Thanks to Allison, I now have an 'instant' collection of AV's - So off to HD for another grow light to keep all the new guests happy
AND look who hops into the cart!
My question is, how many hours a day should I keep the lights on? Starting when and turning off when, I also have a timer for this.
Thanks!
Lali
Very lovely violet.
As to lights you will want to ease them into 12 to 13 hours per day. I started out with 10 hours because prior to the lights I had them in a well lighted window. As to when. It's up to you. Make it convenient for you and your family.
By the way, my HD violets don't look like that. Guess I'll have to visit CA
Nanna
Since I'll have the light on in my 'playhouse' (aka my detached office) timing wont matter. But do I leave them on during the night? I suppose it is redundant to have them on during the daylight hours as the area I'm putting them in gets south but diffused light all day.
I actually had to put about 4 of them back, They just kept leaping into my cart. There was one that had the most beautiful single flower - purple with white near the center, but just ever so. It had a broken off leaf that made it into my cart. So I thought I'd at least give it a fighting chance and pot it up.
They all looked great! It's hard to say 'no' but space prevents me from growing my collection too fast. Keep in mind that I am a begoniac and have hundreds to look after as it is....
Sorry, I forgot that part. Avs need at least 8 hours of dark in order to bloom at their best.
I have mine on from 7 am to 8 pm. They are on shelves with lights. It's an actual plant stand. The room faces east with a large window and I still have the lights on during the day.
I understand about the space. I'm at capacity right now and it's very hard to control myself.
Please don't forget Isolate all your new plants and leaves for 6-8 weeks. I have known people lose their whole collection.
We live in a very small single wide one bedroom trailer in a 55 an older neighborhood. I have a tiny Florida room hubby put walls, insulation, windows, ceilings and so on for my plants stands and potting table . I also have Minigreenhouse with covers . I also keep plants in every room and every window. There's just a living room, kitchen and bedroom. lol But our living rm. has 7 big windosws, kitchn 2 and bedroom 7 :)) But talking about small we have it !
Just what exactly do they get? virus or bugs
Both!!! Oh the joys of it all.
Nanna
Both and bugs, insects can cary Virus.
Don't ever forget to isolate the new plants from the rest of your African violets . You may even wish to consider treating them with insecticide once or twice to firther assure yourselfthat your new plants aren't harboring any mites, aphids, mealybugs, white flies, thrips or any other insect. But still isolate them. I have seen people lose hugh collections worth thousands of $$$. Allison
Lali,
That's a pretty one for sure.
Here's a list of what they might have & what is recommended.
Seperate it from all other plants.
De bud it- Yes cut the flowers off..lol If it has thrips this can help protect the rest of your plants.( Painful step)
Gnats are first on the list- Sprinkle some Mosquito pellets on the soil and gentle water it in if the plant is dry enough to take it.
Wash each & every leaf with a mild warm soap & water solution to guard against mold and mildew.
Spray it with a light mist of neem oil or pyrethium- Soil too.Or use a systemic.
In a week or 2 repot it into your own soil.
There's the " recommended things to do."
I don't know anybody who does it all or if it's really necessary but if you have a large collection and you bring something home then you could stand to loose the whole thing:) Not a happy thought.
Now, you can enjoy your new plant..lol
Just somethings to consider because I know you also have a nice collection of begonias too. Both can suffer from the same "bugs".
Glad to see you here.
MsC
Great list of TO DO
Nanna
Yes MsC great list. Most of all always "Seperate it from all other plants." Oh yes leaves too !
Allison
This message was edited Nov 22, 2005 5:51 PM
oh wow LOVING this plant :)
thanks for sharing!
