Earth octopus
Yesterday I spent quite some time into the darkness of the garage, doing archaeological plant-digging in containers. I was looking after various creatures that like to spend the winter dry and need to be unearthed by late April and be brought back to life (if possible).
A large earth octopus almost jumped out of a pot! Luckily it proved out to be a gentle one. I checked its legs one by one, all seemed to be fine; eyes wide open and smiling. It was carefully placed in fresh, rich potting mix as it likes it, free to swim and have fun.
The earth octopus (Roscoea auriculata)
I’ll wait with the water until it starts growing a bit (it’s an earth octopus with rhizomatous fleshy tentacles after all). Somewhere in mid-summer a strange phenomenon will happen: the earth octopus will bloom!
There were also a few baby octopuses (not completely developed, some have only 2-3 tentacles), all fine looking and ready to start earth swimming. Roscoeas are very pleasant plants to grow from seeds; it will take 3+ years for the first flowers to appear.
Earth octopuses (or is that octopi) rule!
I have to check about the plural but I agree with you on the ruling ;)
Roscoea is a lovely plant. I’ve been meaning to tell you that your website is looking great now.
Thank you so much! Sometime I feel like an athlete, quitely preparing for the big competition, which then will last only a few minutes! (well, in my case a couple of months).