MINI-POT PLANT PRODUCTION OF NEMATANTHUS

The Clog or Goldfish Plant, Nematanthus gregarius, had been successfully grown as a stopped pot plant at Kinsealy in 8–12 month schedules. Then during 1983–85 3 species of Nematanthus and 23 cultivars were assessed unstopped as mini-pot plants using some 6 cuttings per pot. Results showed that plants propagated from late spring to early autumn were saleable as neat mini-flowering plants within 3 months. Those propagated under low light conditions took some 6 months to mature. Shoot-tipping reduced plant height and spread effectively when growing conditions were poor, but it also reduced flower number. Cultivar recommendations are made according to flowering season.