Brachyglottis kirkii in pongo logs

Brachyglottis kirkii is an epiphytal plant native to the Wellington region, however it is becoming increasingly rare and none have been spotted growing wild in Otari. So Rewi took some cuttings from 2 or 3 plants in other areas of Wellington in the hopes of reinstating them at Otari.

As B. kirkii would normally grow in a tree we have used hollowed
out ponga log as a planting container. I have made two different
potting mixes to go in the log, one with 25% pumice to soil and
the other 50% pumice. This plant likes very well drained soil,
so the two mixes should be monitored to how well
 they grow in each.

Cross section of a ponga log. Such amazing patterns! The core in the middle is
very soft - a bit firmer than apple flesh, but the black swirls are extremely hard,
making a perfect solid sided pot for planting.