Ephedra growing question

[dnsnthegrdn]

My ephedra sinica plant is growing very slowly and then the new growth that it gets turns dies. Does anyone know what is going on?

 

[spice]

I would guess that you are not doing an adequate job of REPLICATING it's native habitat.

This is like growing a landrace sativa, you must duplicate the conditions it originated in to make a successful run.

There is no hybrid vigor form artificial selection and breeding to assure vigorous growth, just natural selection for its native habitat.

You must duplicate to the best of your ability those conditions.

Research and apply what you learn.

 

[druglessdouglas]

what color are the roots?

 

[dnsnthegrdn]

I have done the research, that is why I don't understand. I am using a cacti mixture with more sand added since they like rocky soil. I have them in under a light and in the sunniest window in the house. The plant itself seems to be doing fine just the new growth.
They can live my grow zone as long as they are brought into the house during the winter as they don't tolerate temps. below 60. I am not over watering and making sure that the soil completely dries out before watering it again.
I do not know what color the roots are I'll have to look tomm. as the plants are growing in my sons room and he is asleep.

 

[GOD]

So its healthy but the new growth dies ? Is the pot big enough ? Is the air to dry ? What about draught ? Or top much light ? ( some things dont like being behind glass ) . Light to near to plant ?

 

[dnsnthegrdn]

Well, it likes full sun. It is drought tolerant, and there is definately enough room in the growing container. I don't know. I got to thinking maybe it is getting to chilly, it doesn't get down to sixty but it has been known to get down to sixty-three. They don't need humidity, one of the reasons I chose growing this plant. I live in an area were I just can't supply proper humidity.

I have looked, but have not been able to find any info as to whether or not it hibernates. That is one thing that I've been thinking about. Maybe I should just keep the lights off for the winter and let it rest till the temps. are back up, or only give it four to six hours of light instead. Hmmm. That may be it.

I know some plants would just rather go into remission, rather than you try and keep them growing through the winter. Still makes me nervous to just leave them be though. :? I would hate to give it a try and then really do the plant in. So weird, the rest of the plant looks healthy it is just the new growth. It isn't slowly dying back or anything, just the new growth.

By the way, still haven't had a chance to look at the color of the roots yet. My son has been sick and that has been the last thing on my mind. What's with the color of the roots anyway?

 

[meme]

I have found that the plant E. sinica, at least, is not nearly as drought tolerant as the internet lets on. While I do let the plant dry out a bit, I find that it needs plenty of water, or else the growth tips turn yellow/brown and die. I have the plant in a light mix and in a clay pot, and have to water it every couple of days, at least.

Also, I have not seen the plant suffer much from cold here yet in USDA 9b. Most nights get below 60 F.

 

[dnsnthegrdn]

Thanks. I'll try giving E. sinica a little more water, because that is exactly what they are doing. Everything I read warned and warned about over watering, that they cannot tolerate too much moisture. :thumbsup:

One is a E. sinica and the other is E. distachya (Mormon's Tea, I believe)

 

[GOD]

Maybe its ment standing in water . Maybe you could do something about your growth substrate so it stores less waterv and lets water drain off faster . The substrate should be nearly humus free , loamy , sandy and stony .

 

[dnsnthegrdn]

Well , it is very sandy and has good drainage, it doesn't store water in it. That part I got down. I'm going to water it more and see if anything changes after a couple weeks. I have been keeping it pretty dry. After all the warnings about the soil being too moist. The only thing that I read was that it would slow down the growth if it was too dry. I figured slower growth was better than damping off and dying.

 

[Lion]

then GRADUALLY give more water. but be cautious. since they say overwatering might be damaging..

how old and how big is the plant now?
can you take pics?

 

[dnsnthegrdn]

I planned on gradually doing, thanks though, I might have over done it. They are young plant, not very impressive, actually I was very disapointed with what I got in the mail. I got them right before it turned to cold to ship, so I haven't had them very long.

Let's just say I won't be ordering from them anymore.