Cyrtanthus escapee

[Rogan]

Just to let you know that soon there will be a grizzled old Cyrthanthus falcatus escapee running about the place! My old-timer has finally escaped its pot - by breaking it in half! 

It was such a nice pot 

[Paul T]

Wow, Rogan.

[David Nicholson]

A query-are Cyrtanthus best grown with the nose of the bulb above compost level ot have Rogan's just pushed their way to the surface?

[Paul T]

I think most of my Cyrts are grown at ground level, a bit like Nerine's (although none of mine sit as high as Rogan's do in the pic).  Certainly the bulbs are not far under the surface if they are.  If they want deeper or shallower they'll let you know by moving themselves in the direction they want to take.

[Rogan]

David, as Paul has said, I think it depends a lot on the species. My C. falcatus has always flourished in this position and flowers every year without fail. I certainly enjoy this mode of growth and I'm trying the same with C. sanguineus, although I am not convinced it is quite as happy as the C. falcatus is.

Another plant which loves growing with its bulbs above the surface of the medium is Veltheimia capensis - a mature plant with its blue-grey leaves and scaly bulbs is a sight to behold...

[Heinie]

David,
The Cyrtanthus falcatus and Cyrtanthus obliquus are the two bulbs that I know have to sit above the growing medium else they rot because the silk like skins will hold a substantial amount of moisture. All my other Cyrtanthus species are planted with the bulb just covered with growing medium. Another bulb in this category is the Boophone as some of my plants are illustrated below.

[mark smyth]

Some of my Nerines are hardy in the ground. Rogan Are those loose dry tunics?

[Rogan]

"...Are those loose dry tunics?"

Lots and lots of them.