Back in 2010 I had this idea of crossing S. ‘Reptilian Rose’ with S. ‘Adrian Slack’. Yeah, mos’ def ’twas a CRAY-CRAY idea. Sooooo… I did it. There weren’t a lot of seeds, it was something like under 20 seeds in that pod. And only 10-12 sprouted. S. ‘Reptilian Rose’ for me hasn’t been a plant that produces many seeds, and I don’t really get any pollen from this plant either. Other growers, including Phil Faulisi (creator of S. ‘Reptilian Rose’ reports similar results with S. ‘Reptilian Rose’.) That makes breeding with The Reptile a bit more challenging on our end. Dr. Travis H. Wyman, on the other hand, has had good success with using S. ‘Reptilian Rose’ in breeding. (Dude. I guess Dr. Wyman is just too much of pure awesome. 🙂 )
What I was envisioning when I did this cross was a plant that would have the following characteristics: a jagged nectar roll from S. ‘Reptilian Rose’ with the pitcher structure, color, and elegance from S. ‘Adrian Slack’. As many of you know, S. ‘Reptilian Rose’ is definately one of my all time favorites. Not just because of the unique structure of the nectar roll and it’s menacing appearance – but also because of it’s scent. On a warm day, one can smell the sweet smelling rose scented traps. It’s amazing. Sometimes you can even get hints of cinnamon in there. Very rich aroma. (Ugh, listen to me… what next? …Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Spit?)
Below is a photo from last year – 10 February 2011, when the seedlings were only a few months old. These were started under lights.
10 February 2011 – Sarracenia ‘Reptilian Rose’ x ‘Adrian Slack’
What really frustrated me is that I’ve lost quite a few seedlings from this cross from the sub-par conditions that I was just in from these past few months. Low lighting, poor air, and poor water took a devastating toll and lead to quite a few losses. Talk about FRUSTRATION. I’m left now with only a handful of the seedlings from this cross which I am nursing back to strength. Because of the move that I’ve undergone, the plants have been introduced to slightly stronger (but not direct) light. This cross was one of those that I first moved out in the beginning of June. I had to get it out of there before I lost any more. Anyway, I am happy to report that some color is now starting to show and the plants are getting stronger.
Now the plants are still young and are couple of years old. One finally put up a pitcher showing a little teeny-weeny bit of character. Like I mentioned before, the colors on all of the plants right now are pretty much whacked out… but hey, at least I’m seeing some of that red on the mouth come out only after a couple weeks in brighter light.
I’m hoping that the jagged lips will express itself in the following season. You can’t really see it here, but there is some subtle undulation in the nectar roll. In the years that follow, I hope that the angular jagged nectar roll and more color characteristics will really express itself. I’ve seen it happen in other S. ‘Reptilian Rose’ hybrids that Dr. Travis H. Wyman created. Like this in 2010, then like this in 2011. Here is one other example of another seedling in 2012.
Under stronger light, I am hoping that the lid would exhibit more areas of white. If you look closely, there are very faint white splotches on there. From what I’ve seen in the past with some of my other plants, I anticipate that those splotches really spread out and lighten up. Given my situation and current transition, I’m happy with what I’m seeing. There’s lots to look forward to and will update y’all again once it shows some more interesting qualities.
Sarracenia ‘Reptilian Rose’ x ‘Adrian Slack’ – 17 June 2012
Sarracenia ‘Reptilian Rose’ x ‘Adrian Slack’ – 17 June 2012
Sarracenia ‘Reptilian Rose’ x (flava v. rubricorpora x leucophylla)
Sarracenia ‘Reptilian Rose’ x (flava v. rubricorpora x leucophylla)
Sarracenia ‘Reptilian Rose’ x (flava v. rubricorpora x leucophylla)
