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Post by 4pygmies on Jul 27, 2007 6:33:52 GMT 1
They are proper novelties aren't they? I have a cold conservatory so I don't think they'll survive a winter in there otherwise I would love to try them. They're slightly too pricy for me too. I am still fairly flushed with success that my Venus Fly Traps and Sarracenias are finally flourishing. The VFT has set seeds -anyone any suggestions for propagating them? Sorry The witch, don't mean to hijack your thread....  |
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Post by sweetleaf on Jul 27, 2007 10:25:52 GMT 1
 Why not The witch?
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Post by bogmyrtle on Apr 22, 2008 21:10:00 GMT 1
Ok, I wanted a bat plant last year but decided to buy one when I ordered the Egret orchid. This is what arrived a couple of weeks ago  The photograph does not do it justice honest! It is about 6" long - imagine an old butternut squash really. I've planted it as per the instructions - it doesn't look any better but I will let you know how I get on! Or if it does anything! |
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Post by mickthecactus on Apr 23, 2008 9:01:12 GMT 1
Looks like a lamb shank to me...
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Post by 4pygmies on Apr 23, 2008 9:16:23 GMT 1
Or a body part from 'Waking the Dead'.......how amazing that it will actually grow something from that..can't wait to see how it looks then Myrtle!
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Post by debbiem on Apr 23, 2008 9:23:55 GMT 1
Good luck Myrtle, I bet you can't wait to see something sprouting from it.  |
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Post by bogmyrtle on Apr 23, 2008 9:30:03 GMT 1
Looks like a lamb shank to me... Mick, when I looked at the photograph this morning, the dog's old bone came to mind! We'll see what, if anything, happens! Why do I do these things?! |
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Post by 4pygmies on Apr 23, 2008 9:46:50 GMT 1
Looks like a lamb shank to me... Mick, when I looked at the photograph this morning, the dog's old bone came to mind! We'll see what, if anything, happens! Why do I do these things?! So we don't have to! ;D |
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Post by Sleepy on Apr 23, 2008 10:44:43 GMT 1
The witch! Myrtle is trying to have a serious discussion about her Bat Plant!!!
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Post by Sleepy on Apr 23, 2008 10:47:20 GMT 1
The witch! Myrtle is trying to have a serious discussion about her Bat Plant!!!  |
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Post by bogmyrtle on Apr 23, 2008 10:56:57 GMT 1
The witch! Myrtle is trying to have a serious discussion about her Bat Plant!!! Serious? It's hysterical ;D I just can't believe it's like that! Why couldn't they send it as a small plant? The poor thing still looks the same just 2/3 of it in compost as instructed! |
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Post by mickthecactus on Apr 23, 2008 12:48:05 GMT 1
Ok, I wanted a bat plant last year but decided to buy one when I ordered the Egret orchid. This is what arrived a couple of weeks ago The photograph does not do it justice honest! It is about 6" long - imagine an old butternut squash really. I've planted it as per the instructions - it doesn't look any better but I will let you know how I get on! Or if it does anything! Certainly looks like a bone to me - not a giant bat bone is it? ;D That's what Batman used to speak to Robin with wasn't it? |
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Post by debbiem on Apr 23, 2008 13:01:54 GMT 1
'There once was an ugly duckling, with feathers all stubby and brown.....' It'll be a swan in no time Myrtle.  |
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Post by bogmyrtle on Apr 23, 2008 14:03:40 GMT 1
'There once was an ugly duckling, with feathers all stubby and brown.....' It'll be a swan in no time Myrtle. A swan would be nice Mrs.B but I haven't got a pond so a plant would be better! |
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Post by debbiem on Apr 23, 2008 16:15:30 GMT 1
'There once was an ugly duckling, with feathers all stubby and brown.....' It'll be a swan in no time Myrtle. A swan would be nice Mrs.B but I haven't got a pond so a plant would be better! I don't know there's just no pleasing some people! ;D A plant it is then. I bet you can't wait until you see some signs of life on/in it. |
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Post by bogmyrtle on May 8, 2008 8:19:59 GMT 1
It looks the same as the day it arrived - the only difference is it's in compost! I'm giving it to the end of the week, and I'll phone their customer service! I talk to it nicely every day as well.  They do look wonderful plants though don't they? Let us know when yours arrives and I'm sure you'll have more luck! |
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Post by bogmyrtle on May 8, 2008 8:34:30 GMT 1
Which compost did you use Myrtle? I think I'l use John Innes no 3. I downloaded a pdf file from T & M - TACCA (BAT PLANT) An unusual plant with lush green foliage, accompanied by wing-like bracts accompanied by long trailing whiskers up to 30cm (12") long. Ideal summer patio plant in sheltered locations. Plants will take light frosts, down to minus 3°C (37°F). 1. Your plants will be supplied as rhizomes. 2. First, plant rhizomes into pots at least 15cm (6") in diameter. Use a good quality compost, with an open texture, this can be achieved by mixing in sharp sand or grit. Plant rhizomes upright so that 1/3 of the rhizome is above soil level. 3. Tacca can be grown outdoors in the border, plant out when well grown. Provide a fertile, moist and slightly acidic soil in partial shade. Add plenty of organic matter such as well-rotted manure or leaf mold. 4. Water plants moderately throughout the year. Apply a half strength foliar fertilizer monthly. Mulch with fresh compost or bracken to give added winter protection. Plants will take light frosts, down to minus 3°C (37°F). 5. You can also grow in containers, either indoors or on the patio. Choose a good quality compost, mixed with sharp sand or grit to give an open texture to the soil. 6. At planting time, add a small quantity of slow-release fertilizer to the compost mix. During the growing season, apply a half strength foliar fertilizer monthly. 7. Keep plants in a position of bright, filtered light. Spray plants regularly to keep humidity high. 8. Pot on container-grown plants every 2 or 3 years and remove decaying rhizome growth. 9. Flowers summer. 10. Ht 90cm (36"). Yep, same destructions as I received! I mixed compost (can't remember which one, will have a look tonight) with sharp sand. |
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Post by bogmyrtle on May 8, 2008 8:40:30 GMT 1
I wasn't going to add any sand as JI 3 has grit in it, so I thought it would be ok. I don't think I had much No.3 left, only a small handful, so used another one as well hence the sharp sand to make sure it would be ok. |
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Post by bogmyrtle on May 8, 2008 8:51:12 GMT 1
I don't think I had much No.3 left, only a small handful, so used another one as well hence the sharp sand to make sure it would be ok. Fingers crossed then Myrtle that our plants grow well. I've never spent sooooo much on just one plant before - shrubs excluded btw. Where will you be keeping yours? In the conservatory. |
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Post by bogmyrtle on May 9, 2008 10:53:19 GMT 1
Do you have a shady spot in your conservatory? The conservatory we had at our last house would have been far too bright and hot for a Bat plant. There is one corner which is shady where it joins the extension. It will probably be tucked in that corner if it does anything! |
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Post by bogmyrtle on May 13, 2008 14:02:09 GMT 1
I've just spoken to Thompson & Morgan The witch about my bat plant. The young lady said it can take 6-8 weeks before they do anything! That made me feel better! She suggested giving it until the beginning of June and if it is still the same, they will send another one or refund my money!
PS - at least my Egret Orchids are still growing ;D
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Post by Sleepy on May 13, 2008 14:29:16 GMT 1
Glad to hear the Egret Orchids are still doing well. Any chance of a photo? Or is it not worth it yet?
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Post by madonplants on May 13, 2008 17:55:11 GMT 1
I've just spoken to Thompson & Morgan The witch about my bat plant. The young lady said it can take 6-8 weeks before they do anything! That made me feel better! She suggested giving it until the beginning of June and if it is still the same, they will send another one or refund my money! PS - at least my Egret Orchids are still growing ;D They don't mention in their bumf that it could take 6-8 weeks for it to do anything, do they! : Maybe it would have been better to have bought them already grown, like the ones I saw in our local G/C about a month ago. I was tempted, I must admit. They were dark coloured ones as well. Jennifer wasn't sure if she liked them or not, the boys did! Though, going that route, spoils all the fun doesn't it? |
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Post by madonplants on May 13, 2008 22:29:48 GMT 1
Maybe it would have been better to have bought them already grown, like the ones I saw in our local G/C about a month ago. I was tempted, I must admit. They were dark coloured ones as well. Jennifer wasn't sure if she liked them or not, the boys did! Though, going that route, spoils all the fun doesn't it? The fun would then be to keep it alive Keith. ;D How much did they cost, do you remember? Can't remember exactly, but think in the £15-20 range, but they were good sized plants and were in the house plant section. I will be going past the G/C on Thursday, when I take Stephen to the hospital, so may pop in on the way back. |
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Post by bogmyrtle on May 14, 2008 8:40:20 GMT 1
Glad to hear the Egret Orchids are still doing well. Any chance of a photo? Or is it not worth it yet? They just look like blades if grass in a pot. I did take photographs before I planted them (hopefully haven't deleted them), I'll take some now and then when they are in full flower! Positive thinking ;D |
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