On my D&P plants...they all looked healthy! Some did need to be groomed for long necks but other then that it was all good.
The only problem I noticed is this...They all seemed to have a green algea growing in the soil.
I transplanted everyone in new pots with new potting medium.
Is this all I need to do to make sure they are safe?
Looks like they got them from sitting in water with wicks.
Green algea
That's what I did, I also replace the wicks. There were two that I did not repot (they were too happy as is, no long necks), but dipped the wick in the bleach/water solution that I used to clean the pots with ( i had to re-use the pots when replanting the long necks because I don't have a supply of them yet) but didn't let it wick into the plant, then I rinsed it in warm water for a bit to make sure it didn't get to the plant.
Yes cold, and water can do that. New wicks and pots and soil if you have it. Also a capful of Lysol in a gallon of water wen watering gets rid and keeps it away. You can buy other stuff but Lysol works good.
Also pest, bugs, insects most of the time you can't see without 30 x power, some hide from light , some may come in form of eggs...so isolate 3 months !
Yup...they are in isolation :)
I will get some lysol and treat with that also.
They have been repotted though :) I just wanted to make sure I didn't need to take other steps :)
I'm pretty sure once they dry out and are warm the Lysol will get rid of it. Works well for Midlew also. Some othere things too but I forgot them all. All I know is my plants get it in the winter to avoid any green in soil from the cold :)) . Circulation helps not get it and I imagine their Greenhouse was full of plants ! Lucky us ! I can't wait to get mine tomorrow. Leaves of them will all go down. What I do when I'm transplanting a plant I put leaves down of it the same time, or if I'm in a rush or you only want to do one thing at a time I cut leaves off each plant and put then in a labeld lunch baggie there they will wait for me a few days ! This way I don't miss any plants getting leaves down from them !
I get this from time to time in my AV leaf pots and in other seedling pots.... I'm sure you've noticed the green color in some of my pictures, LOL! I don't think the algae does any harm other than being unattractive (I suppose if it got really thick it could smother emerging plantlets, but it's usually a thin film), and I generally don't worry about it beyond making a note that the soil in these pots may be a little too wet.
Ditto, Critter
Well it is good to know it won't cause damage! That is what I was worried about :)
For more information ; though it's not dangerous the reason it's there maybe. Also can block oxgyen getting to the roots...
http://www.optimara.com/doctoroptimara/diagnosis/algaeormoss.html
Algae or Moss (on the Soil)
Description
Algae and Moss are simple plant organisms. When given the proper conditions, either may be found growing on the surface of the soil in which African Violets are planted. Algae appears as a green slime covering the soil, while Moss will have a fuzzy appearance with a color that varies from green to brown. By themselves, neither is dangerous to African Violets. However, both should be considered as a warning that the soil is too wet. Also, if allowed to dry out, Algae can actually create a seal on the surface of the soil which may reduce the availability of oxygen and inhibit the soil's ability to absorb water.
Treatment
If you find that either Algae or Moss is growing on the surface of the soil, you will need to repot. When doing so, be sure to select a potting mix that is specifically blended for African Violets. Such a potting soil will be very light and porous. Also, make sure your potting soil has a pH between 5.8 and 6.2.
Prevention
The key to preventing the growth of Algae or Moss on the surface of potting soil is to make sure your African Violet is receiving the proper amount of water. Keep in mind that proper watering is not simply a factor of quantity and frequency. It is also a factor of how much water your potting soil holds relative to the amount of water your African Violet is able to absorb. If the soil holds more water than your African Violet can absorb, it may be the result of a potting soil which is too heavy or a pot that is either too large or provides inadequate drainage.
If you find Algae growing in a saucer or self-watering device, empty the water and clean the container. Before refilling a self-watering device, you may also need to clean the wick or capillary matting, depending on which type of device you are using. To do this, hold the wick or matting under warm, running water as you wipe the Algae off. It is important to do this, because the accumulation of Algae may inhibit the absorption of water into the soil.
This message was edited Dec 29, 2005 8:15 AM
I only get algae when I cover rooting leaves. I get something fuzzy and white sometimes on the top of the soil of my potted plants. Anyone know what it is?
I usually brush it off with the exact-O knife.
I sometimes get a little on leaf babies in winter and too wet. Best Re-pot. I also put a capful of Lysol in a gallon of water when watering to prevent.
Please reead Doctor Optimara as this can casue probaloms though not dangerous . Like if let to dry it can block oxygen and water getting to the roots. It can also mean your on the road to other probelms.
I have found that the algae can cause the pot to "look" like the soil is still wet when it is bone dry underneath, so I watch out for that. I bottom water, so any algae on the surface doesn't affect absorbtion for me. You're right though about the algae being a symptom of overly wet soil, which can be a problem even if the algae itself if harmless.
Yes it is harmless but ; Also can block oxgyen getting to the roots...
It can mean PH is off, Circulation, pots too large, soil too heavy for Av's resulting in pour drainage, soil too wet and Algae can actually create a seal on the surface of the soil which may reduce the availability of oxygen and inhibit the soil's ability to absorb water. Not just on top but to the roots. Algae though it's not dangerous to the African violets the reason it is there can be. I did not think this all up by myself. lol I read it :))
