Leaf support rings?

Hi everyone,
I have a couple of violets that have droopy bottom leaves. What causes this? Where the plant touches the pot is even looks to be rotting in that spot. Today I took off those leaves and tossed them but I think maybe I need those leaf support rings.
Has anyone made their own rings out of something? I'm always looking for thrifty alteratives and reusing items if I can. (Plus I'm cheap and want to spend all of my money on the flowers themselves)
Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Sue

This message was edited Apr 27, 2007 12:44 PM

Sue, someone recommended using paper plates (cutting out the middle to go around your container. I have not done it, but it is probably a good thought. Or some kind of cardboard might work, but paper plates (or plastic, styrofoam...) sound better. : ) Pam

strofoam plates might work-I'm going to give it a try, Thanks for the idea.

has anyone seen them for sale from one of the vendors....maybe they aren't expensive???? nah, that couldn't be right!!!!

I think I saw them on the internet somewhere for about $1.50 each. That's not too bad if they don't charge $30 for shipping :)

good, I will look next week....do they fit 4" pots I wonder.....i don't have any 6 inch pots yet....

This place has them for $1.00 each, I think they are 6 inch.

http://www.african-violets.com/tsupply.htm

Thanks, Sue......we want pictures of your house a year from now. I am betting that every room in the house either has at least 10 plants and a few gro-light stands......didn't we all start out thinking that one plant room would be enough (laughing sooooooooo hard at you)
gail

I think the 6" ring holds a 4" pot????? someone else look.....it may only hold a 3" pot?????
this is a really good site for pots......try those awesome cube things...I don't understand how they work, but they certainly are good looking!!!!!

Hee hee, I know what you mean they are creeping ever so slowly into other rooms. I got 3 avs in the mail today from ebay. I have 2 more coming. I have 25 leaves due any day and i just shipped off all of my cactus plants (too boring) to a nice lady who is trading me for avs babies and more leaves. oh oh! :o

I forgot, that doesn't even count the leaf trade next week!!~

It is by far the best addiction I have ever had.......this is the most fun I have had in my life......should have allowed myself to spend this much time gardening years ago.....although I have always gardened....just not to this extent of taking over the house with plants!!!!

I know what you mean and let's not even talk about my addiction to the plants outside!
and I only have about a 5 month growing season. here in Northern Michigan.
I really do love it though.