About Nancy Expertise I can answer questions on the following subjects:
Pests, chemicals
Showing AVs
Sowing Seeds
Problems with plants
Basics of AV growing
Episcias
Streptocarpus
Experience I am an African violet Advanced Judge in US and Canada. I have written a book on pests of African violets called "Insects, Pests and Diseases of the African Violet Family" My articles appear in African Violet Magazine and Chatter as well as in other magazines.
Organizations AVSA
AVSC
African Violet Society of Greater Montreal
Saintpaulia Society of Montreal
Publications Book author: "Insects, Pests and Diseases of the African Violet Family"
African Violet Magazine, many issues
Chatter Magazine Many issues
Horticulture
Other Magazines
Education/Credentials University of Indiana Master's work (Music)
Awards and Honors Jr. Queen of Show (Pixie Blue) AVSC Convention Montreal
Approximately 100 blue ribbons
25 or so Best of Class
Past/Present clients I sell mostly leaves on Ebay. I sell plants at convention shows and local shows.
Expert: Nancy Date: 1/13/2008 Subject: Propagating AV's, peduncles, and removing old leaves
Question Hey!
1) I have successfully propagated an African violet leaf. It has roots and new baby leaf growth on the base of the stem! (I did it the same way you suggested to Mike from Atlanta) So, now what? When do I know when it is ready to be potted? What kind of pot is best suited for baby AV's? What is the best technique to pot it?
2) After my AV blooms, the peduncles stay around for a while. Can I remove them without harming the plant? Is it best to let it fall off by itself? If I can remove them, how do I do it?
3) Is it okay to remove the old leaves on the edge of the plant?
I know most people only ask one question, sorry if this is a bit much. I really love my African Violet and I can't wait to get more..! Thank you in advance! Woo!
<3,
Clem
Answer Congrats! You're a new mother!
Wait until you see tiny leaves about the size of your fingernail or wait until they are the size of a dime. Let the plants dry just a bit so the roots can come apart more easily.
Then with your fingers, untangle the little plants. You should have four or more leaves per plant. Cut the mother leaf. Some people just tear it out with roots but you want all the roots to go to the babies. Gently tear one plant down making sure it has good roots. Place it in a small pot of about 2 1/2 inches. You might use plastic drinking cups "Dixie" cups with holes punched.
Place each plantlet in a small cup and water. You can put a plastic sack over each pot for humidity since the plantlets have been in some stress.
To remove flower stems after they have bloomed out, you can cut them fairly close to the plant or you might be able to put them out. Sometimes these stems won't be pulled; you have to cout.
Yes, outter leaves become yellowed with age at times. They can be removed by just snapping them off, or you can cut them off if you prefer.
