I just noticed that my Chirita 'Charity' has some new bloom stalks. I will take pictures at each stage and share them with you. I just love Chirits's. Here is the first picture.
Chirita Charity Unfolding
Hello Begoniadude...........
What a beautiful Chirita you have there!
My favorites have always been the Chirita also.
When I stopped growing I had a beautiful collection. I missed them dearly.
I ordered a few for spring delivery to get going again and I can't wait until they arrive!
There is just something about them that really melts my heart.
I also loved my Nematanthus dearly. I ordered a few of those too. Mostly all my favorites.
I enjoy the other gesneriads but Chirita and Nematanthus really touch me for some reason.
I struggled a bit with streps but would like to try them again as I refuse to give up trying *lol*
I found with sinningias I was drawn more to drawn to the larger growers with slipper flowers.
I look forward to seeing Chastity unfold, she's one of the chirita on my list for spring delivery :)
Thank you for sharing your "bloom to be" with us :)
Kim
Lovely Chirita Begonia Dude!! I have 4 small ones grown from leaf,no blooms yet. I finally gave up Begonias,because I just don't have room for everything I love.I still keep a few cane type,because I can put them in the basement over winter.
Kim,
I know you want to start slow,but between here and the other site you know there are lots of us willing to share whatever Gessies you want.
Lynn
I love Chiritas too. Yours is very pretty.
Gorgeous Chiritas! I haven't tried them yet, perhaps I should.
I tried AVs for over a year without a single bloom. As you can see, I am having much better luck with Chiritas. Next to begonias they are my favorites.
Did you have lighting for the AV's?
Love that Chirita Sally!!
Thanks! I have kinds. Tough little things!
Yes I did have a light stand for the AVs. Still no blooms.
Sorry, Begonia dude. That is no fun. My av's are being very kind to me. I have not been feeling good for months. I don't give them a lot of attention right now but they keep blooming constantly. I am so happy. My OGS stands are a huge help.
Here is more progress.
Very nice progress!
What a lovely plant!
Can't wait to see the flower........so close.
Keep up the great work.
There is something about Texas...........you all just have a way with plants!
Kim
Your Chirita looks great!! Were you feeding the African Violets?
Lynn
Yes I was feeding them. I had most of them on wicks with fertilizer in the water.
It's strange that with lighting and fertilizer they still wouldn't bloom.Sorry,I'm not sure what the problem was.
Here is the progress over the weekend. The first bloom is starting to open.
Other bloom stalks have started to appear.
Very pretty!
I just love chirita!
Obviously that's one very happy plant!
Begonia do you grow on a light stand or by natural light?
I'm hoping when mine come in to grow by natural light this time.
Kim
I grow mine with a combination. The plant stand is in front of a South facing window but it is also under the lights.
Great growing, Begoniadude. Healthy looking. Nice bloom stalks.
Begoniadude,
Is your plant Chastity?
The only Charity I could find was Sweet Charity but since it looks like your flower may be lacking the rust colored throat seen on Sweet Charity I'm guessing your plant may be Chastity.
I'm hoping yours is Chastity because I have that one on order as I think the flowers are just so pretty.
Can't wait to see updates :)
Kim
It was labeled Charity when I received it but I am beginning to wonder about that. You never know when you order off of E-bay. I will look around on the net and see if it looks like Chastity.
One bloom has completely opened.
I really like that! Beautiful bloom! I don't think it is Chastity--In you pic, the leaves look smooth and shiny. The chastity I saw has velvet-like leaves.
Begoniadude,
I do believe it to be Chastity.
Here is a link to the Plantfiles of pictures of Allison's Chastity.
The only thing close as far as names is Sweet Charity and Sweet Charity has rust colored spots in the throat.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/113514/
I could be wrong but I think your looks exactly like Chastity.
Beautiful plant regardless of it's name :)
Kim
The plant files link has more velvety leaves also--here's my source for my experience with Chastity
http://www.logees.com/prodinfo.asp?number=T5092-2
Here is her in full bloom.
Whether or not she is Chastity...She is a beauty! Thanks for sharing with us :)
Connie