I've put together this page for my friends (old and new), not as a FAQ but tried and true proven ideas from actual growers. Hope you find something of benefit.
---{---{---{---}{{@

Algae problems in your wicking reservoirs?

Line your wicking pots with a plastic baggie.

Putting copper wire or pennies in a reservoir DOES help to prevent algae. It is important that you use a completely clean reservoir to start with. It will not clean up a reservoir with algae already started in it.

Use opaque or colored pots to reduce the light that gets into the reservoir.

If all else fails, get some Physan 20

Got water on the crown of your plants?

Save those unused napkins from take out for dabbing water out of the crown of your plants.

Don't put the plant back in the direct light (especially sunlight) until it is completely dry. This is what causes spots on the leaves.

Overwater your African Violet?

Set your pot on the edge of your sink with one of those take out napkins under it. Have the edge of the napkin haning down into the sink. As the napkin absorbs the water, it will drip into the sink. Let it sit for an hour, most of the excess water will be wicked away.

Gently dump the overwatered plant out of it's pot onto a mat of newspapers.

Repot the plant in fresh mix, water sparingly!!

Got problems with the sharp edges of flower pots cutting into the leaves of your violets?
Here's some ideas.

Get some airline for an aquarium. Carefully cut it lengthwise and slip it around the edge of the pot.

Check at a hardware store for soft plastic hose, use the same as the aquarium airline

Melt some wax and dip the edge (about 1/4 inch) of the pot into it before potting your violets. You might want to dip it a couple of times to get a nice round edge.

Run a "fat" bead of hot wax around the edge.

Run a bead of silicone sealer (caulking) around the edge of the pot.

Pots

Use 3 oz Solo cups for your mini's, starting leaves and potting up babies.

Use an old soldering iron for burning holes in the bottom of the solo cups.

A "Sucker Plucker" works good for poking holes in them too.

Watering

Use a turkey baster or squeeze catsup/mustard bottle (the kind with the pointy tip) to water plants.

Use newspaper for matting, it's good for about 3 months.

Add hydrogen peroxide to your water to help stop algae.
3% Hydrogen Peroxide may be added at up to three ml's per liter (2 1\2 tsp. per gallon), but it is recommended that you start at a lower concentration and increase to full strength over a few weeks. For more info visit www.hydromall.com

Miscellaneous

Use cinnamon on your leaves when propagating to help prevent rot.

Use a soft make-up brush (like the kind you get with blush) to "dust" your leaves.

Keep your variegated plants on the lowers shelves of your plant stand. They like to be a little cooler.

Don't use rooting hormone on leaves your propagating.

Use a darning needle to put new wicks in small pots.

EZ-Foil Roast pans make great "domed" containers to hold your new starters or leaves in labor.

A few myths about African Violets

Don't get the leaves wet. NOT TRUE! African violets love to have their leaves washed. You just have to be careful not to leave water sitting in the crown and don't put them back in the direct light until they are completely dry.

{This Space Available}

If your new to African Violets, you've probably read posts about trading violets but wonder how to go about it. Check out my African Violet Trading Etiquette page. There's a good FAQ at the Lakes Area Violet Growers website. If you have a good idea, please feel free to pass it on to me. You can email me at rosebud01@rosebudm.com.

Top of Page

[Home ] [My African Violets ] [Leaves in Labor ] [My Wish List ]
[Trading Etiquette ] [African Violet Hints and Tips ]