The 'Trailing' shape
Degree of difficulty for culture: average
Special requirements: patience, regular trimmings and use of the Japanese technique.
In the illustration, it is clear that the stems are delicate and flexible. We also see that they emerge very well from each other and that there is formation of new crowns and roots all along these long stems. This is one of the 3 most delicate forms to handle because of its long fragile stems.
We find in this form especially the miniature and semi-miniature varieties. Some standards may also have this particular shape, but they are few.
The ideal container for this shape is therefore the saucer that is perfectly suited to the *Japanese technique* that keeps in place the long stems on the ground.
For large-scale semi-miniature varieties, a 2nd level cut PAN container (pictured below) is perfect. And for standard varieties, a PAN-type pot cut just below the rim will be used.
Small varieties
Saucer
Large Semiminiatures
PAN cut at the 2nd level
Standards varieties
PAN cut at the 1st level
Wrong example plant/container
Here are some examples of varieties for the 3 types of containers.
| SAUCER | PAN CUT AT THE 2ND LEVEL | PAN CUT AT THE 1ST LEVEL |
| Lil'Creeper, micro miniature | Ramblin' Silver, semiminiature | Sky Diver, large semiminiature |
| Pixie Blue, miniature | Ramblin' Lavender, standard | |
| Rob's Sticky Wichet, semiminiature |
* Japanese method *
This method involves attaching the plant stems to the top of the soil using paper clips or covered and flexible electrical wire to allow rooting and production of new crowns. The flexibility of the stems of the 'Trailing' shape allows us to arrange the stems so that the plant is evenly distributed during its growth. Here is an example of a potting of a small variety from a 3" pot to a 12" saucer. You can see the progress of the plant.
