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Can crinum grow above the substrate?
Posted: Sat May 13, 2023 11:46 am
by Avalon
I'm curious about planting my Crinum Calamistratum above the substrate - is that possible? Does it need to be buried under sand or gravel, or can I just place it among some rocks where the roots aren't drawing nutrients from the substrate?
Re: Can crinum grow above the substrate?
Posted: Sat May 13, 2023 2:23 pm
by challenger
For terrestrial Crinum, what type are you referring to - clipped, hob, wood, etc?
Re: Can crinum grow above the substrate?
Posted: Sat May 13, 2023 4:49 pm
by Avalon
In my post I said Crinum Calamistratum. Not a terrestrial plant.
Re: Can crinum grow above the substrate?
Posted: Sat May 13, 2023 8:05 pm
by skeletal
I've got a bulb-type root system on my hands with this Crinum Calamistratum, so it sends off those side runners that can be clipped and used to propagate new plants - pretty handy.
Normally, you'd plant it as you would with any other, but I'm wondering if you'd want to do that here. If the water's got a good flow and all the necessary nutrients are in suspension, I don't see why you couldn't just attach it somewhere out of the substrate.
Re: Can crinum grow above the substrate?
Posted: Sat May 13, 2023 10:47 pm
by Avalon
skeletal wrote: ↑Sat May 13, 2023 8:05 pm
I've got a bulb-type root system on my hands with this Crinum Calamistratum, so it sends off those side runners that can be clipped and used to propagate new plants - pretty handy.
Normally, you'd plant it as you would with any other, but I'm wondering if you'd want to do that here. If the water's got a good flow and all the necessary nutrients are in suspension, I don't see why you couldn't just attach it somewhere out of the substrate.
My experience with crinums has been that they tend to struggle when the substrate is too dense, making oxygen exchange difficult. I've found a perfect spot for this one that wouldn't be suitable for planting, so I think attaching it would be a great alternative.
Re: Can crinum grow above the substrate?
Posted: Sat May 13, 2023 11:21 pm
by skeletal
I'm thinking pool filter sand might be a good option for you, it's designed to allow for good water flow. If you removed some of your current substrate and replaced it with a mix of pool filter sand and crushed flint, that might help with oxygen exchange and give your crinum the nutrients it needs. Crushed flint is super porous and rich in iron, might be just what your plant is missing.