BYBLIS

This family of carnivorous plants has only five members, Byblis liniflora, 6 inches high, coming from the north of Australia and New Guinea, Byblis filifolia, 16 inches high, coming from north-west of Australia and Byblis gigantea, 2 feet high, which is coming only from the west of Australia. Two more were recently identified as Bylbis aquatica and Bylbis rorida but I don't know much things about them except they are from Australia. That's important because it could explain most of difficulties you can have with these plants. Wheater conditions of these countries are really particular ones. Especially for Byblis gigantea that could be burned in some part of Australia. Their looking full of droplets makes them very nice and attractive plants. I've tried their cultivation.

- Byblis liniflora (rainbow plant) is the easiest one of this genus though germination of seeds could sometime be very difficult.

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Byblis liniflora :

My first try to germinate seeds of B.liniflora has felt. Seeds were too old or dead. With new seeds, fresh ones, it took five days to germinate (84°F(29°C) and 90% of relative humidity) and the plant took its final shape, except it was really smaller, after two weeks. They are wonderfull, full of droplets. although it is considered as an annual plant it could be kept few years by avoiding hot summer and cold winter but I never did it.

As the plant reaches its adult size it flowers easily. It's better to pollinate flowers with a thin brush even if outside nature will do it itself. You will obtain more seeds that you have to pick up just before the bud opens (it becomes brown). Flowering and hot summer seems to make the plant die few weeks later. Hopefully seeds are numerous and will allow further growing at spring. Take care that seeds viability is short enough so don't wait too much for seedling if you want to avoid trouble.

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Last modification on Saturday 08/02/2008
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