love it too. I sent you a dmail Nancy.

Gail your Cynget is very pretty too.
Patti

Got it Patti : )

Wow Patti, What a Beautiful Hanging Basket with your Alsobia Cygnet. I have two small plants received in trades here on DG and I think I will move mine outside too. What location N, S, E or W do you have yours hanging outdoors? For the Beer Fertilizer, Where do I find the Vitamin B1 Plant Starter? I've never heard of it!

Thanks,

Lin

Thanks Lin. I used B1 vitamin. It's located on the north side of my home.

Patti: Just regular human B1 Vitamins???? I'm getting confused!

Yes Lin. Can find them at dollar store cheap.
Patti

This message was edited Apr 24, 2007 8:19 PM

Keyring
Smithinantha Texas Freckles is so beautifull,is there a site where i can buy one,

Ditto, starfly!!

It's very possible that Texas freckles is not available commercially yet. I think the hybrid was registered in 2002 or so, and of course it can only be propagated by rhizome or cutting. I got mine from a friend who got it from the New York chapter of the gesneriad society. I did as much propagating as I could last year and shared a few with people here. Perhaps there will be more floating around in the not too distant future.

Ohhhhhh... Did I just say rhizomatous...?

thanks, Keyring, for saving me time looking....will wait patiently for them to become available commerically....

Keyring have you use the fertilizer recipe many are using on the hoyas on the hoya forum? They also use it on the others plants.
Patti

I am excited to say that most of my plant collection has been in the process of moving outside for the past week. Last weekend we laid indoor/outdoor carpet on the balcony, then I built a baja bar (but I am using it for my plants, not for drinking) and I bought the cutest garden cart at Lowe's. It's really coming together nicely now. I have been potting up stuff for the past few evenings and setting everybody in their summer spot (either shaded or not so shaded, depending on need.) I had been wondering about the gessies, since I am fairly new to them. From the thread on "newbies and lurkers" my seeds are to be planted tonight! :-) My episcias never did like to be out in the heat and humidity that much, so I thought I would be leaving in most of the other new gessies too.

We lost our home computer during the move (it got surged, and fried the motherboard). As soon as my new computer and camera come in, aI will start sharing photos with y'all.

Karen

what a beautiful picture!
I put the episcias out on the porch last week and kohleria dark walnut is going out as soon as it finishes blooming.

Hi Patti - sorry to take so long to respond. I have not used that exact recipe, but the solution I use to soak orchid divisions in is basically the same. I have not used it as a regular fertilizer however.

Beer (not lite) is a good re-hydrant so I've given some plants a drink before - I am a chronic underwaterer so sometimes they need help....
The vit B in the formula is a root stimulant and is an ingredient in the Superthrive that I sometimes add to my watering.

I think that's the extent of my use...

Thanks Keyring.