Crinum calimistratum

[wolfiewill]

This discussion started on a road trip to Montreal last month. 'Daworldisblack' indicated difficulty growing C. calimistratum and I said I had mixed results with it. I have added pictures of both my plants. There is one in a 37 tall, with high light (average lux readings about 3650 lx) which is doing very well. The other one is in a larger tank and is not doing well. Light levels are very high and readings average 5400 lx. Water conditions are the same (KH = 4; pH = mid 6s; low Nitrogen waste levels; temperatures in the mid 70s, fluorite only substrate, etc.). I'd like suggestions as to the reason for the different growth. I think it's the different light levels but have no other ideas?

What you can see in the first three pictures is the one doing poorly. It's leaves are stunted, the tips die quickly, there are sections of some leaves with only the central structure. There are also some brown areas at times. The other plant grows unbridled, with long, full green leaves. There are no brown areas, and no bare stems. It has been in the exact same spot since I got it about 2 years ago. And it has flowered twice right after I got it, which I feared was a sign of senescence. But it remains in excellent health. See the pictures at:

http://s1157.photobucket.com/albums/p595/wolfewill17/species%20Crinum%20calimistratum/

Cheers. G

[exv152]

I've never grown this plant myself, but I have looked into getting it because of the incredibly amazing leaf structure, much like the madagscar lace, it's quite unique.  I read the lighting is the number one do or die element with this plant. Apparently if it does not get consistently high light it will suffer. I've also read some have had better luck in higher pH, but I think the lighting is key.

[Saltcreep]

Zima sold me a nice specimen last summer and it's doing very well. Real nice centerpiece.

[sas]

Zima sold me a nice specimen last summer and it's doing very well. Real nice centerpiece.

Yep me too, thanks Zima love this plant.
Keep the bulb base of the plant
above the substrate and the roots buried and it's happy.