Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 27

HYPOESTES
Hippo®

NUTRITION
pH: 5.8 - 6.2
EC: .5 - .7
Constant feeding at 150ppm - 200ppm nitrogen with a fertilizer
blend selected to best match grower's water quality and soil
mix is recommended.
TEMPERATURE
Rooting out: 65 - 72 F
Growing on: 68 - 75 F
Holding: 65 - 68 F
WATERING
Maintain moderate soil moisture levels. Once rooted into
finished container, allow the soil to cycle from moist to slightly
dry before irrigating again. Avoid both severe dry downs/wilting
and long periods of wet soil, especially in poor early growing
conditions. Growing slightly drier will produce a shorter and
fuller plant with fewer PGRs needed, but undo plant stress and
wilting must be avoided.
TIMING
4" - 5"/Grande™: 4 - 6 weeks with one 104 cell plant.
6"/1 GL Royale™: 6 - 8 weeks with one to two 104 cell plants.
8": 7 - 9 weeks with one to two 104 cell plants.
10" - 12" Hanging Basket: 9 - 12 weeks with three to five
104 cell plants.
PLANTING
Standard 104 Liner plants should be planted at the same depth
or only slightly deeper than the liner cell level. Plant into a
well-drained soil mix selected to match individual water quality
and fertilizer blends. Water in thoroughly without saturating
the mix, and for proper root development, maintain a constant
moderate soil moisture level for the first 7 - 10 days.
Hippos are very self-branching and compact growers. Pinching
can be considered with taller material at time of planting or
to shape plants later in the growing cycle, especially in larger
containers.

LIGHT/LIGHTING
Hippos will grow and finish best in moderate to high light areas.
Leaf curling may occur if grown in very high light conditions,
with higher temperatures, and lower humidity levels. Lower
light levels can produce a less compact and taller plant.
Hippos are day-length sensitive. When exposed to short day
conditions the Hippos will initiate flowering, and growth habit
will be affected. When grown under short day periods
of the year, Hippos require long day lighting to grow
and finish properly. Day length extension lighting should
be provided from week 38, September 15, through week 13,
April 1st, to extend the day length to 14 hours per day.
GROWTH REGULATORS
To reduce or eliminate the need of PGR treatments, grow
Hippos at recommended temperatures, under moderate to
bright light conditions, with adequate spacing and moderate
soil moisture levels. If PGRs are required, B-Nine® (daminozide)
spray at 2,500ppm or a tank mix spray of B-Nine at 1,000ppm
and Cycocel (chlormequat) at 500ppm can be applied.
PEST and DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Hippo Hypoestes are relatively pest- and problem-free if grown
correctly. Scout for Aphids and Whiteflies. Over-watering,
especially later in the day during poor conditions, can lead to
Botrytis, Powdery Mildew, and Fungus Gnat issues. Control
humidity levels and provide adequate air movement.
OUTDOOR GROWING SCHEDULE
Hippo Hypoestes finish best in controlled greenhouse
environments. They can be finished or held outdoors after all
threats of frost and cold temperatures have lapsed. In Michigan
this would usually occur in later May or early June. This
recommendation is based on average spring weather and should
be adjusted based on current conditions in the grower's location.
OTHER TIPS
Providing 14-hour day length is crucial for producing
desired quality plants when growing plants in shorter
day length periods of the year. From mid-September to
early April provide either day length extension or night
interruption lighting of 14 hours to provide proper day
length.

The rates and chemicals listed are based on our southeast Michigan growing conditions, and are not recommended for nationwide application.
Please adjust the rates and spray applications to your location and facility.

Four Star Culture Guide - 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Four Star Culture Guide - 2019