African Violets and Gesneriads: Discovering Streptocarpus, 1 by Allison_FL

Allison_FL wrote:
Some Suggestions
Use very light soil mixes, especially if you wick-water or otherwise keep plants constantly moist. If wicking, we would suggest using a mix of at least 50 percent perlite. It's always a good idea to let the reservoir go dry occasionally before refilling ( this goes for violet, too. ) Keeping a too-dense soil, too wet, is the most common problem growers have. Keep those roots happy !
Use a balanced fertilizer. " Bloom boosting" ( High phosphorus) fertilizers are not necessary for good blooming. If you have healthy roots and leaves, blooms will come. Streps are very vigorous growers and need to be fed regularly and adequately.
Grooming and pruning . Don't be afraid to remover old leaves, especially if they've already produced a number of blooms stalks. Also remove leaves that seem to be " competing" for the same space, or "getting in each other's way ". Remember also, that leaves can be trimmered with virtually no effect on blooming-we've had pots of " stubble" in heavy bloom !
Regular repotting. If the strep has healthy roots, it's happy. If it doesn't , it won't be. Proper pot size , and fresh soil are needed for a new, healthy, root development. Neglect here is the second most common problem . Be sure to water sparingly until roots have begun ti fill the added soil. Warm water.
Don't overcrown. This goes for violets too. Don't create a "jungle-like" enviroment. Plants need plenty of space between each other and good air circulation.
Future possibilities ( what we look for in seedlings)
This is out ultimate goal in hybridizing-
Small, compact growers with glossy, sometimes dark and /or red/back leaves, growing in a flat ) not upright) manner, with rounded ( even rosette) form.
Double ( or triple) stick-tite blossoms-frilly or velvety blooms. Fantasies, multicolors, edges. The possible colors and combinations are nearly limitless.
Many of these have already been achieved by us and other hybridizers-the future is exciting !!!
The End
Hope you enjoy this as much as I have !