This is one of my favorite chimeras. Sorry for the photo quality.
Rebel's Astro Spinner
Another view to see the stripes a little better.
Now a blossom on the same plant with no stripes.
Oh yes she is gorgeous. My Chimera trailer Sunray Trail has been blooming crazy now going on 2 months new buds each day. There are a few here and there with out strips, But 99.9 do have them .There are so many just bouquets of flowers on top side every where . It has become one of my favorite . Do you have a special place you get your Chimera's ?
Very pretty Plantmomto3
Patti
Gorgeous! I like the nice, bright green of the foliage, too. Rob's was out of that one when I placed my spring order, :-( but that's the kind of bloom that will bring me back for another order, LOL!
It's odd that blooms aren't more consistant from one blooming to the next, or even within the same blooming time, but I've noticed the same sort of thing... perhaps some plants are more prone to variability than others?
Chimeras look so much like AVs - what is the difference?
Chimeras have different genes on the same plant, you cannot clone them (leaf propagation) and get the same blossom as on the origional. Thats why they are kinda expensive to buy. They are some of the prettiest I've seen.
Chimeras are just a special sort of african violet. I could've sworn there was a recent thread on them, but I couldn't locate it. Basically, they are AVs with mixed DNA areas (like the Greek mythology chimera animals such as the griffon), so they won't "come true" from a leaf cutting. They have to be propagated from suckers, and that's why chimera varieties are generally more expensive. Usually, the chimeras have unique blooms, such as pinwheel patterns, and some chimeras have unusual foliage that makes them special.
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/556407/
I could've sworn there was a recent thread on them, but I couldn't locate it.
Jill I fount it. Here it is. Allison
What is the difference between a Chimera and an African Violet
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/556407/
Oh yes Chimeras are African violets.also "{{
Does anyone know where I could get a Chimera. It's probably to cold to ship AVs now but I would like to try one in the spring. Are they harder to care for?Do they come as trailers too?
Chimeras care is the same, except harder to progate.They have to be propagated from suckers, and that's why chimera varieties are are always more expensive.
Yes they do come in Trailers. First Class shows 14 Chimera trailers
may be more and they are rare and hard to get. I bought a trailing Chimera for $53.00 last summer.
On Ebay you see Chimeras.
Rob's Violet Barn, Lyon's greenhouse I know have them.
First Class shows 374 Cimera African violets.
Allison
African Violets Search Page
http://home.earthlink.net/~sestes1373/avsearch.html
Thank You Violet.....
http://www.lyndonlyon.com/Violet%20List%20Chim.html
~~~ Chimeras ~~~
Thats a good link Violet. I.m kinda new at this, I have 9 different un named ones I got at Wal-mart, they were on sale for $1.50, all very pretty tho. I have a 24 inch double with plant-aquarium tubes about a foot above them. I hope that is sufficient light. How do you identify a sucker? Is that when a tiny new plant forms off the main shoot? At ground level, or does it have to be higher up on the stem? I mean for Chimeras......
Spacewarp,
In my experience, suckers naturally form ON the stem. If not removed, suckers distort the symmetry of the plant. I actually have a little tool that I purchased called (I believe) a sucker plucker. I've also heard that suckers can affect a plant's blooming ability.
As already stated, chimeras cannot be propagated by leaves. One way to reproduce is by bloomstalks, the other by suckers. You can encourage suckers by cutting the crown off of the plant. Suckers form and these can be removed and grown on. Vendors who sell these plants still must wait for the plants to bloom to see if they bloom "true."
I love chimeras, but don't have many. They are expensive and often are available only in limited quantities. In my own experience, I have received the largest and well-grown chimeras from Lyndon Lyon's.
By the way, you live relatively close to me. My hubby goes there for business about 1-2 x a month. I'm jealous of all the shopping you have!
Yes, P you are not far...I noticed on the link you posted there is a Daves Violets here in Springfield. Have you been there? Do they have any Chimeras? If so I could save on shipping and not have to wait for warmer weather....
I don't think Dave's sell's Chimeras.
You could email him or call him.
Address:
Dave's Violets
1372 S. Kentwood Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804-0220
Phone:
(417) 887-8904
FAX (417) 887-1378
http://www.davesviolets.com/general.html
Shop Hours:
(By appointment only)
Weekdays - open 8:00 to 5:00
Weekends - always open (unless I am out of town for a plant show)
Pricing:
All prices are as follows, unless marked differently
All Violet Starter Plants - $4.00
Gesneriads-
Achimenes - $4.00
Columnea - $4.00
Gloxinia - $4.00
Micro-Mini Sinningia - $5.00
Sinningia - $4.50 - $5.00
Streptocarpus - $4.00 - $4.50
Variegated Streptocarpus price in section
Chirita - $4.00
Episcia - $4.00
Smithantha - $4.00
Starter Plant Assortments - 10 for $40.00 (Postpaid)
I choose which plants you will receive- all will be labeled.
There are three assortment options for you to choose from.
1 - All Standards
2 - All Miniatures
3 - Mix
Spacewarp,
I have bought from Dave quite a few times, but it was at a show/sale at Loose Park in Kansas City. He is a very nice person and has a large selection of plants. I've bought streps, chiritas and kohlerias from him. I don't know if you can visit his location or not. There is also Pat's Pets in St. Louis. I have also bought from them (husband and wife), but not recently. They have a website. I'll try to find the link in the a.m. and post it. They are also both nice.
If you don't mind driving to KC, they have quite a few different clubs that have shows and sales throughout the year. Go to www.avsa.org and check out the event locator.
Stephanie
Edited to correct my mistakes because I am soooo sleepy!
This message was edited Dec 4, 2005 11:10 PM
Allison,
You are such a nice, helpful person with a wealth of information.
Stephanie
Thanks Stephanie Ditto about you :))
Here is Pat's Pets saves you a look up
http://www.jcn1.com/patspets/
Thanks Violet and Stephanie, I just love Dave's Garden......