This is the most important thing I learned in this issue: (hope it is ok to print here??) The answers are given by Ralph Robinson of Rob's Violets......
Question: Some of the mini violets that I just repotted have a "glassy" look to the leaves. I did use the "wicking" soil that you recommended, since I use self-watering pots. what have i done wrong?
Answer: (I knew this about African violets but didn't realize it is true about episcias or any gesneriad or other plant)
That "glassy" look is evidence that your plant is holding more water in its leaf tissue than it would like to. this can easily hppen when plants have just been repotted. The size of the root system is likely substantially smaller than the pot, either because of "potting up" into a larger container, or repotting into the same size container but, in the process, removing some of the root ball and old soil. Sol you have a lot of new soil in the container into which your plant has yet to grow roots. When this new soil is watered, it tends to stay wet, since the plant has no way to use it, and the water that it can access can be more than the plant can process. The result is that a plant may appear "waterlogged" like yours. if not corrected, these leaves will eventually begin to rot and die.
It's always a good practice to more sparingly water plants that have been recently repotted or potted-up. Do this until the plant has a chance to produce new roots. This may take a couple of weeks or so. When you see new foliage being produced, you can assume that new roots are being produced, too. At that time, you water normally. When "wicking" your plants, or using self-watering pots, it's just as important that you give the plant a chance and grow a bit before leaving them on (or in) a full reservoir of water. Using a "wicking " mix (once with a least 50% perlite) is important, but not sufficient. The soil will still be too wet just after repotting.
**********I have always let my newly potted avs sit on paper towels to absorb the extra water but forgot to do it for episicas, chiritas, etc.........This is really an eye opening lesson for me.....I hope it helps other beginners like me......
Question and answer from new AVSA magazine
Good info... and a great reminder even for oldtimers..
I have used the blue shop type paper towels for that and for absorbing the water of freshly washed leaves...they are wonderful.
MsC
thanks, MsC.........I have seen the blue shop type but never purchased...........i go through so many paper towels growing this family inside............