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: 5/22/2008 Subject: African Violet care when away
Question QUESTION: I am going to be away for 3 weeks. I want to put dry cleaner plastic bags around my plants. Should I punch holes in the plastic? Any special instructions?
ANSWER: Make a tent so the plastic doesn't contact the plants. That should be all right if you have a reservoir of water and wicks in each plant. They need a water source.
You could put them all in the bath tub on a wet towel with water slightly dripping then put the tent of plastic not touching the plants. Then draw the plastic shower curtain, if you have one.
Nancy
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QUESTION: Excuse my ignorance, but what is a wick?
Answer You can cut 6X1 inch long strips from old pantyhose or you can use knitting yarn. Stick the wick up through the plant from the bottom using a barbeque skewer. The wick must be damp in order to work.
The dampened wick will draw water up for a container of water. I use Glad refrigerator containers with a hole cut in the top, fill the container with warm fertilized water, and the plant has water for up to 2 weeks. Larger containers such as Mayonaise jars, ice cream containers will keep the plants watered for a longer period.
