When I start to learn about a new group of plants I usually look around for a good book on the subject. I have found a great book on Gessies that maybe you will find helpful. The Title is 'The Miracle Housplants'. It has a great introduction section that covers general topics such as lighting, soil and propogation. If you get a chance it would be a great one to pick up. There are sections on Achimenes, Episcias, Chiritas, Columnea, Kholerias, AVs and about forty others that I have never heard of. There are lots of color pictures and even more in Black and White. What other books or publications have been helpful to you?
Gessie Books
Oh, Thank you Begoniadude! I will have to look for that book, can you tell us who the author is, or publisher? I might have to stop at the bookstore today or at least call and see if they've got it.
I have so many houseplant type books stuck on a shelf out in my Florida Room and I haven't looked at them in years. Thought about sending them to the thrift store awhile back when hubby was taking a few boxes but just never got around to that area of the room to sort through things. I used to love reading plant books years ago. Now it seems when I want to learn about a plant I just go to the computer and google. Just a few days ago I was talking to a lady from the University Library where my husband teaches and she was telling me that with computers nowadays it's hard to get a lot of students to use the library!
Maybe one of these days I will get all my books out and look through them again. That one you found on Gessie's really sounds like a good one to have!
Authors are Virgine F. and George A. Elbert
Published in 1976 Over 100 illustrations
ISBN 0-517-52532-1
It would be available from Used book sellers due to its age. I really like the style of writing. When it comes to horticulture an I still not real technical so when I can easily read their directions I am pretty happy about it. For example they recommend using Vermiculite alone to root cuttings. Pearlite dries out too soon for their liking and I have found that to be the case in my cuttings also. I have some Episcia cuttings rooting in vermiculite alone and they are really taking off while those I have in both pearlite and vermiculite are really dragging their feet.
Thanks! I did a google search and found it available on the internet .... e-bay and someplace else. I think I will call around to a couple of book stores, I bet the used bookstore might have it. Will see. Otherwise I can order it online!
I am not a technical person either and like things to be easy to understand or I get bored quickly!
I have some Episcia stolons rooting too but I found the best way they work for me is in straight moist long fiber spaghnum. I tried in rooting them in my AV mix and they quickly succumbed. Someone posted about using the Spaghnum and I thought I'd give it a try. They go crazy ... roots everywhere. I just keep plastic wrap over the top of the containers and it keeps the moisture in. I need to try transferring a few to soil to see how they do. Hopefully they won't go into shock on me and die!
Where do you get long fiber spagnum at? I don't ever see it.
I get it at Home Depot or Lowes. In the same area as the Potting Soil, Perlite, Vermiculite or in the area where Orchid supplies are kept next to the Orchid Bark. Or, local nurseries should carry it.
Thanks for the tip on the book. I found it on amazon's used book sellers. With postage, it was only 5.93. Can't beat that!!! I'm a newby with gessies and it will be a real help to me. Thanks again, Lou