subject: Growing Salvia Divinorum Proven Difficult In Usa [print this page] There is not doubt that despite the Salvia Divinorum is a plant that grows naturally in Oaxaca, Mexico, anyone can actually grow and nurture one outside its native habitat even in the United States. This is provided of course that its caretaker would consider the needed conditions and duplicate it in order for the plant to thrive well. However when it comes to the thought of mass producing this particular plant in the US, statements like Growing Salvia Divinorum proven difficult in USA or Mass cultivation of Salvia Divinorum impossible are some of the common comments that would be encountered. Here are the reasons why:
Unpredictable Humidity
Unlike in caring for this plant in numbers not exceeding 5, to maintain a humidity level conducive for growth would require setting up a very large humidity tent or several small tents that can cover a huge area when it comes to mass production. This can be very expensive. Relying on the natural humidity can be a very huge sacrifice since climate change in the US is not as conducive in comparison to the tropical climate of Mexico especially when growing the plant outdoors.
Slow Acclimation
Another challenge with regards to the growing of Salvia Divinorum that makes it unique from the typical houseplants is their gradual acclimation to a new environment. The cuttings or the entire plant itself is often mailed enclosed in a clear plastic bag which acts as a humidity tent to maintain moisture. This poses another problem for the grower since maintaining the plant in such state would also require a duplication of the other factors and conditions it came from which is quite impossible. A sudden exposure to a different condition especially humidity can come as a shock to the plant. This would actually require a slow adaptive process for the plant before it becomes ready to continue growing in a different environment.
Sensitive Sunlight Exposure
The Salvia Divinorum plant usually thrives indoors because of the fact that growth conditions can easily be mimicked. Another reason this is so is because they are not meant to be exposed to direct sunlight. If this plant is to be grown on US soil outdoors, it can either be exposed to extreme temperatures whether it's freezing or very hot which both can be very detrimental to the plant. The northern states are consistent with the coldest winters while the southern states can be very hot.
The Problem with Rainy Areas
In New England, Oregon and Washington state, these are places where rainfall is very frequent. Areas that are considered to be wet zones are not good places for the Salvia Divinorum since they require only minimal watering. Too much water in the soil that does not have a chance to dry up can cause root rot resulting in the death of the plant.
Soil Condition Challenge
In growing the Salvia Divinorum outdoors in the US it must be a place where it is consistently shady, cool and humid. It is even possible to grow them in very sunny conditions provided that the plant has acclimated but they are unlikely to thrive in prolonged lengths of time. With regards to the soil, it has to be very rich with organic material. Once this material breakdown in the soil, it produces a slightly acidic pH and the by-products assist in aerating the soil. This is the reason why the plant can naturally survive and grow in a tropical environment because there is no need to maintain soil condition since it is self-replenishing thanks to leaves from trees and other plants that fall to the ground.
