Trying to grow helis outside

[thez_yo]

Welp, I had the Helis with clear containers upturned over their pots to keep humidity in, but I decided I should put them in a terrarium instead. I left this uncovered today on the balcony, but I get the feeling the humidity isn't enough (and don't want to risk killing a bunch of Helis), so I've put a big clear glass plate on top of it too. This leaves 4 corners (about 2" square triangles of mesh) exposed still for air circulation. They're all sitting in about 1/2" water.

Here's the box sitting in with a bunch of other plants:

I think the best sort of light to bring their color out is sunshine, and I'm sure they love the temp drops outside (at least 10 degrees at night where I live).

 

[dashman]

As if humidity and the need for night time temp drops weren't enough. I think you may have problems if temps get above 86F during the day. I am pretty sure I have read that most/all heli's contain a parasitic fungus that can reach critical mass at 86F. This is more prevalent in larger plants though.

 

[thez_yo]

Yup, I might have to bring them in August/September/October when it actually makes it higher than 80 degrees here for a few months...I'm entirely sure if it's 90+ outside I'll want the A/C on.

 

[dashman]

Whaaa?!? 90 degrees in October. I am calling Mayflower and moving this instant!

 

[jimscott]

I just put this:

in here:

along with

and the cobra lily in here:

as well as a few pots of D. macrantha tubers

 

[thez_yo]

dashman: yes

jimscott: San Diego is a desert + water pipes, so I've got no marsh/swamp :-( I miss Vermont