Tag Archives: darlingtonia

Darlingtonia: Love at First Site

Last weekend, carnie-bro Mike Wang and I went on an epic trip to see Darlingtonia growing in their natural habitat. Ironically, this would be my very first time seeing carnivorous plants in situ. Hey, better late then never, right? Anyway, in the past eight or nine years of me consistently growing carnivorous plants, I’ve only known and witnessed them in cultivation. Seeing their habitat and the way they grow there gives me a greater appreciation for these fantastic plants.

Below are a couple shots of the first clump of Darlingtonia that I saw growing in situ. It felt like my mind blew a gasket seeing just this one clump! It really was love at first sight. At this first site. After seeing this, I told Mike that I felt as if my trip was already complete. Little did I know what was in store in those hours ahead. Needless to say, I took “quite a few” photos and videos. Sorry for the delay, but it has been quite a week for me. I’m catching up with a few other projects and I’m just starting to get to this Darlingtonia project now. I’ll be sorting through the photos and videos so please stay tuned for more Darlingtonia goodness!

If you want to see some of Mike’s photos, check out his Darlingtonia posts over on the Sarracenia forum!

Darlingtonia californiaDarlingtonia californica growing off the side of a road in an almost vertical fashion.
Del Norte Co., CA.

Darlingtonia
Darlingtonia californica – Del Norte Co., CA.

Better Late Than Never

Darlingtonia californicaDarlingtonia californica

My Darlingtonias have been off to a slow start this year. I’m guessing in part because I’m keeping them on the shadier side of the greenhouse – where it’s cool. If I move them in the middle, they may burn as it can get mighty warm in the sun. They love light, I know… It’s making me miss outdoor growing where I could have it cool and sunny all day. I should probably throw a couple Darlingtonia out in the bright/hot area there to see how they fare. It’s friggin’ June — and while some of the Sarracenia pods are already ripening – the Darlingtonia are only throwing out their new pitchers …now. Oh well. Better late than never…

Shooting Around

Just a few random shots from around the ‘house… enjoy!

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S. oreophila x 'Adrian Slack'Sarracenia oreophila x ‘Adrian Slack’

Nepenthes JambanNepenthes jamban

Darlingtonia californiaDarlingtonia californica peeking out over the edge

Pinguicula "John Rizzi"Pinguicula “John Rizzi” in bloom

S. (oreophila x 'Royal Ruby') x 'Adrian Slack'S. (oreophila x ‘Royal Ruby’) x ‘Adrian Slack’ – young pitcher of a cross I did a couple of years ago. I believe that this is a pitcher that was sent up a bit later last season.

S. [(oreophila x minor) x (purpurea x rubra) x leucophylla] x "Green Frog"S. [(oreophila x minor) x (purpurea x rubra) x leucophylla] x “Green Frog”
This is a complex hybrid I did a few years ago. It’s the first time I’ve actually seen some characteristics from this baby.

S. psittacinaSarracenia psittacina
This is a large clone from Jerry Addington. It is still dormant and was recently repotted. It does not look like much now, but hoping it throws out some beast-mode behemoth foliage once it wakes from dormancy.

Sarracena rosea "Big Mama"Sarracenia rosea “Big Mama”
It’s currently dormant and recently repotted. Just like the S. psittacina above, I am hoping it throws out some beast-mode behemoth foliage once it wakes.

Sarracenia venosa, AF CloneSarracenia venosa, anthocyanin free clone

Darlingtonia Baby Separation

Little seedlings don’t stay little for so long. The ravenous things grow and eventually outgrow their grow area. I received a few baby seedlings from Mike Wang in 2011 and I potted quite a few up in a tub. They’ve done really well over here and I’ve been busy separating them into their own pots! Aw yeeeaah! A few of the seedlings really took off as you can see below. There were a also few stragglers caught under the big dudes, and I’ve set them aside to give them more room to grow.

A few folks asked me about my potting mix with these guys. I just peat and a course grade of horticultural sand. The new mix though is peat/perlite and little bit of sand. The plants don’t seem too picky and do well with various combinations of peat/perlite/sand.

Awww… they look so… innocent right now. Aren’t they freakin’ cute?

Darlingtonia california babies
The baby Cobra nursery, plants ready for separation.

Darlingtonia california babies
Handful of baby Darlingtonia.

Darlingtonia california babies
Young Darlingtonia can look so interesting!

Darlingtonia california babies
Ready for expansion – potted up in their own individual pots!

Darlingtonia california babiesSome of the smaller seedlings were planted in the bin once again, spread apart to ensure they receive plenty of light and air!

Update: Darling Babies

I can’t seem to get enough of the savage Darlingtonia californica cuteness! These babies were given to me as tiny seedlings from my friend, Mike Wang last year. They’re growin’ up quick and really putting some fangs out!  (Photos from 17 Jul 2012. )

Darlingtonia californica

Darlingtonia californica

Darlingtonia californica

Darlingtonia californica

Darlingtonia californica

A Visit to California Carnivores

Last weekend, Dahlia and I had a little weekend excursion in Sonoma County. It was a much needed time to relax after all the moving that we recently had to do. We’re settling into our new place nicely – but man… moving always sucks! (Thanks again to everyone who helped out!)

So anyway – what would a mini-vacay be without carnivores?! For me, vacations are never complete without carnivorous plant goodness. Since we were in the ‘hood of California Carnivores we decided to stop by to immerse ourselves in the carnivory. If you haven’t been there, I highly recommend stopping by. It’s always a pleasure to visit this magnificent and magical place. Thank you, Cal Carn for what you do. Continue to embolden and equip us to be better growers!

Click here for the full screen slideshow!

A few highlight photos are below the slideshow.

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A Visit to California Carnivores

Darling Babies

CUTE ALERT! Just an update on the Darlingtonia californica – mountain clone babies! These seedlings sprouted from seeds that were sent to me from Sam Bookhardt (on twitter: @SammLiberty) back in October of 2011. Check that post out here!

I’ve stratified and germinated these Darlingtonia seeds in the same fashion as  my Sarracenia seeds. (Check that post out here.) I’m proud to report that these babies sprouted and are doing well. Aren’t they just friggin’ adorable?!

Thanks again, Sam!

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Darlingtonia californica baby - Mountain Clone

Darlingtonia californica baby - Mountain Clone

Darlingtonia californica baby - Mountain Clone

Darlingtonia californica baby - Mountain Clone

Darlingtonia californica baby - Mountain Clone

Just so you get a sense of scale – that’s my index finger next to the little Darlingtonia seedling below.  Now, don’t let their cuteness fool ya. They will grow up to be hungry monsters. Bugs, BEWARE!

Darlingtonia californica baby - Mountain Clone