So I have a few leaves started and so far they are looking good. Usually by now any leaf I had tried had already rotted so I have some small hope that I may have gotten the moisture level right.
What's blooming and growing - April 2013
You will master it in no time Holly! I usually set them uncovered and then I don't have to worry about rot.
Lynn
I have one Russian and it's leaves were getting very tight in the center. I've read somewhere, that they are like the Optimara violets. They should be placed at the end of shelf, or near a bright window. Well my windows are out of question, so I moved it to the very front of shelf, only because it has just started to bloom for the first time. I'm not too impressed with it right now. The blooms are small. I'll watch this one to see if it improves. If it doesn't then I'll toss it. Such a shame because I fell in love with all the beautiful pictures of the Russian varieties that have been posted.
With my Kohleria, I'm going to cut the tall little stringy things back and see what happens. If no improvement, then they'll get tossed too.
Now I'm off the pot up some strep babies from leaves I got last fall in a RR. Hopefully I don't kill them. This seems to be as far as I get. It they don't make it this time, I'll not waste my time again.
I have them sitting in a covered container but it has vents in the top so they aren't drying out too fast but no moisture build up. I will let you know how they do.
I forgot to add the pic of the Russian violet: EK-Svernaya Svedza - EK North Star. I just took another look and a picture of the latest bloom. I think as it keeps blooming that will get better. So it's a keeper. The size of the flower is the size of a nickle.
Yes,Holly keep us informed please.
Eileen,
It has a pretty flower.Many of the Russians have foliage I am not attracted to,but some of the variegated ones are pretty.I am sure I gave mine too much light.Don't toss the Kohlerias!They make tons of rhizomes.They need pretty good light to stay compact and bloom.but they can be cut back anytime.
Lynn
Some recent bloomers....
My only AV... Cosmic Blast... first bloom... almost 2 inches across! Wasn't expecting the blooms to be so big!
Strep Bridie
Strep Neil's Twilight
Seemannia purpurascens in bloom... a great plant!
Very pretty Karen.Love the Seemania!
Lynn
Very nice, Karen.
Lonnie
Beautiful pics!! Keep 'em coming everyone ::)) Karen, those pics you took of the birds were awesome. That lense would wear me out lol!! Is that what you do for a living? If not, maybe you should (big grin)
Connie
Karen , did you see that I finally was able to propagate an african violet from a leaf. Do not laugh at me.....over the years I was able to grow gardenias, jasmine, and all kinds of other plants and tropicals but never did I have any luck with african violets. Someone on one of these DG forums and Gita gave me pointers and I finally tried it. I got an old AV from my daughter, took three leaves from it and used three different medium. I had one that made it and it has teeny weeny leaves coming up. I need a magnifying glass to see them, but they are there. I am so happy I wanted to share it with you and hopefully some of those people who so willingly gave me pointers. Thanks to all. JB Oh, yes, and the old pink mother plant is blooming. Yahoo!
Congrats JB! Keep it up!
In the past, I have had limited luck with AVs. Now I have three that I have added to my gesneriad collection! They will never swoon me like the streps do, but I am trying!
Connie... I couldn't remember who had asked me that question.... No, I do not do wildlife/bird photography for a living. I wish I did sometimes, because it means being outdoors all the time. It is something my hubby and I enjoy together when we are off from our "real" jobs.
I have no idea what a strep is? Sorry, my knowledge of plants is limited to the few I know how to propagate. I have seen the pictures and I assume it is a houseplant. I will do some additional looking and see what it is that makes them so special. Sounds like something I may like to play with. I am not a fan of AV, but I was determined to learn how to make babies...at my age. LOL JB
Strep is short for streptocarpus....
That is mostly what I grow, and almost all the photos I have posted here and on the Mid-Atlantic indoor garden thread.
Oh my, I think I am hooked on another challenge. I went for a visit to Rob's Violet Barn and found some streps and purchased a couple. They are just adorable. I can not wait to see what they look like. I have the perfect spot for a few little gems in my bedroom and of course I love learning and doing new plants....never too old to keep trying. Thanks Karen. All tips will be appreciated and welcomed big time. JB
I see some people gave up on the streps after several babies died. Well, we will see how the do here in NJ. If of course I ever get to the point where I ever get babies. At 84, it takes so long for the AVs to show signs of new life, if the streps are just as slow, I am not sure I will live long enough to have strep babies to repot. I guess I will just have to make sure the old pacemaker keeps working. LOL.
Congrats on the new streps JB! They can be a challenge, but when they bloom, they are so rewarding!
Beautiful pictures everyone!
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