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 the self watering pots but some of my violets are getting too wet and are dying. Should I let them dry out and will the limp leaves get firmer or have I lost the plant. Do you know what the soil mix should be when using these pots? Finally could using soft water be the problem?
Answer Because the soil is always in contact with water with this type of pot you need to add a hand full of perlite which will allow the water to drain somewhat.
You might wish to take the plant out from this type of container and put it in a plastic one until it becomes healthy again.
You could just remove the plant from the container and allow it to dry out. At that time, if roots are dark and you see no white roots, it might be a good time to change the soil. Add a hand full of perlite to lighten the soil so water can drain more freely.
When the plant is healthy again you can put it back into the self-watering container if you wish but watch carefully for awhile to see that the soil is not remaining too damp.
