I am playing with this orphan (given to me 1/2 dead 2 years ago - started my violet craze again)
Shaping/grooming the crown since it is showing different growing habit on some leaves because I started fertilizing. This is what we did in our club getting the plants ready for show. But also - those older leaves are just taking up space and won't grow.
playing with white paper to eliminate some leaves before cutting them off- the one up on the left is still bothersome to the eye - I think. Then there is one a bit crooked - tooth pick to put it in the right position.
I think this will fly. - nice and healthy leaves they will now grow fat together. I whish we could post several pictures at once.
Nice Job--looks like a really healthy plant--what is it going to be when it blooms?
This is orphan Anni last year. 2nd blooms. same plant. Now
We are now full time fl. residence - 2 yrs- when snow birds go home april/may they drop off all kinds of plants at my front door, hence orphan.The picture was last year after she revived. I showed her here because she was not well. trips I think. OK now.
I am trying to see what kind of growing i can do here since she is my oldest I am learning with her - central AC 78 degrees, water, soil, very warm near windows, too much PM sunshine more.
This message was edited Aug 2, 2010 5:52 PM
This message was edited Aug 2, 2010 5:53 PM
Great orphans, lucky to have you!
Perfect rosette! is it because of light/growing conditions or extra trimming too? sometimes the new leaves are so crowded...
Helen, thank you for sharing the knowledge. Your AV looks beautiful!
I have a related question about AV leaves. Am I supposed to keep all the leaves as long as they look healthy? Or should I remove the older leaves? What would you do with the one in the picture? That's a NOID VA we have at work. By the way, the leaves of this AV are not that healthy. I will post another photo -- wish we could attach multiple photos in the same post.
This message was edited Aug 6, 2010 12:53 PM
Here is a closeup of the leaves. I think the plant has got bugs of some sort.
Well again, I think it is just office conditions, I notice the radiator? right under the plant.
AV's are good companions and then you bring in a new to replenish the old.
On this one I'd just disbud, keep it as is as far a leave removal for now. Flush the plant meaning let tap water run over/through it and be sure to keep it out of sun until dry.
Watch it rejuvenate ( a week) and only now, think of repotting and reshaping. You'll learn from the other plant how they respond to be refreshed. You'll actually see which leaves are not respongding and need to be removed before repotting and then also using the paper method to get a good shape. Sometimes you get an old leave that needs to be left in there for symetry. of course this is just playing with AVs and then when something goes really well, you are in violet heaven.
I have one now that is just pathetic, but it bloomed and bloomed and bloomed. Now she is going to the doctor.....leaves removed, new soil (as I now mix my own) Not one i love but she is the guinea pig to learn how to grow with my new Fl. growing conditions.? ask
It is a great idea to use this one as guinea pig. I will give it a good wash and trim and see what happens. It has to stay in the office though. I will see if I can find a better location for this plant. Many thanks.
your other one should be perking up by now. Showing different color coming into the leaves.....Helene
Great way to show us how to make our plants more of a rosette. Many people keep asking me what that means and it is hard to explain. Good job! tish
Hi All;
Here is one of my newest streps, called geronimo, really unusual. Hope you can see it well enough.
Bonnie
thanks tish. That plant is doing real well. Some of my little ones are coming in with a niece shape.
mrs. bonnie beautiful coloration. unusual - i think.
Pretty miss bonnie. Love strep blooms but so far I can't keep them going. But I can grow sinningias!.. Your new sinningias are nice too! - tish
Bonnie,
Geronimo is a real beauty.Very unique!!
Lynn
Very unique. The bottom half of the flower looks like a monarch butterfly.
it is very unusual.
bonnie
STUNNING!!!!
Love the netting on Geronimo!
