African Violet care

[oldmoleskins]

I've been entrusted (mistake, on track record) with this prized AV by a dear elderly friend. It has flowered over several years, I've been told, kept in a cool room on the windowsill and not overwatered (so far, so good - sounds like neglect to me, a house speciality) - but on getting it home I see it's growing in a saucer.

My inclination is to replant in a pot - but was my benefactor right, do they 'do' best in a shallow container?
OM

[andy]

I'd personally pot it up into a free draining compost. African violets (and most other members of the gesneriacae family such as streptacarpus and gloxinias) are fairly tempremental to keep....they'll either go mad or die !!!

They like a bright situation out of direct sun and no draughts or radiators near by. Water from underneath via a saucer and prevent splashes on the leaves

Propagate them by pinning a leaf on top of a pot of compost, enclose in a plastic bag and watch it grow another from the base of the leaf.

Yours might be in a saucer just for transporting reasons.

Good luck

[oldmoleskins]

Thanks Andy, and I'll have a go at the repotting then... when you say "pin a leaf down" to propagate, do you mean while still on the plant, like layering, or detached?

OM.

[andy]

Nope....cut it off...stalk n all and then make two or three slits across the central leaf vein (rib) on the underside of the leaf. Make the slits so the go about 3/4 through the rib then just pin the leaf to the surface with a "U" shaped piece of wire making sure the slits are in contact with the soil.

Many succulents, begonias, streptacarpus and monther in laws tongues can be grown in this way although there are variations for the different species.

[Chuckles]

Did it live or die OM

I love African Violets but have never been able to keep them going

[oldmoleskins]

Seems to be ok Chuckles:



in a pot, on it's original saucer, care as per Andy.
Blimey, I really must paint that window...

OM.

[Chuckles]

Hey I impressed it looks the picture of health you obviously have green fingers