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: 2/23/2008 Subject: Curled up leaves
Question Hi.. I am from India. I have not been able to find anyone here who could help me with my AVs that I am crazy about. I found in a nursery couple of AVs that were not being treated properly I brought them home. They were hugging the pot like an umbrella and had too many suckers. I removed all of them and planted them seperately in a bigger mouthed pot. Now the leaves are touching the soil and even when I water from the bottom the leaves get wet. *They dont have long stems to stand out. Please advice.
Answer Hello:
Short leaf stems is a genetic problem and can not be "fixed." But you can try a few things to see if it would help.
The potting soil may be too heavy. Add some perlite or vermiculite to make the soil lighter.
You can make a foliage ring by buying a plastic or styrofoam picnic plate. Cut a hole in the middle and fit it under the leaves. Gently force the leaves and put masking tape so they hold out instead of curling down.
