Hi all,

Canberra got an early cold snap of -6*C (21 F) the other week, which was enough to freeze the soil in most of my pots - as well as dew on my sundews - solid.

I accidentally left a Nepenthes x goblin out in the cold, so to speak, which not only survived this minimum (recorded inside my plastic house), but has since put up new growth. This was despite part of the pot being frozen into a tray of water several millimeters deep.

Other plants that came through ok included some Cephalotus (soil literally frozen solid), heterophyllous Mexican Pinguicula (except P. gigantea - homophyllus spp. are probably not well adapted to subzero temps.), a variety of Drosera and (not surprisingly) Sarracenia, Darlingtonia and Dionaea.

Does anyone else here (in Australia) have to deal with these temperatures on a regular/annual basis? If so, I would be interested to hear what species do or do not grow for you (especially Sundews). It is important to note that our summers are dry and regularly get to around 40*C (100 F), which cold-temperate species are probably not going to like (the Darlingtonia will be a challange).

And yes, the Nepenthes x goblin has since been moved to warmer climes. Happy to experiment with the plant further if others think this is justified.

Hope this is of interest.

Cheers,

John in Canberra.

very interesting article. The idea that the tendril is thick so as to support a tree shrew and that the nectar is plentiful and intended for the shrews is amazing.
I wonder if my lowii's ever get upper pitchers whether I should use some possum droppings for them?

or train it to eat cats!

Try these two in WA. you can't legally import from interstate without permits unfortunately.

http://www.primalplants.com/

http://www.scarnivores.com/

Cheers
Greg

Hello,
I found this site whilst searching for a place to buy some plants online. I live in Northern WA and we have horrendous plagues of flies. As a schoolkid I had numerous flytraps, pitchers and sundews and now would like to get back into the hobby.
Can anyone please advise me of a place I can purchase seeds or bulbs to get started. Is it legal to purchase from interstate with quarantine laws.
Thanks
love your photos
Rigger

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Thanks Terry, It's good to get info from someone who's grown locally. I used to work in Ipswich. Get's stinky there in Summer. The tips on water/humidity will come in handy. I'll fill you in on how things go.
Ta, Bernie

Thanks for your help, John
Bernie

Thanks heaps Greg
Bernie

Wonderful. Evolution at its best

The next step is to make a lowii x merrilliana hybrid and train cats to use it