Tropical Gardening

This winter will be an interesting test of my method. We've already had more -5°C and -6°Cs than in the whole of last winter. Then there's the challenge of warm, sunny periods (I wish!) interspersed with cold spells through Feb and March.

Ahh, but you can buy them in pots, flowering pretty much any time during the summer due to the alteration of day length.

OK, thanks for your comments, everyone - I'll reduce the layers of fleece!

Similar to what others are saying. Thanks. It seems scary cutting all the leaves off and baring the roots. One would think that is the best way to kill it. I have seen Monty do it but it seemed drastic. However I shall try it.

That new furry growth looks really healthy. The new growth mine put out in the summer has now ripened and is forming what I hope are flower buds, although it looks a bit yellow to be honest.Did you have it in full sun all summer? Just wondering, did it get a frost at some point during the...

Thanks Pete. It is in full Southern sun most of the day.

Lovely orange @Victoria

Not sure tbh. I got it around 4 years ago I think but no idea on ageI usually wait a bit for the yellowing ones to get a bit more yellow before removing or it can look a bit bare

Hi @RobFJ , welcome to the forum!The Garden Superstore has a good selection of both decorative and strictly practical planters. I have ordered some for houseplants and have been happy with the products and the service.Please do post some photos of your plants, insectivores are fascinating

I don't know it's age as I have only had it a few months. Yes, it is outside in a pot. I cannot have any plants indoors as I live in an old cottage with 60cm walls and small windows.

Oh, and the dangling brighter green bit in the center is the Tecoma stans, Ginger Thomas.

Echinopsis "Shirley Pink" (Abbey Brook hybrid)

Yes I grow the basic long, purple variety, but gave up starting them from seed about 10 years ago. The plants produced for sale on the markets here are so far superior to what I can produce without heat in the polytunnel. Last year was disastrous as the plants got greenfly and were too sickly to...

Hello Giri,Thank you for all of the above useful information. I envy you living in such a nice and warm environment. It must give you many options when it comes to interesting plants.I've just spent the last half hour taking Cherry pips out of stones and also Apricot seeds. They are now...

I have this cobra lilly beside my tetrapanex. Thought I’d post it as he’s a sight.

Looks pretty good to me. I wouldn't worry too much, just cut them off. Do you feed it . I find they are ok in relatively small pots. I also put another pot along side and trained the aerial roots into it.

Probably due to the cut back, all the strength has gone to the one flowering bud that was left.

Thanks again. I have a south facing garden, so sunny spots aren’t a problem. Will also note your advice re frost protection