Re: [Sansevierias] Fantasy Masoniana

The variegated masonianas are beautiful, but I hear that any new leaves won't be variegated. Is this true? Otherwise I'd love to get one, but don't want to waste money on something that will have one variegated leaf, and 10 green ones. Any input on that?  (This includes hallii, masoniana, and similar.) 



What's wrong with DIRT ? Why get all fancy? (This is a honest question, not critique.) 










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-----Original Message-----
From: Borgmstr <[email protected]>
To: Sansevierias <[email protected]>
Sent: Wed, Jan 8, 2014 11:16 am
Subject: Re: [Sansevierias] Fantasy Masoniana



  
    
                  

Mike,

Anyone who loves  a masoniana and gets them to your size(and age), is worthy of my admiration.
Living in Tenn., you can get away with peat.  Out here, once peat dries out, it is almost impossible to rehydrate.
And there's the sustainability issue with peat.  Believe crushed dolomite is better than DG.
What works best for me: a nursery mix of organic matter and perite.  I then mix a little leaf mold and fertile native soil.
Osmocote is preferred, I like an organic time release better - it forces me to repot. (Needed if I'm on target>)

Plastic or glazed ceramic pots (glazed inside out) are mandatory.  Totally agree that copious watering in the summer is good.
It's in winter that one must limit water to avoid opportunistic fungus.



I have seen lots of variegated species, but feel I do not really value them  everyone else.  (Nice pics - healthy Sans!)

As an old farm boy, I know how to get them there and consider it an artificial enhancement.
But that may change, as I am exposed to other viewpoints.  Like yours.
Example: Recently, the albino trifasciatas have begun appealing to me.  


I think you'd be Master of the Universe with a greenhouse! ;~ )
Leon

  
 
 
 
   From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
 To: [email protected] 
 Sent: Tuesday, January 7, 2014 12:50 PM
 Subject: Re: [Sansevierias] Fantasy Masoniana
  
 


 
  
    
                  
Thank you so very much, Leon. I can see you are  man of discerning taste! Ha!
You asked about care of my plants. My way might not be the best way for your climate and growing conditions there in southern California. I use a commercial grade nursery mix comprised of peat and about 30% perlite.  But I understand California growers greatly eschew peat and substitute a decomposed granite in place of perlite. If you want to take advantage of what experienced growers in your area recommend as a growing medium, I suggest you join a succulent club in your area and ask. I use a slow release fertilizer called Osmocote 14-14-14 applied in the early spring, and once again in August. I think good water is important, so I catch rainwater in a barrel and use a watering can. I water liberally in the summer, and I try to avoid direct sun on the leaves. I do not have a greenhouse; my plants, in plastic pots, sit on home-made benches.

I think what you need to reconsider your feelings about variegated sansevierias, is to see some that show off their fine attributes. So, I have attached here below several pictures to help you change your mind. Ha!
M.