Snowrose, we had the discussion once that some slow-release fertilizers would dump all the fertilizer at once if it were heated. I don't have room in my house to keep the big bags of potting mix, so they stay outside. I mix the perlite and potting mix, add some water, cover, and microwave for 8 minutes. I've always been slightly concerned about whether the fertilizer really was dumping full strength when heated, but I've not noticed a problem with any of my plants. Seems that, even being cut by so much perlite, it would really burn the roots of the seedlings if that were the case, so maybe it doesn't. I really don't know.
I don't have much trouble at all with mold or mildew. You can see that in the seedling pots, there is no mold or mildew. I know others have an awful time with it, and really don't have a clue why I don't. Jiffy pellets, however, turn green and fuzzy just a few days after I hydrate them, so I've stopped using those completely. I had sown some seeds this spring in Jiffy pellets, and though I watered them with peroxide and a small amount of Lysol in the water, they still became moldy. In the end, that entire batch got thrown away.
I'm really encouraged by the success I've had with these seeds. I'm quite excited about starting more. I have some Persian Violet seeds I'm going to try to sow today. I hope they do as well as these have.
Thank you for your compliments on my Chirita 'Hisako', Allison! It makes me so happy to see that plant growing and blooming and doing so well! It's so big! It is one of my very favorite plants! I find the Chiritas to be much easier for me to grow than AVs or Streps. My goal is to collect every Chirita there is...but please don't tell my husband! LOL This one has been grown in a combination of natural and artificial light. It was on my light stand for a while, but when I moved everything to that east window, it went there. Now that cold weather is impending, I've moved all my AVs, Streps, and Chiritas out of that window (it's right next to our entry door, so cold drafts are constantly coming into that hallway), so it's back on my light stand.
All this reminds me of a question...which of the Gessies enjoy cooler temperatures the most? We have insulated double-pane windows, but it's still cooler by the windows in the winter. My two west windows in the kitchen get LOTS of afternoon sun, so they are perfect for whatever likes lots of sun and cooler temps. I just can't remember which group of plants fit that environment.
I'm hoping now that I have a better handle on everything, especially watering, I'll have lots of blooms this winter.
Back to that Chirita 'Hisako' here's a photo progression of how it's grown.
When I first received it in January...
