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 Hi,
We have some plants that are growing tall and leggy instead of compact and low. The light is actually perfect, an eastern window behind sheers. Actually, not all of the foliage is leggy; some are compact, some are tall as if "reaching" upward for light. Two of these violets have developed a second crown over the last six months. They appear healthy otherwise, very healthy in fact. I use self-watering violet pots and either Optimara or Peter's violet food in ALL the water. Too much fertilizer? Do we cut (prune) the tall, leggy foliage back in order to force them to grow in more compact? Someone told me the problem was too much fertilizer, but I want an expert's opinion. All help is desired and appreciated to help us solve this dilema.
Thanks,
Answer My apologies for the late answer. I had problems logging in with a new password.
When plants grow leggy it is most often a lack of light that is the problem. With winter approaching, the plants are receiving much less light.
I don't believe tall legginess would be caused by fertilizer. Both brands of fertilizer are excellent. Quantity is important. Follow directions on the package or use 1/4 teaspoon in a gallon of warm water.
If you are able to do so, perform a little operation to cut the second crown from the plant, remove a few leaves and root the second crown. This will allow the main plant to lie flatter in a symmetrical pattern.
After you have removed the second crown, allow the leaves to replace themselves and observe if you believe the leaves are still too leggy. If so, remove a row of leaves to make the plant form a circular pattern.
It sounds as if you have very healthy plants. Congratulations!
