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.
Question I have African Violets that are at least 15 years old!! When they start outgrowing their pots, I re-pot them. However, the stems have now "bent" so badly that I cannot re-pot them again. I'm afraid that I am going to lose them! What can I do, other than taking a leaf and restarting new plants. I would appreciate your advice. Thanks.
Answer To begin with, I would take a leaf and start a fresh plant.
With the older plant, it can be rejuvenated by doing the following.
African violets should be repoted about twice a year to replenish nutrients in the soil.
When the trunk becomes long, say, three inches or so from soil to leaves, it should be repotted. This may seem scary and that's why I say to plant a leaf first. You likely will not lose your plant but here is what you will have to do.
Take a sharp knife and cut the entire rootball off the plant. Take the knife and scrape the trunk like you would scrape a carrot. This is to take off all the old scarred material and it will encourage rooting.
Take a pot, fill with soil, Make a deep well in the center and fill with vermiculite (to encourage rooting) Soil will do just as well but vermiculite keeps damp better.
Cut the trunk off about an inch and place the trunk in the vermiculite hole.
Very important: Place a plastic bag around the plant, pot and all for humidity. Rooting will take place better if the plant has extra humidity. Keep the bag on for about two weeks. Do not place the plant in direct sun since it may "cook."
After two weeks, gently take off the plastic bag and your plant is on its way to live another 15 years. Any drooping leaves may be removed.
