My New Challenge - Propagation of AV and Streptocarpus

I have never been able to even grow African Violets much less raise them from leaves until this year, when several friends on DG urged me to give it another try. When I went shopping for some nice AV plants to use as stock plants I found the streprocarpus (Cape Primrose) and just loved the look of them also. The bottom line is, I bought some of each. They of course are too small just now to begin to take cuttings, but I am watching these little darlings grow and they are so adorable I can not help but share them with you all. Forgive me for assuming anyone else would care, but I am really just so excited that they are growing I have to show someone. Since I am old, and live alone, and DG is my extended family, here goes:

First I have Rob's Sticky Wicket blooming.
Second is Ma's Ching Dynasty
Spin Art and Wow are two of the Streptocarpus that are blooming. These plants were just tiny a few weeks ago. I am so impressed with them I could burst. LOL Thank you for allowing me to sound like a new mother. JB

Nice "Stickey Wicket" is a really reliable bloomer I find! Never stops. Same with "Fancy Trail".

Those are beautiful blooms. I agree about 'Stickey Wicket', it grows & blooms readily. I remember that 'Ching Dynasty' didn't like much fertilizer. It's centers would tighten. I gave it away because it didn't grow large. I like standards that grow big, but it's flowers are wonderful. Those blooms on 'Wow' are aptly named. Good growing!
Jamie in Al

Jamie, I have no idea the difference between standards and others in AVs. Gardenias, yes, but AVs NO WAY....I am learning with each day and with each purchase I am also learning. I bought for the colors.........I know that is crazy and not good for a professional grower to do, but if I do not like the looks of the flower I do not want to sell it. I hope that makes sense. . that is why I love the WOW strep. I think that flower is just gorgeous. The colors are so different. I stand and look at in amazement. Can not help but wonder how they get all these different color combinations growing. That will never be something I want to do. I like to keep it simple.

Thank you all for your comments. I do hope I do not become a bother with my questions and comments.

I have moved the AV babies from the incubator (closed plastic) to another container where they will get fresh air and a wee bit of morning sun. They looked a bit pale to me and I think they need something but I am not sure. Maybe I need to transplant them but I am afraid they are too small? Please give me some thoughts on this.

I have a question for those who grow African Violets - I have attempted many times to do this. They generally thrive for a while and then decline - maybe I water them too much or not enough. To deal with this, last year I tried (upon recommendation by a grower) to use the double pots (clay insert pot in outside ceramic pot). Supposedly this system would keep a steady moisture level. All of my eventually rotted out, one leaf at a time. The last one I saved by removing it and putting it in a regular small pot. Has anyone else used these double pots or even heard of them? What is your experience?

JB, can you post a pic? Don't know the size of them as far as transplant but they might want a little fish emulsion. Pretty blooms in your pics :)

stillwood, I found a very old pamphlet sized book my Mom had. It showed a pic and instructions for 2 clay pots with one fitting inside another. Are you talking about the self watering ones you buy in box stores? They never worked for me. Your A.V.s like to have their roots hugged and if they are put in an oversized pot, they will root rot quickly. Different growers use different methods and the soil has to be adjusted accordingly. What type soil are you planting you A.V.s in? Even if you plant in store bought African Violet mix, you still need to lighten it with perlite. They do like to stay moist but not wet.

Connie

Yes Connie, here is one I took just this morning. They seem happy but I think you may be right. Fish emulsion is no doubt a great idea.

Yeah, they would probably thank you for that :) Pics aren't always as they seem, are those brown spots forming on some of the baby leaves?

Our daughter gave me some of those containers and I use them all of the time!! Love them :)

Connie

Connie I thought so too about the brown spots but my eye is not that great. I do think the sun was too hot coming in the window in the morning during this extreme heat because some of the bigger plants seem burned. I will do the fish emulsion today and hopefully that will help. First, please tell me how I should mix it for such small plants. I do not want to harm them more.

Keep an eye on that. Because I am seeing it at the petiole, it makes me think the roots are too wet. Are they completely out of the plastic? There could have been too much moisture enclosed in the plastic too.

As far as fish emulsion, I use the standard strength and mix according to directions. Very good for greening up and it won't burn the tender roots like regular fertilizer will when they are that small.

Connie

Thanks Connie, yes it was in plastic and got much wetter than it should have due to the heat of the sun. I was not paying attention and that is what happened. Thanks. I usually have fish emulsion mixed for the other plants so I will use that. Thanks again. JB

I have oodles of AV's-big and small--as I am a compulsive propagator.

My bigger AV,s have not bloomed in at least 2 years.
In the winter--they sit on a long shelf by my LR window and may get
a bit too cold. The light is med.-low--with some sun.

Right now--all my AV babie's are sitting under my light set-up,
The bigger ones are on the shelf that gets good light.
None of them are blooming.....
I use the MG AV fertilizer occasionally.
Is there a magic potion that will zap them into bloom????

here's my babies...they all are healthy plants...and the :nursery"
I have good success growing from leaves this way. I use a 2lb, grape container.
Both tops and bottoms are perforated.

Gita

Gita,
Yes, proagating AVs is VERY addictive! I know of no magic potion to get them bloom, Just feed regularly and maybe get your light a little closer to them. Some are stubburn bloomers though, some prolific.