I've been given some Doryanthes palmeri (spear lily) seeds and I'm a bit confused about how to treat them. I imagine they'd receive the same treatment as excelsa. Some sources have told me that they need to be burnt before planting and some have told me they need to be soaked in boiling hot water. As they're native to cliff faces in rainforest areas I doubt that burning them would be correct however I still need some guidance. Can anyone tell me if there's anything I need to do to these seeds before planting or what types of soil I should be planting them in? I know that they like a northwards facing cliff top but that's about it!

Thanks for you help!

Lauren

That link was interesting though I had heard of the stone trick before. However, I would not be as dogmatic about some of the "facts" presented in the ABC "fact sheet", which states:

"Doryanthes grow well in coastal areas from Brisbane to Perth. They also grow in cooler climates, but be careful because the flower stems and leaves may be damaged by frost."

Spear lilies also grow well, right up the top of the Bunya Mountains, at the edge of a steep cliff in rock fissures. I am sure that frost would be present there. The Bunyas, as you would be aware, are not exactly "in (a) coastal area".

Cheers,
Frank

Roy

They dont occur solely on north facing cliffs they can also occur in sclerophyll forests in 'normal' situations, but yes they can be prolific on cliffs.

I have several in the garden with all growing superbly, be they faster than D. excelsa, but I have had excelsa flower quicker than the palmeri.

As long as they have well drained soils they will grow well in sun or shade, cold or hot.

They are growing D. palmeri in NQ without a problem.

Regards from Kris

Lauren

Paul.