African Violets and Gesneriads: Bargain Violets, 1 by begoniacrazii

begoniacrazii wrote:
Thanks VT, but I'm just winging it. I read the internet and then have a go at hacking up the plants (LOL). I look at it like this; if I dont experiment, then I'll never know what works or doesn't work. If it doesn't work, well then I have learned one more way that does not and move on to trying the next thing.

I've been gardening for many years, but not too much into the houseplants, except begonias but they also live out side in the greenhouse all year. During all my years working at a nursery, I was always taking home houseplants, they looked great until I forgot about them (I was getting my degree at the time and commuting 3 hours round trip to college with two toddlers - don't know why I thought I had time to take care of house plants)
But ever since I answered your post 'Less than 10 named violets' I've been hooked on AV's.

The obsessive compulsive part of me wants them all, but there's a good article in that Newbie Nook about keeping your collection managable. Makes a lot of sense. I think I'd rather have a couple dozen 'real nice' ones that get all the care and then keep trading them as I find others that fascinate me.

For example, one that I received in the 'grab bag' of surprise violets has a very red flower. I'm not a huge 'red' fan so I think someone else will want it when I get it into top shape. (the big assumption is that I wont kill it). I think it's name is Red Lantern. I do however LOVE it's 'elf ears' shaped leaves.
See the photo below.

I sprayed ALL of my house violets with neem just for good measure and they are all drying now.

I'm trying to kill some of my other noid's so I'm going to post them in another thread. Not sure WHY they are dying .....