African Violets in Bloom

[ghuylar]

Hello!

I've noticed that many other orchid growers also tend to grow AVs, so I thought I would share two of my plants that are in bloom right now would love to see pictures of other peoples AVs in bloom as well!

[Dollythehun]

Very symmetrical shape, nice frosting. Good job.

[Pippa]

Lovely! I used to grow them, but have had to cut down on houseplants, so don't have any now.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Very nice. I have no experience with this plant and it is lovely

[Mountaineer370]

Nice AVs, ghuylar! I have three AVs, all of which were given to me by a friend who moved across the country and had to rehome most of her plants. They live happily alongside my orchids. Only one is in bloom right now, though it's not unusual for all three of them to be at the same time.

[ghuylar]

They are very easy houseplants, although they do get quite large. Standard AVs will get about a foot in diameter! I grow mine in a wick watering system in orchid bark, and they are vigorous growers

[DirtyCoconuts]

Originally Posted by ghuylar

They are very easy houseplants, although they do get quite large. Standard AVs will get about a foot in diameter! I grow mine in a wick watering system in orchid bark, and they are vigorous growers

AHHH i knew i had heard something about them....When i was sourcing wicking material i kept seeing African violets wicking cord!

how is it used? reservoir in the bottom and then a string to the top?

[ghuylar]

Yes! I use a standard 4 inch plastic nursery pot with holes in the bottom and nest it inside a 4 in decorative pot that is taller. Water can be stores in the decorative pot, and then I use a standard shoe lace as a wick! Just measure it so that it is roughly the length of the outer pot, and nestle the wick around the roots!

Shoe laces make for a very cheap and well working wick!

[DirtyCoconuts]

Originally Posted by ghuylar

Yes! I use a standard 4 inch plastic nursery pot with holes in the bottom and nest it inside a 4 in decorative pot that is taller. Water can be stores in the decorative pot, and then I use a standard shoe lace as a wick! Just measure it so that it is roughly the length of the outer pot, and nestle the wick around the roots!

Shoe laces make for a very cheap and well working wick!

a shoe lace ?!? really! i assume it has to be cotton right?

[ghuylar]

Yes! Just a regular cotton shoe lace, or maybe something synthetic, I don't remember. I got it from the store for less than $3. Much cheaper than buying special wicks online!