African Violets and Gesneriads: guess I need a microscope, 1 by dmj1218

dmj1218 wrote:
Hi guys--
I don't normally post over here but this is a new one for me so I thought I would. I know how helpful everyone is and I certainly welcome all opinions. =)

I grow a lot of species bulbs from seeds but not Sinningia's. Since there's not many bulbs that can be grown from seed this time of year down here, I thought I would amuse myself by starting several different species of these since the seeds fell into my hands from one of the many seed trades I do with other bulb growers.

These are all growing in those cheap 4.5"L x 3.5"W x 2"H plastic containers; sown 6/15 and the pic was taken today. This particular one is S reitzii and its obviously quite happy; and its the first one up this thickly. It looks like it needs to be dealt with pretty quickly.

I do specialize in the smaller bulbs but gheez, I never figured I would get this from these:
http://www.gesneriads.ca/sinni208.htm

Here are my questions:
1. Prick 'em out with tip of a butter knife?
2. What kind of planting medium mix? (I don't mean brand--I mean like peaty, sandy, clayey, perlite, vermiculite, etc--an approximate ratio would also be nice like 30% "X", 40% "Y", etc.)
3. micronutrients to mix in medium? (like bat guano, lava sand, etc)
4. acidic, neutral, alkaline?
4. Container dimensions for next size up?

Also are most of the "S" species pretty happy with the same growing medium? I know basic research like where all these are native to; but in my experience I've found that bulbs in cultivation often behave quite differently than in the wild. I use that research as a foundation, but...its usually "on the job" training. I can list out what I have if you need that info--but otherwise I won't overload you with excessive details at this point. The next one after this one that will need to be dealt with looks like S amambayensis.

I thought I needed to diversify a bit but now I'm not quite sure what I may have gotten myself into. ;)

thanks!
Debbie