Drift seed

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by pinenut, Feb 15, 2020.

  1. pinenut

    pinenut Active Member 10 Years

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    A couple of years ago I got some drift seed from a guy on a beach in Cuba. I hope I tipped him, 'cause they're really pretty neat: Sea heart - Entada gigas, and Hamburger bean- Mucuna urens. They've sprouted and are surviving, but if anyone has an idea what I should feed them, I'd really appreciate a note.
    Cheers, Carl
     
  2. Sundrop

    Sundrop Well-Known Member

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    I am curious where do you grow them, in containers in the house, or in a heated greenhouse?
    As for the seeds, yes, they are very pretty.
     
  3. pinenut

    pinenut Active Member 10 Years

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    In the house. Its -30 today. Actually pretty much all my stuff is growing in the house. It would cost twice or more as much to heat a greenhouse here.
     
  4. Sundrop

    Sundrop Well-Known Member

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    Both species are rather not very popular as house plants. Some of the wild species require special soil conditions, as for example presence of certain fungi, or bacteria, they form a symbiotic relationship with, and may not grow outside of their native range.
    Size off the plant also should be taken into consideration. Seed pods alone of Entada gigas can reach 2 m (almost 7 ft) in length.
    Trying to grow them as house plants could be a fun and a challenge at the same time.

    If I were doing that I would plant them in a good, well draining but humus reach, potting soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged (the container must have drainage holes). I would water by pouring water into a saucer under the container and allowing the soil to take as much as needed through capillary action. After an hour or so I would discard the excess water. I would not let the soil dry out between waterings.
    As for fertilizing I would use all purpose liquid plant fertilizer and follow the directions on the label. I use Schultz 10-15-10 liquid plant food for my house plants.
     
  5. pinenut

    pinenut Active Member 10 Years

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    Yep, I googled them. They're for fun. If there's an interesting seed, I'll stick it in dirt or water and see what comes up. My wife says the living room is a jungle anyway.
    Thanks for the feeding hints. Much appreciated.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 17, 2020

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