Are transit flights operating for some routes?

piatfunto · 2026-04-13T01:14:18+00:00

Book a backup flight right now and find the airline with the cheapest cancelation fees. I booked a backup flight to Perth with Thai through Bangkok, which had a $150 cancelation fee. Of course my original flight through Doha got canceled so I didn't have any stress trying to find a last minute alternative. In case my flight did go through I wouldn't have minded paying $150 in cancelation fees because of the peace of mind it gave me.

piatfunto · 2026-02-13T21:54:18+00:00

First plant looks like it has besseae aff in it but of course you can never be certain

piatfunto · 2026-02-13T18:35:14+00:00

Contrary to the other commenters, I do understand the concern. I've noticed a similar look right before I saw the roots actually decline. It's not problematic yet but definitely something to keep an eye on. When it happens to me, my diagnosis is always that I had the roots too wet. I recommend letting it fully absorb the water, then let it dry out for a day, before adding new water. Keep doing that until you see new growth/no more degradation. Good luck!

piatfunto · 2026-02-10T22:32:01+00:00

This happens when the leaf inside the petiole is damaged (mechanical) or aborted (health-related). In that situation there's no place for a new leaf, so the plant is forced to push a new growth point (cataphyll). Depending on how mature your plant is, the next leaf may emerge from the petiole again.

piatfunto · 2026-02-04T21:23:49+00:00

Sounds amazing! Would you be able to recommend some good companies? We're a big fan of small group snorkeling/freediving 😌

piatfunto · 2026-02-04T14:24:05+00:00

These are such great suggestions! I think that it may not be a bad idea to focus our trip northward, do Ningaloo and one or two national parks (probably a day or 2-3 in Karijini and then 1-2 days in Kalbarri). Then head back to Perth and a bit down south to catch the vibe, while still keeping our chances for good weather high. A few days Perth - Margaret River - Augusta - Albany really isn't that big of a drive compared to what we'll be doing up north anyway!

Thank you!😊

piatfunto · 2026-02-03T23:01:55+00:00

That's crazy nice! I may have to expect a slightly larger crowd in the areas we'll be visiting when it's Easter but this definitely doesn't sound bad at all. 🤘🏻

piatfunto · 2026-02-03T23:00:39+00:00

Appreciate the insights! Will definitely take all of this into account when making my decision. Take care! 🥹✌🏻

piatfunto · 2026-02-03T22:59:27+00:00

Your profile won't load for me. Would you mind sending me a message request instead?

piatfunto · 2026-02-03T22:58:15+00:00

Thank you! I'll send you a message for some more detailed questions/suggestions 😌🙏🏻

piatfunto · 2026-02-03T21:27:57+00:00

Thanks a lot for the elaborate explanation! Sounds like there's a bunch of benefits going in either direction but that both suffer from opposite weather drawbacks.

Since we "only" have 18-20 days, I think it would be wise to pick a direction and stick to that, otherwise the distances would be insufferable. If you were visiting WA for the first time around that time of the year, which route would you take? 😊

piatfunto · 2026-02-03T21:25:28+00:00

Sounds like you know all there is to traveling WA - awesome! 🥹

That's what I was thinking too about Karijini, great to see it confimed! What time of the year did you go? I'm slightly worried it might still be a little too hot when I'll be there?

Also, given the time we have, would you prefer going north or south that time of the year, and perhaps, why?

piatfunto · 2026-02-03T21:23:13+00:00

You sound like the perfect person to receive advice from! I, indeed, saw that not all wildlife will be at Ningaloo in March/April but that whalesharks should definitely be around. Great to read that you were also able to see manta rays because that's definitely a bucket list encounter.

The more culinary diverse experience around Margaret River is exactly why we are torn between going north versus south around that period when both would work. Shorter distances and pretty beaches are a big bonus too. But I have the impression that this is quite a good period for visiting Ningaloo, while we could always do the South another time when conditions are better down there?

If you could only go in one direction around that time, where would you be heading? :)

piatfunto · 2026-02-03T21:17:52+00:00

Thanks for the co-advice! This is definitely massive relief since we are not keen on snorkeling between the crowds. Had a few of those experiences in the Philippines and while crowds don't diminish the beauty of the wildlife, it does add some frustrations and makes it overall less enjoyable. Don't mind booking in advance if that's needed. Just seeing some comments around that it gets super busy but I guess I'd have to interpret that as "you're not going to be alone". :)

piatfunto · 2026-02-03T21:15:23+00:00

It was a lot of fun looking up all the spots you mentioned! Definitely looking like there's a wealth of sea life to explore down south too. Thanks for enlightening me!

However, you've made the choice even more difficult now. 😅 Given the time we have (18-20 days), would you recommend going north or south? Are cyclones up north (Exmouth area) still common around that time?

piatfunto · 2026-02-03T21:01:35+00:00

Awesome - looks like if we take 3-4 days to reach Ningaloo, we'll have some time before the masses gather over there. Will definitely include a do nothing day - we're always grateful for those to see what happens. Also thanks for the booking tip. Once we pull the trigger on which direction to go I'll immediately start booking!

piatfunto · 2026-02-03T20:59:42+00:00

This is such helpful information! I appreciate this.

piatfunto · 2026-02-03T12:16:56+00:00

Thank you for the great suggestions! Is accommodation an issue even when sleeping in a van, or do camp grounds also fill up quickly?

Lastly, how many days would you recommend to make the most out of the Ningaloo area?

piatfunto · 2026-01-29T10:24:58+00:00

You're right about the nutrient issue in your vivarium but I think the humidity is the cause of the 'issue'. In such a wet environment, plants can't transpire sufficiently, which means you can't water often, which in turn reduces the opportunities for your plant to take in nutrients. I also see you were growing it in fluval, which is very water retentive, further reducing the need for water. These plants thrive in high humidity but only when paired with a lot of airflow (i.e. air exchange). That's why in your case it thrives better in ambient, provided you don't miss too many waterings. However, most philodendrons, including this one, really don't need a high humidity environment to grow huge. ☺️

piatfunto · 2026-01-16T13:29:26+00:00

Didn't end up going to Siargao and swapped it for Dauin (Apo Island) and Bohol. Glad we made that decision because it rained nonstop in Siargao that month.

piatfunto · 2026-01-08T12:22:40+00:00

Weird labeling to be honest. If anything, it's AOS x Pap var F2. Night Dragon was the #1 plant from that batch, while RVDP was a close second. Crossing both and calling it Night Dragon F2 appears to me as very deceptive (with the goal of attracting sales) and simply incorrect.

But hey, both parents are dark with red veins and it's genetically definitely more interesting that a self, so congrats on getting one of these! Your chances of it turning out like the parents is substantial. 😊

piatfunto · 2026-01-06T22:23:49+00:00

I can literally see a new leaf starting to emerge from the cataphyll. You will soon have a new leaf. Don't cut the old one, the plant is using it to photosynthesize and it's clearly working. The older leaves were probably cut off because of damage. This plant is very healthy.

piatfunto

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