First off, I want to say that I am really attatched to this plant. I grew her from seed and she is now 3 years old.
My question is this: Why isn't she fat? Should she have a belly by now? She has never bloomed, but appears perfectly healthy. She leans a little, but I don't think that's a big deal. I keep her indoors with 3-4 hours of light a day.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
jlp--I have one of these but I got it when it was older. I have kept mine in the GH over winter and I have noticed the belly growing (lol). Before I put it in the GH it stayed in my dimly lit garage for a few days (I had sprayed it), and it dropped all it's leaves in that short amount of time. It grew back very well once it was in the GH, even though the nighttime temperatures got down to 40 fairly often. It has put out 2 sets of blooms also.
This is still a newer plant to me but I would guess that it wants more light. If there's anyway you can find a sunny spot (maybe not blaring sun) to keep it outside while it is warm and bring it back in over winter (it won't look as good in the winter months)
It may take some time for the "belly" to form. I can see the spot on the stem where it looks like it is a little fat, but to develop a really nice belly may just take more time. I agree about more light though, but I'm not sure if that'll help with the belly or not.
Both of mine are outside in the Florida sun a good part of the day and do great. Both are currently blooming and one has multiple pods. I'll get some pics soon.
That would be awesome! Please do : ) Jennifer
I let mine get bone dry..and it bloomed.
It needs to be outside. Full sun. Full-er, if possible. :) They like sun. Protect it from freezes, but otherwise, it will go dormant in cooler temps. Keep it dry while dormant or it will rot. I have two year old seedlings that are three times the size of yours - they get no extra care other than a little water in the summer and full sun. They are outdoors year round. Once it gets big enough to flower (which is not too much bigger than it currently is), it should start in the spring and continue to the fall.
Thanks carter! I will try the "tough love" approach :)
Here are some pictures of mine. i'm in Florida zone 9b-10 and it's outside year round in full sun.
Blurry but you can see the seed pods
I don't know how old this is but this is the base so far.
Glad you mentioned the full sun bit. I didn't know that.
Hey there . . . As per your suggestions, I moved the plant to a South facing window that gets alot of sun. She loves it! There are currently 5 leaves, but she still hasn't bloomed. She has gained some weight. I wouldn't say fat, but maybe "chunky".
Does anyone have any seeds they have harvested? A friend wants a seedling and I would love to start one for her to have ready for her birthday. I ordered a few, but have given all but one away.
Thanks!
also, it regularly defoliates..this is normal.
