I just received these today. I decided to start with these 6 for now to see how I do with african violets. I see so many pretty ones here I thought I would try a few. There are so many to choose from. I just love the variety.
My new and first African Violets are here!!
Here is a close up of these. I hope my choices are easy to take care of.
2 of them are already blooming. I am amazed they can bloom so tiny.
I love the variegated one, too. Is there anything I should do to them right now for care? I carefully gave them a little water in the soil around the base of the leaves. When do you start fertilizing them?
Pamela: I can't give advice because I'm not growing AV's but you really picked some beauties! I've ordered from Rob's before and never received plants that look that nice! I'm sure some of the experienced grower's on this forum will come along soon to advise you. Have fun with your new babies and don't hesitate to ask questions here ... a great group of people who are always willing to share advice and help!
Congrats! They look really nice! Enjoy them!
Thanks for encouraging comments! I found these growing suggestions on the back of the invoice. So now I know what to do. I was looking for a seperate paper at first.
woops....here it is rotated.
Very nice looking plants!!! It is always exciting to get new babies. Keep those moist but not wet. I usually wait just a little bit to make sure they settle in (not in shock) and then repot them. Most growers have a different growing environment than we have and they use mostly peat moss for a growing medium. We need a lighter mix to grow in our homes. If you do decide to repot, you can start putting 1/4 tsp. of a good balanced fertilizer per gal. of water and use that each time you bottom water. If you decide to wick then reduce down to 1/8 tsp. per gallon. Good luck with them.
Connie
What Connie said LOL.
What a great selection!!
Lynn
Are these your first violets?
Don't over-water...they like damp not wet.
Also they were used to living in a greenhouse..if they start looking a little distressed, give them a little humidity by covering them with a makeshift greenhouse and wean them out after a few days when they have perked up.
Oh,...and.....Welcome!
tish
Hi! Thanks for advice. Yes, these are my first violets. I had one over 40 years ago that grew very well in a window sill. Since I was only a teen back then, it's amazing that it survived. I passed that little plant on to another back then. My life had taken another course. So now, here we go again! Wonderful how little plants become part of our lives and memories.
Pam
Pam they look great !!! Now my only concern is that even though they all belong to the Gesneriad family the Namatanthus and the Columnea are not African violets. I'm sure that their care is very similar but I have no idea as I haven't grown either or AVs for that long either. I'm sure that a more knowledgeable person will chime in and guide you with those two. In the meantime enjoy your plants and blooms. Happy Gardening !!!!
I treat my nem and col pretty much the same way as av's....they will grow to be trailing, so eventually they can be grown in a hanging basket or pedestal planter or just run all over the shelf, ha. I have a few smaller ones under lights, but by the time they are ready for a 4-6" pot or get long, they go to the window light. Cutting them makes them branch and grow more stems to bloom, rooting the cuttings fills a bigger pot faster. They do tolerate cooler temps than avs. Some people grow them outside hanging in the shade in summer but then they have to come back inside during winter in most states....its called the "winters cold ! " law, ha.
tish
Wow....I will be glad when these little guys get bigger. When I stand back and look at them, they sure are tiny up in that big window.
I bought 3 more from Home Depot this past weekend. I thought my little guys could use some adult company. See how little they look. You can imagine how tiny without the 3 on the end.
When Spring arrives, I think I'll relocate them outside somewhere. I know I'll have to find them a shady spot when I do move them. This Florida sun would probably fry them otherwise.
Pamela,
We have lots of members from all over the country and the world,including Florida,that grow gorgeous plants outdoors and some even in cold climates.Hopefully someone will post some of their beautiful pictures.
I have memories like yours.In the early to mid 70's until the mid to late 80's,I grew every plant I could get my hands on,including from seed.I just started Gessies again about 3 years ago,but I have always drug all the stuff I wanted to keep in and out all year.
Lynn
Your new plants are great. Glad to have you here.
Welcome! You are off to a great start! The only thing I can think to add is to water from below with room temperature water-no chlorine. That means you can fill a pitcher, leave it out over night for the chlorine to dissipate and then water the plants. If you do water from above, try not to get water on the leaves (spots) and empty any extra from the saucer below after 20 minutes (root rot). Go light on the fertilizer (burn and tight centers). Good Growing!
Thanks for welcomes & advice. I very much appreciate both!!