Hi folks,
I wanted to show off these two episcias that I grew from single stolons I received from the Spring round robin. The first is Episcia 'My Precious' and the second is Episcia 'Sarah Beth.' I have had no success with episcias in the past, but I remain optimistic.
Earle
They're looking good. Looks like whatever you are doing is really working. Maybe you can get some more in the nextRR. I love the RR's. They are always worth the price of mailing . Lou
Earle,
They look great to me.Just remember they like high humidity and being moist.....not soaking wet....and they will grow fine for you.
Lynn
Thanks, Lou and Lynn. I really enjoyed the RR, too. It definitely was worth the price of postage. Lynn, I figured out that it is a very humidity-dependent rhing. Humidity in an old New England farmhouse during the winter is around 30 percent. I guess I will have to get off my butt and mist, mist, mist.
Enjoy the rest of the Summer.
Earle
I am back again trying to grow Af. violets. this time I well grow them unde light, if anybody can give me some hints, the lights are 18" above the flowers. Got the special soil for them, should I put some gravel in the container so the flower pots can sit on them ??? Thanks, Etelka
Hi Etelka,
The first thing I would do is to check the African Violet Care thread on the main African Violet & Gesneriad forum page. Then you can ask specific questions as needed. One suggestion would be to move the lights or the plants so that they are about 15 inches apart. In other words, lower the lights or raise the plants. If you want to put gravel in the tray below the plants, add some water to the gravel to raise the humidity a bit. Don't let the bottoms of the pots sit in water, though.
Hope this helps and welcome to the group.
Earle
It will be funny but I did't want to drill holes in the cabinets, so I found some industrial strengt welcrow and got the light to stay up there.I can put sometihing under the pots to lift them to be 15", that is easy. Thanks for the advice. Etelka
Earle,
My plant room is very cold and dry in the winter.I have enclosed a stand in plastic shower curtains,the clear ones.It opens in the front for easy access.Before that I sometimes put my Episcias in a domed tray during the winter.They will survive at 50-60 degrees,but barely grow,so very easy on the water and no food.
Welcome Etelka! Earle's suggestions are great.Just ask away and someone here will answer any questions you have.
Lynn
I have been keeping the fluoresent lights on 24 h. would that damage the plants or is that ok. I guess I can get some timers, Etelka
Hi Etelka,
Yes, leaving the lights on 24 will damage the plants. If the plants are about 15 inches from the lights, then you can leave the lights on 12-14 hours a day. The plants need a day/night cycle the same way people do. The most inexpensive timer I can find turns my flourescents on and off and lasts for years.
Hope this helps.
Earle
Thank you Earle, You have been very helpfull. Etelka
Very nice pictures folks!
Hi Folks,
Here are pictures of my Chirita 'Moonlight' which is now in bloom. I believe this may now be a Primula, but it was still a Chirita when I bought it. I would be happy to hear from someone who knows...maybe I will even re-label the pot.
Earle
Nice job Earle!! Yes, the name has changed. I still say I have Chirita this or that but I need to get used to saying Primula LOL!!
Connie
Beautiful Earle! It is now a Primulina.
Lynn
Well, ladies, there can never be enough confusion in my life! My understanding (or lack of it) tells me the Primulas are full size plants and the Primulinas are rather small. Is that correct? This plant is a good foot around..
Earle
Earle,
I don't understand all of this either,but I think those that grow in a rosette form are now Primulina.
Lynn
Well, Lynn, it definitely grows in a rosette. Where is Olaf when we need him to settle this. I hope all is well.
Earle
I'm pretty sure it is.He's just busy.
Lynn
Sister Lynn and I would never try to steer you wrong Earle. Here is one article for you :)
http://gesneriadsociety.org/chapters/DAVS/files/DAVS%20-Newsletter%201-12.pdf
Connie
Thanks, Connie. That seems to settle it: Primulina, it is. I appreciate being set straight.
Earle
Your very welcome Earle. I still haven't changed my tags (snicker) I will before long :)
Connie
Thanks Sis! I was pretty sure I was on the right track,but this is good info for us all.
Sister Lynn
I had no idea they were not called Chirita's anymore! I have several in semi hydro. We need to call them Primula's now?
Hi Sally,
Based on the article above that Connie referenced, it looks like the correct name is now Primulina. I hope it will help you. It definitely helped me.
Earle
Thanks!
The name has been changed for a while now. I still call them a Chirita but I need to get into the habit of Primulina. If I say Chirita Aiko most people know what I am talking about but if I say Primulina Aiko they say " HUH???" LOL!!!
Connie
