How quickly will a "crown cutting" root? Anything special that you all do?
Rooting violets
I set the crown in a very light mix of potting soil with lots of perilite then put the whole thing in a zip lock baggie and leave it alone. I don't know how long it takes but I would venture to guess a few weeks and you'll have roots :)
Thanks! I have mine in a plastic container with a lid, the kind you see at salad bars. I am assuming that is ok too?
Should be great!
Oh good. I was at the grocery store, and noticed that the deli counter had them in all sizes and depths for takeout stuff, so I asked if they sold empties, and the lady gave me a whole stack for 50 cents.
Also, I bought a big pound cake last week, a plastic tray with a big clear plastic dome. I kept that thinking it will make a great mini greenhouse for a big standard violet that needs de-necking surgery. What a great reason to buy alot of big cakes, huh?
LOL. .Taco salad and whole baked chicken containers work well also.
Should we start a container adaptation thread? Could be interesting!
It might be fun!
Hi!
Love that word "de-necking".:) I've a couple standards that need the same surgery. Recently went to AV Show and Sale in my area and learned lots of good tips from the pros. Joined AVSA last week. I'd say I'm off to the races, what with the hundreds of leaves I'm intending to purchase soon! How exciting!
Shanika
Im excited for you Shanika !! ^_^
Lynn
Shanika, I learned how to de-neck a few weeks ago at my first AV show. It was alot easier than I thought. I did my first surgery on a mini, or semi mini - Optimara Little Inca Girl. Now I have two perfect little plants. Next I have to tackle a big NOID standard that is out of control, but I keep putting it off because in spite of all the necks it has, it blooms like crazy....this year I am noticing the foliage is not looking as nice as it used to, so I think it's time.
Aren't the AV shows great? Did you buy any plants? I did, a bunch of starters and some leaves, and they all look great. Does Baltimore have a club? I am joining the county club when the meetings start up again in September. I live close to Philadelphia too, and I hear that the city AV group has alot of great events and sales, can't wait to go to some of their shows.
J, it was my first show and it was fabulous! At first, I didn't think I'd find anything I'd want to buy because the pickings were slim. Arriving on the first day of a show definitely has benefits. Don't do like I did and go on the 2nd day! But, all was not lost. Just as I was getting to conversate with the ladies, walks in a lady with a suitcase. I'm told it was Marie Burns, GF of Paul Sorano(owner of LyndonLyons GH!) and that she was toting some loot in that bag. LOL Well, needless to say, I hovered over her as she unpacked the loot. I came home with several Streps, AVs and even some AV leaves. Lordy, I was too done with myself! One of the biggest AV's I bought was Blue Eyed Russia. Boy are those blooms pretty! I have to say that the advice I got from the ladies was probably priceless.
So, yes, Bmore does have a club. I'm trying to join, but can't get anyone to respond to my emails yet. They are done with the monthly meetings until September. I'll call if I don't get an email response back soon. I'm thinking someone will contact me when they are ready to start those meetings again.
Also, the Mid-Atlantic region has a Gesneriad club. I plan on joining that one as well. Fun stuff!
BTW, I'm collecting food containers so that I have something to root all those leaves in! I love growing AVs from leaves. Although the process is slow, it is so rewarding.
How do you water your AVs? I wick all of mine and they love it.
Shanika,
I have always preferred hand watering,but started wicking some of mine a little while back.Some of them absolutely thrive on it and others sulk.Now I put a few on matting to see how they like that.
Lynn
Lynn, I'm going to read up some more on matting. I've seen a few things here and there and most people seem to do well with it. Is there an advantage over wicking?
Thanks!
Shanika,
I just started it and don't really know yet,but I know many others here use it a lot.Hopefully,someone else will weigh in here.
Lynn
Shanika, your AV show sounds like it was a pretty big event. Ours was just one day, and when they first opened up it was like everyone rushed for the plants...the good one's went fast! I've seen Blue Eyed Russian, in photos. That's a beautiful one!
I've gotten my best plants responding to ads here and on another forum, people with too many "babies" etc. Our local club is also not meeting again till September either. I am really looking forward to meeting the growers who are into the species violets. Can't wait to see some of them in person. I am surprised you have not heard back from the Baltimore club, it must be a big operation! I live in the suburbs, not sure how many members there are, but ours must be more of a small town club.
For rooting, alot of people use the little plastic bathroom cups by "Solo" that you can find in most grocery stores. I have been using condiment cups, the kind you get your butter or salad dressing "on the side" in at restaurants. I find the tiny size, sort of like a thimble but bigger, is perfect for rooting mini or semi mini leaves, then I use one a little bigger for standards. I just poke holes in the bottom.
I probably should be wicking, esp the mini's, but I only have wicks in about a third of my plants. Since most of them are in starter pots, maybe when I get their grown up pots (still small but in that lovely plastic terracotta color) I will wick them. Someone also sent me one of those little Omaya pots, they are plastic but an inner pot sets into an outer pot with a water reservoir which wicks the water up to the plant. Supposedly you only have to water every 10 days, and they make them for all size violets. I hear they are especially good for the real tiny plants, like the micros and the smaller minis.
Does anyone here use the Omaya pots?
Also, what type of yarn or string does everyone find is the best for wicking? I have several plants that came with wicks, and they are all different.
I am in the process of designing with my brother a plant stand, with three 4 ft shelves, 3 lights.