Soft Cane Den..new cane

[JP020366]

Hi

I have noticed a new cane forming on one of my soft cane Dens. But being in Sydney, Aust., these should be going into their dormant (dry) period.

So I'm not sure if I should keep watering or stop as usual? We have some unusally warm weather recently.

Appreciate any help.

Cheers

John

[gnathaniel]

Hi John, that's a tricky one... What species or hybrid are you talking about? Dormancy can be a bit different for different individuals in this section.

I had a similar situation last fall (N. Hemisphere fall, that is) with an alba Den. nobile that was starting several new canes just when I thought it should go dormant.

I did some reading and came up with a plan of action: Throughout the fall and winter I withheld ferts entirely, gave it temps ~ 13 C at night and 18 C daytime, high light and reduced but not eliminated water. Actually, that's pretty much how I treated all my Dens of this type.

Anyway, the new growths slowed down a lot but kept growing during this dormant period. I gave the plant to my Dad about a month and a half ago so I haven't been monitoring it closely, but it seems like they picked up and started rapid growth again once temperatures warmed up.

Two of the mature canes that still had their leaves bloomed very nicely late in the winter, though they went one after another rather than blooming at the same time.

Your mileage may vary, but I'd say you could probably just go with your usual winter routine for this one. Hope this helps!

--Nat

[JP020366]

Hi Nat

Thanks for your comments. It's called a Den. Golden Blossum 'Venus'. Not sure if this helps but pretty sure it is a Nobile.

But I think I'll follow your advise. Just cut back watering, not stop completely, and see what happens. (I struggle not to water at the best of times, so this will give me an excuse to water even a lttle bit.).

I have posted another question on Den. Speciosum if you have any tips on repotting them.

Cheers

John