Rocketeerjim Grow-Log - Sylvia (Salvia Divinorum)

[sircrf]

omg puns much? I bet it wasnt a defect at the time, the plant grew where it needed to. Then when it was moved it permanently had that bend.

[RocketeerJim]

Well, I guess since it is 108 degrees in Lake Elsinore at this moment, I should give an update on Sylvia, who is outside, eight miles from me, in that weather as I write this.



Yes, I am concerned about her, no, she has definitely not handled heat like this before and no, I don't think she's built for it.

On the other hand, she is being carefully observed and generously misted every hour by one volunteer "caretaker" who knows and cares what she is about, and she was just lightly watered this morning by another, octogenarian, volunteer "caretaker" whom, I believe, is ignorant of Sylvia's species. I also visit her myself, for several hours at a time, 3-4 times per week so don't get the impression I'm shirking here. Rather, I'm using my resources and calling in favors to keep her growing through this heat-wave!

Yes, she has been happier, but she has also been at death's door. And I, faced with a
Salvia-unsupportive (even hostile) spouse but still doing my best to cope with the circumstances, am keeping peace in the house yet also giving Sylvia every break and advantage I can think of.

Is there anything to that old addage, "what does not kill you will make you stronger"? I'm hoping so (and I'll let you guess whether I'm referring to myself or Sylvia).

Recently I decided to strip Sylvia of her burnt leaves from that freak storm in June. I spared only a few leaves with very little burning on them and lopped off those that had more burned area. In all, I took 15 leaves. Tomorrow, since my "misting" caretaker will be leaving town for the day, I'll have Sylvia over for a "day with dad" visit and a full physical examination! I'll probably share a couple of pics, too.

Until then . . . . .

[Ulmdorgr]

Another strenuous trial for the goddess' frail incarnation. I do hope she fares well.

[RocketeerJim]

Here's a couple of new pics of Sylvia, taken just this morning. She's eating up the cooler weather. I
still ensure she gets at least an hour of direct sunlight every day and i mist her while she's enjoying it.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a319/ ... CN0509.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a319/ ... CN0516.jpg

[Ulmdorgr]

She looks great! Are her leaves getting droopier? I can't tell.

[RocketeerJim]

Actually, Ulmy, the large leaves have almost doubled in size and since she is a short plant it probably gives one the impression they droop. Also, it is getting rather crowded around that little main stem.

[Ulmdorgr]

I'm predicting a few outcomes, with good care and conditions in mind:

She may start to boost her height. One way you can force this is to block light from getting to the lower leaves. Forcing it will probably cause the lower leaves to die.

If she doesn't start to boost her height, she may topple over.

She may choose to die.

[RocketeerJim]

Well, Ulmy, you've got death covered. What about taxes???

I sort of thought the upper leaves were shading the lower. On the other hand, direct sunlight is pretty bright and penetrating.

I've been thinking about propping her up somewhere under the mainstem's bend. Maybe a piece of plastic or something?

I've been accumulating Sylvia's "trimmings" - mostly browned leaf edges and such, and her "dropped" leaves. I rolled some up into a joint yesterday. Hoooooaaaaaa!!! Wonderful body high for a couple of hours.

[RocketeerJim]

Sylvia is 4 months old today and I haven't uploaded any pics for a month. So, here she is:






Hard to believe she looked like this only three months ago:



Doncha think??

[Ulmdorgr]

Aha, an inspiring story of recovery. Congratulations.

I don't like how her leaves droop, especially on the sides, but oh well, she's bushy as hell! I count 40+ (estimated 50+) leaves. Check out this page and search for the word "droop" for the right section (with the time lapse .gif): http://sageseeds.info/tutorials/tips.php

[RocketeerJim]

Thanks for the lead, Ulmy. I read it and I've saved it in my "favorites" for future reference.

I mist her several times daily. I think the droop you refer to is due to her mainstem's lean. The leaves are growing perpendicular to their supporting stems but those stems are not vertically oriented. I'm pleased with all of the growth and I'm happy to have her at home inside, especially now that the nights are getting cooler. This way I don't feel the need to watch the weather forecasts so closely.

[Ulmdorgr]

I'm referring to how the leaves are wrinkly and bend downwards at the edges like an umbrella. I can't tell from the pictures how healthy it is; touching her would be a much better indication of how frail the leaves are.

I'm comparing her to plants like Childishaztec's: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=99&start=70#p2628
He claimed his were Blossers. You never mentioned what strain Sylvia is.

[RocketeerJim]

Here's a couple of current pics of Sylvia. She's spread out a bit and her branches have overtaken her main stalk. She's over 18 inches tall and her leaves span about 20 inches. The largest are about seven by three inches not counting the stems.

She survived a bug infestation. I found them living in the holes in the bottom of the pot, so I poured pure vinegar into the catch pan to a level just above the bottom of the pot and left it there for several days to eliminate them. Blocked their entrance/exit holes but since there is nothing but gravel in the pot at that low point the vinegar had no noticeable effect on her.

I've accumulated about 1/4 ounce of her dead leaves but I'm thinking a quid is in my immediate future.

[Ulmdorgr]

Massive. How many cuttings have you taken?

[nothim]

I don't like how her leaves droop, especially on the side

I'm referring to how the leaves are wrinkly and bend downwards at the edges like an umbrella. I can't tell from the pictures how healthy it is; touching her would be a much better indication of how frail the leaves are.

I think it is because the air is dry and it is too hot ouside and the sun is too intense.
Jim , you are picking up! ehe --- ' feels just like it should !
Is it Wasson/Hofmann?