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 My African violets are in self-watering pots for AV's. Recently the plants began wilting and I found that the pots were not absorbing water. How do I correct this?
Thank you.
Answer You must adjust your soil to the new watering conditions. This means using at least one third perlight and one third vermiculite with one third peat moss.
Any soil for African violets can be cut by adding these quantities of perlight and vermiculite which will make the soil drain more easily.
Also make sure the pot itself is taking on the water offered.
But I think your problem will be solved when the soil mix is corrected.
Make sure the peat moss is wet when mixing the other ingredients. It takes some time for peat moss to absorb water and it must be dampened before use.
Nancy
Make sure the inserted pot is unglazed, (no paint baked on) since this would not allow water to seep through properly.
