A trip to the Honolulu Zoo

Ok, so the orchid show wasn't really what the kids wanted to do.  What they REALLY wanted was to hit the Zoo. 

This Opuntia sp? was gargantuan.  As you can see in this next picture:

What a weekend!  I'm wiped out after al the excitement.  Time to take a break and upload a few new products over at http://uncommoncactus.com/ocart/  Thanks for stopping by.

71st Annual Honolulu Orchid Show Continued

More Pictures from the Honolulu Orchid Show:

I was tickled to find this elusive blue orchid (pictured above) ;)

71st Annual Honolulu Orchid show

Well, the Orchid Show is under way... There was alot to see. Unfortunately the lighting wasn't super condusive to taking good pictures. More to come.

Ayahuasca and William S. Burroughs are like raindrops and roses

Growing Banisteriopsis caapi

Banisteriopsis caapi is a perennial vine native to the Amazon rainforest known for its role in South American ayahuasca ceremonies. These spiritual ceremonies have gone on for hundreds of years in the Amazonian Basin and still exist today to some degree. Today, banisteriopsis caapi is one of the most sought after plants by collectors of entheogenic plants. Its allure is fueled not just by a fascination to grow a plant, but to cultivate a powerful symbol, to possess something that harnesses the spirit of an ancient tradition and the mysticism of the rainforest.  From time to time we will be offering rooted cuttings at: Our Store

The real limitation, and what many new growers are not aware of, is that banisteriopsis caapi seeds have a low germination rate, which decreases to none in just a few months. By February I would expect the caapi seeds to be non-viable. Vendors who sell seed year-round are feeding on this naivety, and so it may seem to many growers that germination of banisteriopsis caapi is difficult or that it requires some special trick. The real trick is getting fresh seed. Banisteriopsis caapi seed harvest generally occurs in October or November. It can range a bit depending on yearly climate. It is wisest to plan your growing around those months to ensure you start with good seed, and it is worth paying more money for fresh seed. Since you are growing in the fall, it is likely that you will need to use grow lights, although nothing fancy is required. We typically arrange ahead of time for our caapi seeds to be shipped as soon as they are harvested. The freshest banisteriopsis caapi seeds are still green, although brown seeds will still germinate. In fact, even green seeds will turn brown in between planting and germination.

Once you have obtained your fresh banisteriopsis seed, it is time for sowing. Prepare a well-draining soil mixture. We have had success germinating banisteriopsis caapi with several different soil compositions, but we recommend using potting soil mixed with about 25% perlite. Avoid using seed starting mixes or soils heavy in peat because you want something richer that would resemble forest soil. In forests, the rainforest especially, there is vast supply of plant material to enrich the soil. As mentioned before, it is also important to have a well-draining soil because banisteriopsis caapi seeds are somewhat prone to fungus attacks. By removing excess moisture, it reduces that risk. Fungus attacks that do occur can be treated with chamomile tea, or you may even choose to use it to water your plants initially.

 It should be about two weeks before you see anything. Be patient, and do not give up. You may get new banisteriopsis caapi seeds germinating days or weeks after your initial sprouts.

Happy trees for unhappy times.

We are proud to begin offering this product, Albizia julibrissin, Happiness Tree (Starter Pack includes 1/2 lb of bark, 1 ounce dried flowers, and 5 seed containing pods).  While I'm not allowed to make any claims regarding its potential health benefits, I can tell you that this tree has been used in eastern medicine continously since the second century.

That's a long time.

A description of the herbal benefits of this tree  can be found here:
http://www.planetherbs.com/specific-herbs/albizzia-the-tree-of-happiness.html
and here:  http://hollirichey.com/2010/06/21/mimosa-the-tree-not-the-drink-brings-happiness/

I am currently offering a "starter pack" which consists of:

5 seed pods with several seeds in each pod
1/2 pound bark
1 oz. dried flowers

These trees are well established, old growth and of the highest quality: all for $14.99  available year round.

October is Plant Show Month

Here in Honolulu we are blessed to have many garden related activities throughout the year.  This month however are 2 events we are especially excited about.  The 71st annual Honolulu Orchid Society Show on Oct. 8-10th.  and the Honolulu Cacti and Succulent Society show the following weekend. 

Pretty much those are tailored for the wife and I.  I hope to catch a lecture on tissue culture propogation of Orchids. The chance to rub shoulders with the old guard will be good, I'm sure they have much gardening wisdom to pass along.

We will for sure have pictures and stories to share, so please stay tuned.

See you there!

Ipomea Biloba, Beach Morning Glory at the Beach.

Buy Beach Morning Glory Here
Only $9.99 while supplies last.  A great salt tolerant ground cover for your house by the sea.

I stumbled upon this slice of awesome.

See original photo here