I just found some little tupperware type plastic storage containers that I bought when I was in CA. They are very tiny. They are 2½ by 2½ by 1½ inches deep. And I just bought those little white ceramic pots that I drilled the holes in. So is this what I need to do? Put water in the little container, then drill a hole in the top of the lid, then put the wick from the pot down into the container? Is that all I have to do? Then keep an eye on how much water is in the container so that it does not run dry? This seems rather simple and I think that I could do this. Please let me know if I need to do something else. And thank all of you for being so patient with me.
JesseK
Another question about wicking
That is it. The other thing you need to remember is when wicking, the soil needs to be lighter than reqular av soil; so add perlite. AND the fertilizer you use in the wells should be at half strength. So if you have been using 1 teaspoon of fertilizer per gallon of water you would reduce it to 1/2 teaspoon per gallon.
On the down side. If the wells are clear you can get build up of algae in the wells. I have started adding 1 teaspoon of lysol to the gallon of fertilizer water and the algae problem (so far) has ended. The other thing you can do is just clean the wells as often as the algae builds up. Depending on the amount of light that could be as often as every 3rd or 4th day; or if your lucky weekly which you should do anyway.
The mixture that I am currently using is ⅓ AV soil, ⅓ Perlite and ⅓ Vermiculite. Should I change this and add more perlite? The vermiculite that I'm using is the finely ground kind because I could not find any other kind in my area. So what do you think? Keep it as is or add more perlite?
JesseK
Jesse
I like more Perilite. The longer I grow the lighter my soil gets the better more healthy my plants grow. It gives the roots room to move and breath.
I no longer use Vermiculite I felt it made my soil to mushy kept it too moist. Everyone is different !
I am using 60 percent Perilite now and having great success with it.
Also when wicking plant can get too wet in the middle so be careful. Also another I am careful for ( and I live in warm Florida but winter nights still go 30's-40's) is the water sitting can get cold and African violets don't like cold wet feet.
I use hot/warm water and for me this works well.
Try everything out and keep an eye on your plants and make changes if needed.
Good LUck !
I'm with Allison. The finely ground vermiculite hold water. I used it and nearly lost several plants. Just the soil and the perlite are great. I use double perlite to soil 8 quarts to 4 with a couple cups of charcoal. The charcoal helps with algae buildup.
Thanks for telling me that. I did not like the way the vermiculite made my soil look but I was just trying to do what was best. I am getting to like the perlite more and more myself. And thanks for the tip on the water. I will make sure that it does not get too cold. And the tip about the charcoal is great. I saw some of that last time I was at Lowes. I will have to get some of that next time I'm out.
Plantcrazii
I second that! Lots of perlite, the more the merrier!
Jesse, it has to be horticultural charcoal.
Right!!
Yes, they have the horticultural charcoal at Lowes. I will get some next time I go by there.
Jesse
More info