That's when I saw the roots! Wow.
I'd sat its container on a smaller one to give it height, in the tall metal container (visible on the left, above), and then unbeknownst to me the metal container filled with water and the plant's roots sought out that water, quite successfully. That's a solid mass of roots, about an inch and a half thick, all grown in a period of 3 months...
Weather Diary, Oct 10: Hi 57, Low 43/ Precip .01"
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So, are you going to name this guy Mat? Very interesting & makes you want to drag it inside for the winter.
ReplyDeleteOkay that's funny Peter! Yes, should he live through the winter (see Alan's comment below) he will officially be known as Mat.
DeleteGotta love the vigor of grasses! Easy to overwinter this one: just cut it down, remove much of the roots, then keep the rootball in a cool place that doesn't freeze. Maybe water it once over the winter if you remember. I kept mine in an open plastic bag in the garage (40ºF or so min temp).
ReplyDeleteSo what are the chances of it living if I just bring the container indoors and stick it in a dark corner? That's about all I'm willing to do for a plant I can easily buy again next year for under $10.
DeleteI had no idea this was not hardy for you. What's one more plant to overwinter, I say (with a devilish grin!)
ReplyDeleteI've failed in the past with this one. It has needs! (Alan finds it easy however...)
DeleteWow, you could make a small straw skirt out of those roots!
ReplyDeleteFor Lila! (Halloween is just around the corner...)
DeleteKind of sad to let it go into the compost bin... it wants to live so badly. Any chance you can here it cry out for mercy?
ReplyDeleteThat's what I was thinking, too. It's vigor is impressive. With roots like that, I'm actually surprised it doesn't have better resistance to a "normal" winter here, but I guess that's not as much about quantity as much as quality, if you know what I'm trying to say.
DeleteNo cries, I may try and keep it alive...we'll see.
DeleteAnd Anna... yes, quality, or something like that...
I've been told that "plants want to live" - I guess this is proof positive!
ReplyDeleteFunny I potted it up significantly when I put it in that container. Those roots are crazy!
DeleteCool plant. It wouldn't overwinter dormant somewhere?
ReplyDeleteIt hasn't in the past. I'll probably try again...
DeleteThe forces of nature always amaze!
ReplyDeleteFor good, and bad...
DeleteYou could make your own little coir-like containers.
ReplyDeleteThat mat of roots made me think of this woman who grows roots into lace patterns. This plant seems like it would be a good candidate. https://www.designboom.com/art/diana-scherer-manipulated-plant-roots-patterns-01-21-2017/
ReplyDelete