Last year, based on somewhat of a hunch (from reading threads that a number of people who grew U. longifolia on a windowsill had flowers while those who grew under lights - often did not), I placed a U. longifolia on my east-facing windowsill .... and flowers - lots of them! Last September, I figured I'd try again with some other clones of U. longifolia and some of its partners in section Foliosa - U. praelonga & U. tricolor (both of which Barry notes - do not like to flower in cultivation). Just like last year, the U. longifolia put up stalks in spring and have just started to flower. In addition, the U. praelonga has been sprouting stalks - and at last count there were six of them! Last week, the U. tricolor decided it was missing out and has now sent up two stalks (although they are quite wimpy and Barry notes - likely to abort).
I'm guessing that the combined temperature and photoperiod changes on the windowsill send a stronger message than my weekly light timer changes and help stimulate flower production. Either way, this spring on my windowsill has the potential to be colorful ...
When looking at the 1st U. longifolia flower this morning, I was struck by its amazing translucent beauty when it was lightly backlit by the cloudy sky. Naturally, this almost surreal quality appears to be one that eludes my camera's sensor's ability to capture it ... Here's the less-than-wonderful attempt...
In the coming weeks, if the buds continue to develop, I'll share some pics ...
I'm guessing that the combined temperature and photoperiod changes on the windowsill send a stronger message than my weekly light timer changes and help stimulate flower production. Either way, this spring on my windowsill has the potential to be colorful ...
When looking at the 1st U. longifolia flower this morning, I was struck by its amazing translucent beauty when it was lightly backlit by the cloudy sky. Naturally, this almost surreal quality appears to be one that eludes my camera's sensor's ability to capture it ... Here's the less-than-wonderful attempt...
In the coming weeks, if the buds continue to develop, I'll share some pics ...