I dug up my largest v. tapioca last fall, and overwintered it indoors under florescent lights. I cut it in half, and within a few months, it started sending out new shoots. I planted it outdoors in early May, and it's loving our heat. These plants rarely exceed heights of 7-8' - because they're so brittle and lightly rooted, they break and get blown over in high winds.
It is spectacular! Have never seen one.
Thanks, Entlie. I found this at Walmart a few years ago, and it's very easy to root cuttings. Since it had a 5' head start, I'm hoping it reaches a height of 14' over the next 2 months. Even when stormy winds blow them over, they start growing again as soon as they're uprighted. I was rooting about 20 last winter, but I got lazy and started watering them with my outdoor hose. The icy cold water killed them, as well a lots of other 'stuff' I was rooting. Live and learn.
I like that! Too bad it's not hardy in our zone .. it would look great in my front yard but I just don't have any room to spare in the greenhouse .. does it make flowers?
I don't think they bloom, MmeX, and, according to DG plantfile, they're grown for their foliage. It's not necessary to dig them up - minimal root system, tubers - because they root so easily. I don't think the rooting hormone I used last Oct was necessary. I do keep my enclosed backporch warm and humid 24/7.
Anybody have any success propagating one? I'm too lazy too dig mine up, and so far I've not been successful.
I rooted about 20 last winter in a mix of perlite and peatmoss. I used rooting hormone, but I don't think it's necessary. They sprouted new leaves and were growing well until Dec, when I got lazy and started watering them with my outdoor hose. Blasting icy cold water in their newly formed roots killed them. They do need to be kept warm . I keep my enclosed back porch heated, so nightly temps stay above 50f and daytime temps are in the 70's and 80's. Good luck!
