Ianbrazil,

In your bios
you state, “similar conditions to
ourselves ie. subtropical climate, heavy seasonal rainfall and nutrient poor
soil - though we do try to improve it”.

In your
thread you state, “soil is poor and the
climate dry”.

Am I correct
to assume that you experience radical climate change from very wet to very dry
for extended times? Subtropical climates can have widely varying conditions. I
am unsure about how hot you may be dealing with in the climate cycle.

Your nutrient
poor soil is likely a result of the rapid leaching of nutrients due to heavy
rainfall and would require very frequent applications of suitable nutrients preferably
in a liquid form or organics high in the basic N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphate and
potassium). Timed release fertilizers may also be of value. This would be most beneficial
for the heavy rainfall time frame. Corse soils such as sandy or rocky soils are
the most susceptible to leaching.

Your bog growing
idea would likely work well if it provides adequate moisture and nutrients in both
the wet and dry seasons and might slow down the leaching problem. You might
consider growing your cannas in larger containers that could be placed in the
swimming pool “bog” providing it receives access to the water. You could also
consider growing in large containers filled with good compost soil with peat
and provide plenty of water as necessary to keep moist. Leaching should be
greatly reduced in the potted container.

Good luck,
Kent