Hi, I live in Singapore, tropical region, and have tried twice several years back to keep a vft but failed both times. Am planning on a third time (please dont scold me for murder, it really is very hard to care for them here where I live). So i would like to make sure that all goes well. I have read through the "my vft care sheet" already and have gone true Peter D'amato's book several times to confirm several things
Temperature:
I know now that VFT cannot take outdoor temps here so will be keeping it indoors this time. The temp here is 30Cday (86F) and 26C to 28C (80F-83F) nights. Temperatures are like this all year round, not complicating things with dormancy yet, is it possible to grow a vft in these conditions? I know the day temps are suitable but nighttimes?
Humidity:
1 of my VFTs died of root rot previously...I thought VFTs love waterlogged soil! So began to wonder, is 80-90% humidity the killer?
Soil:
because of the high humidity, should I have more drainage material (perlite) in my soil to prevent root rot? and should I have a higher or lower water table to make up for this?
water:
just 1 Q, is watering with cold (4C) water at night advisable (to cool the plant probably?)
Lastly, Lighting:
direct sunlight is a NO asthis would burn the VFT, is it ok to have a prolonged (12-14hour) photoperiod since artificial lights arent as strong?
Thankyou in advance for any replies, I have always loved VFT but my climate doesnt seem to permit it...I really hope I can oneday be able to grow this wonderful plant here!
Thanks!
Temperature:
I know now that VFT cannot take outdoor temps here so will be keeping it indoors this time. The temp here is 30Cday (86F) and 26C to 28C (80F-83F) nights. Temperatures are like this all year round, not complicating things with dormancy yet, is it possible to grow a vft in these conditions? I know the day temps are suitable but nighttimes?
Humidity:
1 of my VFTs died of root rot previously...I thought VFTs love waterlogged soil! So began to wonder, is 80-90% humidity the killer?
Soil:
because of the high humidity, should I have more drainage material (perlite) in my soil to prevent root rot? and should I have a higher or lower water table to make up for this?
water:
just 1 Q, is watering with cold (4C) water at night advisable (to cool the plant probably?)
Lastly, Lighting:
direct sunlight is a NO asthis would burn the VFT, is it ok to have a prolonged (12-14hour) photoperiod since artificial lights arent as strong?
Thankyou in advance for any replies, I have always loved VFT but my climate doesnt seem to permit it...I really hope I can oneday be able to grow this wonderful plant here!
Thanks!