Not long ago someone posted a site that told exactly how to start the AV leaves. I bookmarked it for future use since I was being sent some leaves and plants. But my husband had to reformat my laptop because of some virus. Now I cannot find the webpage. Does anyone know what the url is? I want to make sure that I start my leaves out right. I want to make sure I wind up with some cute little babies. I remember it said something about using AV soil and vermiculite. But I do not have any vermiculite. Can I use perlite? Can anyone help me with this? Thank you so much.
JesseK
How do I grow my AVs?
http://www.robsviolet.com/violets_by_leaf.htm
From Sticky lot's more there :))
I just use soil-less mix with Perilite :))
Thanks Allison. That was what I needed. I can't wait to get started. This is so exciting. Do you mix your perlite and AV soil like half and half, or do you use more of one than the other?
JesseK
I like mine one part MG/or pro mix and 3 parts perilite !
Mix good with water slightly moist.
There was also someone who posted some instructions. They were really interesting. The photos were taken in her basement I think. I remember she said something about getting her husband to help her with some of them. There were also photos of her plants under her grow lights. I sure do wish I had not lost them. Does anyone know who or what I'm talking about?
JesseK
Some info here
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/570673/
Are you talking about my "Basement Babies" thread? http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/562567/ I just checked though, and I don't think we discussed potting mixes. Allison has posted about her DH helping to mix up potting soil for her.... she likes to add things like worm castings and guano (bat poop).
We need to add a basic potting mix recipe to the FAQ.... I'll try to remember to Dmail begonia.
Everyone uses slightly different proportions (Allison adds more perlite, some people like vermiculite), but here's what my last batch looked like:
2 quarts "Pro Mix" potting mix (any good quality mix without fertilizer)
2 quarts perlite (because even commercial "AV potting mix" is usually too heavy)
1/4 c. agricultural charcoal (to keep mix "sweet" in self watering or wicked pots)
2 Tbsp. diatomaceous earth (supposed to help against soil pests)