When we returned to Maryland, I was aware of the derecho that caused millions to be without power. I knew that my home was one of those without electricity. Aside from being thankful that I had cleared almost everything out of the refrigerator and freezer before vacation and that I didn't have to try to sleep in the sweltering heat, I worried a bit about my plants.
After last summer's heat caused the death of most of my Streptocarpus, I resolved to keep them and a few other gesneriads in the plant room near the window and open the vent to provide them with some cool circulating air for the hottest months. With the power out, that was not to be. And the plant caregiver misunderstood my instructions and gave them no water after the power outage. With no air conditioning and no open windows, I hate to think how hot it got in that plant room. Most of the Streptocarpus were gone, but the two Sinningia plants perked up after I watered them. Just a couple of weeks later, this one was in full bloom; the only damage it suffered was the shriveling of about half the flower buds. I moved it to my bedroom window. I've struggled to find the cultivar name. I know I got it from The Violet Barn, but they don't have it right now. I think it is 'San Pedro' or something like that.
This is a vital location for this gardener. It is the first plant I commune with each morning, and I need something in this spot that will say good morning to me and help me shake off the deep morning drowsiness I feel when I wake earlier than I really want to so I can beat traffic headed toward Washington, DC. I'm reminded once again of my admiration of plants with storage organs, since it has a corm. It was hardly harmed by some very neglectful conditions. Prior to growing it in the open, I kept it in a terrarium where it struggled with too little light and not enough room. The leaves have been lovely even when it hasn't been in bloom.
No comments:
Post a Comment