Zamia sp. "Mexico"

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:44 pm

Not a lot of info available on these yet.

Have a couple that were started from seed about 2 years ago, the leaves are starting to take on a nice form.

Happy to get a bag of seed in the mail

Little closer look,

With Zamia seed, I've had the best results by using community pots with the seed right below the surface up to 1/4" deep.

An overnight soak, then about 10 per cup,

Cover the seeds, then plastic wrap over the top, ( to conserve moisture and prevent fungus gnat problems)

In a warm spot, (80*F), should have first fronds in 1 - 3 months.
( 80 more cups to fill......

Kansas · Post by **Kansas** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:02 pm

Steve, I'de love to have a couple of those if you have some to spare!

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:06 pm

Wes,
I should end up with some extras

I'll set a few aside for you.

Steve

lucky1 · Post by **lucky1** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:19 pm

Nice pics of the process, Steve.

Aha...I knew it would happen!
You had to take a pic of the Zamia FROM THE OUTSIDE 'coz even you must now admit GH is full

The second pic: two seeds with orange blotches. Are they already starting?

Are you using a different planting media now? Coir? Seems you used more perlite previously.
Barb

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:51 pm

Barb,
You're right, getting just a bit crowded in there

The red/orange stuff is just what's left of the seed coat

Being the off season, I didn't find any Perlite in town this month, so just regular container mix.
Zamias, ( for me at least ), seem to do best with some organic content and a higher moisture level during germination.

Steve

lucky1 · Post by **lucky1** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:44 pm

The overnight soak: Do you soak seeds in water with added fungicide?
Or give seeds a quick f.spray as you plant them?
Barb

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:07 pm

Distilled water for the soak, and no fungicide.
As long as the seeds are cleaned well, and the moisture levels are kept in check, fungus/mold problems are minimal.

I've had some problem seeds in the past that grew mold no matter what they were treated with......ones like that are usually too old, or just bad to start with.

Steve

lucky1 · Post by **lucky1** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:30 pm

No fungicide at all?

Good to know it works for you without fungicide.
It didn't occur to me to use distilled water. How clever!
Barb

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 10:58 am

Barb,
Since you asked, this is how crowded it's getting

Steve

lucky1 · Post by **lucky1** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 2:40 pm

Steve,
You can't even get to your potting chair

The GH is so full, the sun's having trouble getting through!

Absolutely bloody wonderful !!
Barb

Kansas · Post by **Kansas** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 7:25 am

I was in Steve's greenhouse....I think Thursday maybe?
It is AMAZING!!!! In Kansas, in early Feb., and it is SOOOOOOO green and blue. MY GOD IS IT BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
It is packed, barely walk thru it, especially for a fat A$$ like myself. But it is so wonderful in there.

Okanagan desert-palms · Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:11 am

A little piece of heaven. Looks like heaven might have to expand lots. Lol . Steve great job always look forward to seeing what you are growing next.

John

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:18 am

Thanks for the comments

Going to have to expand the green house this season, If all goes to plan, I'll have a 200 gallon pond for the Nypa, and a 12' ceiling.

Wes, I would bet yours will be just as full by the end of this Summer

Steve

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 12:57 pm

OK......
Here's a photo from the other side of the window

lucky1 · Post by **lucky1** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 1:14 pm

Steve,
as always, admire your ability to provide plants with their specific needs.
These look particularly strong.
I find it fascinating to see false and juvenile leaves on the same specimen.

Barb

Dean W. · Post by **Dean W.** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 8:44 am

I also admire your ability to provide for your plants specific needs, Steve.

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 9:22 am

It's all just a matter of finding what works in your location

Steve

Dean W. · Post by **Dean W.** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 7:11 am

Well, you have the perfect greenhouse for it! I wish I had a greenhouse myself, Steve.

Dean

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 11:13 am

Here's the first one to sprout

lucky1 · Post by **lucky1** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 6:31 pm

Steve,
That fast ????

from the seeds you just germinated?
congratulations, that little guy'll have a great home,
with more of his family to come soon.

One question: I think you (mostly) sow your seed with half showing above surface.
This isn't a remote germinator, so where's the seed?
Barb

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 6:51 pm

Barb,
With most of the smaller Zamia seed, I just clean and plant them about 1/4" beneath the surface.
( these dry out quickly once cleaned, much easier to plant them and let them go

Steve

lucky1 · Post by **lucky1** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 7:00 pm

Steve, thanks for the explanation.
Got it

Re my palm seeds...it's either month 4 or 5 (can't remember, bloody long time anyway.)
I'm wearing out the ziplock looking at them.
Thought I saw something; nope it was just some dirt.

Can you just see this fast-forward play in the old folks home:
Tap tap on shoulder. "Barb, your palm seeds have germinated".

"Ya? What are palm seeds?"

Barb

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 7:15 pm

Have some Licuala seed from 2006 that just germinated

Steve

lucky1 · Post by **lucky1** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:04 pm

You've got some patience!

Can't wait to see their progress.
Get that camera ready, please.
Barb