Bowenia serrulata planted

[happypalms]

A real winner this bowenia sp been in the collection for 23 years in a container. Originally purchased from rosebud farm many moons ago. It went dormant for many years in the container thinking I had lost it I just left it in the greenhouse and about 5 years ago it came to life after almost a lot  rain we had. Once used in the cut flower industry many years ago I did read the state  railway used to use on the platforms in arrangements I can’t see that happening any more. But one special plant to me this species. I have spectabilis as well in the garden growing well. Keep the water up to this one and it should be fine. 

[Kokioula]

Love Bowenia! Such a beauty in the garden! They love fertile soil and deep roots

[happypalms]

On 3/10/2025 at 3:08 PM, Kokioula said:

Love Bowenia! Such a beauty in the garden! They love fertile soil and deep roots

There pretty special. Even in the country they come from you don’t see them for sale in retail nurseries. Some specialalty nurseries and collectors sell them but not plant to come by easily, available but rare. 

[Kokioula]

11 hours ago, happypalms said:

There pretty special. Even in the country they come from you don’t see them for sale in retail nurseries. Some specialalty nurseries and collectors sell them but not plant to come by easily, available but rare. 

That is surprising to hear, especially with the interest in foliage for floral arrangements.. it’s an easy one to pollinate too

[Brian]

On 3/10/2025 at 12:08 AM, Kokioula said:

Love Bowenia! Such a beauty in the garden! They love fertile soil and deep roots

Bowenia has probably been the most difficult cycad for me to grow. I just figured it was too hot and humid for them here but maybe I should try growing them in pure compost and see if that helps. 
@happypalms sure has some nice ones.

[happypalms]

6 hours ago, Brian said:

Bowenia has probably been the most difficult cycad for me to grow. I just figured it was too hot and humid for them here but maybe I should try growing them in pure compost and see if that helps. 
@happypalms sure has some nice ones.

Easy to grow just don’t let them dry out. Leave them in the greenhouse until they are a decent size to plant. If they dry out the just disappear and years later in a good wet season they come back. Try a heavy mix it might be better.

[happypalms]

8 hours ago, Kokioula said:

That is surprising to hear, especially with the interest in foliage for floral arrangements.. it’s an easy one to pollinate too

The florist love them for filler in floral arrangements. But alas they are no longer harvested from the wild like they once were. Which is a good thing in a way. And iam certainly not going to harvest the leaves of my one there just to rare. Bowenia spectabilis is a bit more available but still rare, I once paid $500 for 100 seeds and got about 80 plants so it was money well spent.

[Kokioula]

10 hours ago, happypalms said:

The florist love them for filler in floral arrangements. But alas they are no longer harvested from the wild like they once were. Which is a good thing in a way. And iam certainly not going to harvest the leaves of my one there just to rare. Bowenia spectabilis is a bit more available but still rare, I once paid $500 for 100 seeds and got about 80 plants so it was money well spent.

Definitely good that wild harvesting has stopped! I’ve mostly grown spectabilis. Since they cone so regularly, and I’ve even made offsets, I’m surprised they aren’t more common. I always love how easy the seeds are to clean compared to many other cycads 

[Kokioula]

16 hours ago, Brian said:

Bowenia has probably been the most difficult cycad for me to grow. I just figured it was too hot and humid for them here but maybe I should try growing them in pure compost and see if that helps. 
@happypalms sure has some nice ones.

I have noticed they don’t like straight earth, and appreciate the fluffier compost enriched mixes. 

[happypalms]

16 hours ago, Kokioula said:

Definitely good that wild harvesting has stopped! I’ve mostly grown spectabilis. Since they cone so regularly, and I’ve even made offsets, I’m surprised they aren’t more common. I always love how easy the seeds are to clean compared to many other cycads 

It was in harvested way before any cities agreement that’s for sure. They are slow in my subtropical climate, but definitely worth growing for there ornamental factors. You seem to have the plant culture of this one down pat. Keep on propagating it as much as you can and get them into cultivation more. 

[happypalms]

16 hours ago, Kokioula said:

I have noticed they don’t like straight earth, and appreciate the fluffier compost enriched mixes. 

Rich loam soils they love and water. 

[TropicsEnjoyer]

Yet another spectacular living fossil. Wishing the best for your plant.

[happypalms]

8 hours ago, TropicsEnjoyer said:

Yet another spectacular living fossil. Wishing the best for your plant.

Keeping the water up too it is the key to keeping it happy .