I may have learned more from this 'mistakes' video than any video I have ever seen. Thank you for showing it and explaining how to address & correct. You Rock!!!
@@rickl.orchids You have no idea how invaluable this “mistake” video was to me. I have only ONE (very young) African Violet plant (Rose Bouquet) and it’s DYING. I’m absolutely heartbroken. I was doing everything right, so I couldn’t figure out why the leaves were curling and eventually shriveling, and one by one, dying and falling off. I searched for WEEKS for a video that showed the same issue I’m experienced, and I finally came across yours. Your info was spot on! Mine was in a very small pot, but it was a little too deep, so I filled the bottom with SOIL (not even perlite) and laid the plant/roots on top of the layer of soil. After seeing THIS video, I ran straight out and removed the plant from that pot, and sure enough, the soil on the bottom was soggy. So I just now transferred it to a *shallow* dixie cup (wicked) with the roots closer to the bottom, and I’m praying it’s not too late to be revived. All of the “mother” leaves have died and dropped off. Only 3 little baby leaves remain. My fingers are crossed. It may or may not survive, but at least there’s a chance now. My point is, if it wasn’t for your video showing this mistake, the chances of its survival would be ZERO, because I would never have figured out what was wrong. Most people watch these videos to LEARN, not just to look at pretty flowers. And mistakes makes the best teachers. Thank you so much for sharing this. 😊
Hi Rick. I'm so glad you did this video. I have a couple of violets with the curled leaves also. I want to see what your mistakes have been. They teach me how to correct mine. Thanks so much for being real.
I think showing and talking about our mistakes helps other people more than the "positive" experience so thank you for the video, I will remember that if I see it in my plants. I know the glazed pots are cute and pretty but they keep moisture way too long comparing to the unglazed ones that absorb some of the moisture from the soil, the pots are breathing and dry faster, at the end the same like the orchids, AV love their wet/ dry cycle, so faster they dry better for plants, more work for us but better for plants. This is just my opinion and the reason I started using unglazed clay pots for my AV.
........Thank You Fifi....thats a perfect situation where you chose the type of pot that fits your watering and environment.....which everyone should do......
Thank you for this video!! My leaves were curling under so I thought I had mites but the leaves curling under was the only indication of mites so I was confused. Now I think sitting in water is the issue. Thank you for all this info. Great video!
Thank you so much for this video. Everyone said it is too cold or too much light and I know how to grow violets - that's not the problem. But we moved and I got all new pots and the problem only started after that! Lightbulb. Thanks so much.
Hi Rick ... Thanks for doing this video. It serves as a great tip on choosing and preparing the right container. I'd love it if you could do a video on wicking and mixes for wicking. Also, a video on how you prepare and apply your Bayer systemic and your neem oil application would be nice. Have a great week!
I was looking for THIS problem (mistake) and I am SOOO THANKFUL for your video. Ive never had an African Violet until 4 years ago when a friend gifted me one. Its precious to me and now, thanks to your video, I think I can save it. A thousand thanks!!!
Thank you for explaining this problem so clearly. I have that issue with a lot of my plants. My Mum puts hers in square ice cream containers or small soup containers, with big holes but her dirt is lighter, bark-based garden dirt that drains freely & her plants are always healthy with flowers. Thanks for the tip, I’ll try that tomorrow
After watching your video with your mistakes, I pulled my African violet out of the garbage that I had given up on! Thanks for posting this! I am going to try again, using your method.
Oh wow!!! This was tremendously helpful!!! We all learn from mistakes and we can all learn from each other. I agree w the other viewers, you are a great resource of info and tips. Keep showing your mistakes! Perfection might be inspiring but it isn't real life . Thanx again :)
Thank you! I am having this exact thing going on with one of my violets. It was given to me to "save" even though I am pretty new to growing them. I hope you do film a wicking video soon as I want to do that when I repot.
I propagate African violets and now I have 5 beautiful plants full of flowers but the little star to get damaged from to much water. I self water them but I guess the soul is not perfect. Your video was very helpful. Thank you.
Incredibly helpful for a new violet grower, thank you 🙏. I just purchased a specialty violet off EBay that was expensive and I don’t want to kill it. I appreciate videos like this because it helps me avoid a problem before it starts.
Instead of gravel on the bottom, does perlite work? I believe they use a layer of perlite on the bottom during Texas watering (where the plant sits on a wet/damp wicking material). I've never tried it, but it's interesting. I wick all my plants, mainly for the humidity of the water they sit over. I live in Arizona. :)
.......you will love them......your a great grower.....let them rest a week or so....then repot and treat....just to be safe.....we have to protect our collections....
Thank you! We were gifted a beautiful planter with a violet that started to struggle. Now I see all the mistakes I was making. They are a lot more like orchids than green houseplants. Hopefully I can save the little one now!
thank you for showing your mistakes :) Because you did so I learned my mistakes! I have 4 african violets that have all been curling, they are all ugly with curling dull leaves, not producing flowers, I had bought a bag of african violet potting mix, that didnt help them either. My grandmother used to grow such beautiful violets, Im about to give up on them, but will try these tips first and hope I can revive them.
We all miss you Rick I hope your wife is doing as well as can be expected when her beloved husband is struggling I also like to say something about the gravel on the bottom of the pots. I keep hearing all these people say the pudding Crockery or rocks or whatever on the bottom of a pot for drainage damages the plants. Here's perfect proof that it doesn't it helps the plant. I don't understand why for hundreds of years they've been putting broken Crockery or rocks at the bottom of pots to add some extra drainage and now people have this bright idea but it causes root rot or something. The only way I think it could cause root rot is if it was rootbound and so the roots were trying to find their way out of the pot and got rotten. I put things like a couple filled water bottles at the bottom of a huge pot that had elephant ears in to weigh it down and then empty scrunched up water bottles to add drainage at the bottom because the pot didn't have a hole in it and I was too cheap to buy potting soil to fill up the whole humongous pot that I couldn't even put my hands around. The elephant ears were big and beautiful
Thanks for this info. I have only a few plants due to lack of space. The last couple years I've noticed my plants curling like this and didn't know why. I'll transplant mine soon. Thanks again.
Thank you for sharing this information.i have a couple of African violets in that condition and had no clue what to do or why this was happening. Now I can correct it. Thanks a Million.
Hi rick I came here looking for a clue to were I was making mistake caring for my violets and I find thanks to you sharing your mistakes that’s exactly what I was doing wrong now I am able to save my beautiful babies thanks so much for sharing 🌿☘️
Here's a thought....Volcanic rock (basalt rock) is LOADED with minerals. That might be a good choice for the bottom of the pot. Break up the rock into little pieces with a hammer so the roots can get to more minerals. I used volcanic rock years ago in my pots and it was very beneficial.
This is one for my favorite fills. As it's new info to me. And it's easy to find when I get the why is my plant doing this question. And after I give a answer. I tend to get a very good question. How do you know? I love that question especially if I have a something like this video to show. Hmm to much moisture. So am thinking if you didn't do something next would of been yellow leaves. Definitely info to remember.
Thank you for sharing your talent with these gorgeous plants! My mother passed away last year, my father still had her African Violet but it was in bad shape. There were 3 long necks and the root was rotting. I finally got brave in August and cut each of the crowns off and repotted them in addition to pulling several leaves and prayed that at least one of them would survive. The 3 crowns did survive, I left 1 with Dad and I have the other 2 in addition to 2 leaves that sprouted babies. My question is, the crowns are growing up tall rather than laying flat like normal ones I’ve seen. I had them in a West facing window but thinking they weren’t getting enough light, I moved them to a south window (we live in Florida - all of our windows do have a slight tint). I am using the Schultz African Violet Plus food (8-14-9). I know nothing (with the exception of what I’ve learned from watching numerous RUclips videos!) about raising these, and I am desperate to keep this alive. My mother really loved this plant - I don’t even know what kind it is but it was moms and that is all that matters to me. Is it possible for me to help these crowns to lay flat? I would happily provide pictures so you can see what I mean, but I don’t know how to attach them. I would greatly appreciate any advice you could provide. I really want these to live, and so far they are; I hope it’s not too much to ask that they also thrive. Thank you for your time.
Misti.....you can message me on my channel header.......click about, and it will take you to a link to email me.........if the leaves are standing up and are long stemmed they need more light.....not direct sun, .....I feed 1/8 tsp of fertilizer in the water every time I water........it sounds like you doing well.......
.......that violet is a variety called Deborah........almost showed that, I make it look very easy and like I have no issues.......your not lone.....never.
i dont grow these but Rick as others have said... its good to see what problems you come across so that we can see them and recognise the same issues and how to deal with it.... its frustrating to see the end of the fix up.....you never know what it looked like ... how it was fixed... and the outcome.... ... that is the perfect video as far as i am concerned...... i like visual ... that is why i keep asking the same questions that become annoying to the people that put out the videos....i am sorry to have asked you the same...... Dont get me wrong Rick ....love the videos you do... but would love to see from start to finish.. the same i have asked of Amy and Roger.... but ... some dont wish to do it..... for all its worth they are my thoughts... to you with a hug... as always...x
Amen i sooo agree why why why only show when you fixed it and not here is a problem and this is what in going to do and see if it works... i know on Facebook many people only show beautifull things and days out and i got so much crap for sharing my good bad and ugly its so taboo in ny county to be honest about the shitty things in live. People just put on masks and pretend.. always wanting to 1-up another i havend bin on Facebook for almost a year and i havent miss it since. A few tubers show the good the bad and the ugly. And seeing a problem and seeing what that looks likes helps identify someone else's problem. Fotos aren't always enough. I want to do a magnesium test. I think a few have deficiencies mag cal idk and i need to have time but i want huddle them up show them and start a few supplements and sjoe updates see if it helped and if not try someting else. (Want to do that for 5 weeks now lol but i will get around to it) sorry for barging in on your comment it rings sooo true. Wish you a great evening and much joy Kind regards rose
Suzanne here, i never use wicks personally, i simply use a little om the bottom thats all, i found that wicking keeps my plants too wet and violets simply do not need that much water, so i only water a little every 10 days
Hello Rick. Still greatly enjoying all your videos. I just watched the one on your violet leaves curling and I was wondering. Have you ever read about PWT(perched water table)? I'm certainly no expert but I once had a cactus that kept leaning over as if it was thirsty. I've had it for about 46 years so I couldn't figure out what was wrong. I had gravel in the bottom of the pot to help with drainage ( so I thought). After reading about PWT I decided to repot and remove all gravel. My cactus does great and has never leaned over again. This may have absolutely nothing to do with violets but it is interesting reading. Keep working on your videos and God Bless.
Marilyn.....I love it when a viewer triggers me to think....you did that this am....I am familiar with PTW....more now.. that I spent some time this am reading.....very cool topic....agree with everything you said, and some great points here.....I dont think violets would follow this line of thinking........but regardless.......thanks for the comments.....
I appreciate your feedback Rick. Happy you took some time to read about it. I do remember you saying you loved to read and learn as do I. Maybe we are kindred spirits in a a way. Love learning from you. God Bless.
I miss you! Having problems with my Violets there wilting 🥀 looking like dyeing. Ends of some are curled under like the one u showed in this video. So guess before the do die I need to repot! Hope all is well your way. Wishing you blessings you can’t contain 🙏🏼
How to save neglected AV gifted to me. Out of six plants two are rebounding, three are almost dead with curled leaves, one looks probably dead. I watered them and the soil up top stayed dry as a bone. I overwatered them and now the soil is molding. Can they be saved? I found a semi sunny window to keep them, to try to kill the mold, but it’s cool in the house.
violets need good drainage.....if the soil is molding then I would repot them in a good peat mix with plenty of perlite.....it keeps the mix airy and allows good draining.....they should bounce back for you.....
Thanks I am having curling leaves, has moist soil but I will try adding gravel to bottom and see if that works. I have cotton cord will that work as a wick
How many wicks do you add to your pots for water wicking, and how much water and how often? It seems like I can’t water my African violet enough? I hope you are feeling well. Happy growing!
Hello Rick, I really find your videos have a lot of useful information. They are great! You do a WONDERFUL job presenting the issue you are talking about. Also I really love that you try to help others understand the problems and WHY they happen. GREAT! But I do have a question. I watched your video on LED 6500K lights. I am wondering how long do you keep these light on for each day? I know that different leaf colors will make a difference, but roughly how long are they on for? Thank-you very much. Lori G.
This just helped me 3 years later in May of 2021. One of my violets is doing this right now and I’m about to get on it and fix everything. I have six violets and I’m not losing one.
I think this is a very good informative video Ricky, and for other growers of violets with the same issue, this video points out the cause and solution! Brilliant, please continue to show issues with plants and how you deal with them cause that really helps us all!👍👍😊😊😊
the wicking I use was nylon shoe laces........like from tennis shoes.....and yes i wicked them all.......i just water in the trays ....no reservoirs...
Hey Rick, I've been growing african violets for a couple years now, got a little obsessed/hobbyish with them, ordering from three different online companies over the past two years. I have a question I can not seem to find advice for - I know all about making the soil very light and porous and not over or under fertilizing, I let tap water sit out for 24 hours before using on my plants, I grow some under artificial light and some bigger, mature plants near windows in my sunroom. So my question, some plants I receive very young never seem to mature to growing into full-size plants. I have gone back to confirm on the sites that a particular plant is categorized as a "standard." Currently, I have an Optimara "Manitoba" and "Key Lime Treat," both of which I have had for months and neither seem sickly but just not maturing, not getting bigger, new leaves that stay as small as a miniature violet would. Manitoba has never bloomed but the little "Key Lime Treat" has even bloomed at this tiny size. Any advice on how to get violets to grow into bigger plants?
……….interesting issue...….if your certain there isn't a pest issue, and it doesn't sound like it.....light, temp, and food are what make them grow......do you add any garden lime to the media?......it has a lot of calcium, and is important for cell structure and growth...and are you getting good root growth, are the pots full of roots??
Rick L. Orchids thanks I’ll look into that! I use an African violet potting mix which I add additional perlite too. I believe the mixture is by Black Gold. It seems to be very good quality and light, especially with more perlite added. I’ll look into lime.
Hi Rick 👋 Just wandering if you have tried the 2-part self-watering pots? I’ve ordered a few to try on my African Violets. You answered a few questions I had been wondering about thank you 😊
…...I have used them before...….not a big fan of them....they require a very light porous mix.....that drains well, and the nutrients need to be spot on or they can have issues......
Thank you Rick! Mine are doing well at the moment but I can see how I potted them that this could become a problem in the future and if it does I'll repot with the gravel : )
Thank you so much for this video, which I feel was made for me! I was wondering if AV can be attacked by Mealy bugs? I haven't seen any but I brought home a couple plants that apparently were already infected and they attacked my 17 yr old Hoya so I'm really worried. Although I haven't seen them on my violet the leaves wilt then shrivel and I noticed is a large spot that looks sort of silvery and is almost a hole underneath one of the leaves. I want green thumbs so badly and appreciate all input!
Joy I bet your thumbs are plenty green...…..you just need answers so you can make your own decisions ….Violets will get mealy bugs......Neem oil is my preferred treatment for them.....
.....just a good material for drainage.....they love moisture but not soggy roots.......pea gravel...stone chips....perlite works great as well.....sometimes I used the heavier pea gravel....for ballast on large heavy plants......kept them from falling over if bumbed etc
I very much appreciate you sharing your "mistakes". I would consider them learning lessons instead. Because you shared them, I have been enlightened what not to do. Thank you for that. I see that you use wicks. What are your thoughts about self-watering pots? I bought a few Mini Violets in them. Also someone mentioned below that they'll put theirs in leca pebbles (hydroton). What are your thoughts on that medium for Violets? Keep up the good work, your plants are beautiful! Thank you, in advance, for your assistance. : }
thank you for that information! didn't know about the wick and gravel! one of my violets changed-the middle of the plant has become hard and the plant is growing in a leaning way-yeah ,kind of sounds weird, but that is the case. It was not like that before- any thoughts as to what is the problem?
My young violets have pretty serious leaf 'cupping' (edges turned upwards)---looks healthy otherwise. What causes this? Grown from Park's seed ('Fantasy Hybrids Mixed') under a grow light in a basement. Thanks.
leaf cupping is a reaction to something........temperature, bright light, cold water, .........violets get rained on in the wild........but the water is always within a few degrees of the daytime temperature........watering them with cold water from the faucet can shock them.......cause them to react...make sure the water is room temp....
Where can you buy the wicking material? It's Sept, not sure if the stores will carry it now? Other than Amazon does anyone know of a brick and mortar store that sells them?
Thank you! I was wondering about the wicking also. I use carpenters string for my babies but was curious about your mature wicking. My mature plants don't have wicks but I will work on getting that switched because I am a believer! I learned wicking and transplanting on videos and enjoy my african violets so much more since learning about it. And thank you for this video. I have had problems with curling leaves and dying plants in the past and just never knew what caused it.
Yes please show mistakes, I’ve learned so much this way. You are great.
I may have learned more from this 'mistakes' video than any video I have ever seen. Thank you for showing it and explaining how to address & correct. You Rock!!!
......your welcome....I make a lot...would be more videos probably.....lol
@@rickl.orchids You have no idea how invaluable this “mistake” video was to me. I have only ONE (very young) African Violet plant (Rose Bouquet) and it’s DYING. I’m absolutely heartbroken. I was doing everything right, so I couldn’t figure out why the leaves were curling and eventually shriveling, and one by one, dying and falling off.
I searched for WEEKS for a video that showed the same issue I’m experienced, and I finally came across yours. Your info was spot on! Mine was in a very small pot, but it was a little too deep, so I filled the bottom with SOIL (not even perlite) and laid the plant/roots on top of the layer of soil.
After seeing THIS video, I ran straight out and removed the plant from that pot, and sure enough, the soil on the bottom was soggy. So I just now transferred it to a *shallow* dixie cup (wicked) with the roots closer to the bottom, and I’m praying it’s not too late to be revived. All of the “mother” leaves have died and dropped off. Only 3 little baby leaves remain. My fingers are crossed.
It may or may not survive, but at least there’s a chance now. My point is, if it wasn’t for your video showing this mistake, the chances of its survival would be ZERO, because I would never have figured out what was wrong.
Most people watch these videos to LEARN, not just to look at pretty flowers. And mistakes makes the best teachers. Thank you so much for sharing this. 😊
I could listen to you talk all day, you're very informative and very knowledgeable with violets! Thank you
LOVE SEEING your mistakes, I Learned SO MUCH, thanks for sharing....happy potting.
Hi Rick. I'm so glad you did this video. I have a couple of violets with the curled leaves also. I want to see what your mistakes have been. They teach me how to correct mine. Thanks so much for being real.
I think showing and talking about our mistakes helps other people more than the "positive" experience so thank you for the video, I will remember that if I see it in my plants. I know the glazed pots are cute and pretty but they keep moisture way too long comparing to the unglazed ones that absorb some of the moisture from the soil, the pots are breathing and dry faster, at the end the same like the orchids, AV love their wet/ dry cycle, so faster they dry better for plants, more work for us but better for plants. This is just my opinion and the reason I started using unglazed clay pots for my AV.
........Thank You Fifi....thats a perfect situation where you chose the type of pot that fits your watering and environment.....which everyone should do......
fifi
Thank you for showing your mistakes and things you’ve figured out & learned. Very appreciative.
Thank you for this video, Rick! It helped me figure out what was wrong with my violet. Hope you're well.
i am about a month and a half into african violets and this is the best tip i have seen thus far
Thank you for this video!! My leaves were curling under so I thought I had mites but the leaves curling under was the only indication of mites so I was confused. Now I think sitting in water is the issue. Thank you for all this info. Great video!
......your very welcome......being exposed to very strong light can cause the violets leaves to curl under as well.....
Thank you so much for this video. Everyone said it is too cold or too much light and I know how to grow violets - that's not the problem. But we moved and I got all new pots and the problem only started after that! Lightbulb. Thanks so much.
Thanks for showing your mistakes, Rick. It's a good service.
Hi Rick ... Thanks for doing this video. It serves as a great tip on choosing and preparing the right container. I'd love it if you could do a video on wicking and mixes for wicking. Also, a video on how you prepare and apply your Bayer systemic and your neem oil application would be nice. Have a great week!
Pat Im carrying plants to the shop right now to begin one........stay tuned.
I was looking for THIS problem (mistake) and I am SOOO THANKFUL for your video. Ive never had an African Violet until 4 years ago when a friend gifted me one. Its precious to me and now, thanks to your video, I think I can save it. A thousand thanks!!!
Thank you for explaining this problem so clearly. I have that issue with a lot of my plants. My Mum puts hers in square ice cream containers or small soup containers, with big holes but her dirt is lighter, bark-based garden dirt that drains freely & her plants are always healthy with flowers.
Thanks for the tip, I’ll try that tomorrow
After watching your video with your mistakes, I pulled my African violet out of the garbage that I had given up on! Thanks for posting this! I am going to try again, using your method.
Yes you did help somebody, me. Thanks for the information.
Thank you so much for sharing.
thank you.....
Thank you for being honest. Your video has helped me with my problem. Way to go.
Thank you this was so helpful. I found the same issues with roots being only top half. Glad I just found your channel. Thank you!
Thanks Alabama Rick. I'm a newbie African Violet grower and subscriber. I learned from this video. Thanks. AZ girl🌵😎🌵
Thank you for showing this video. It helped me understand a problem I am having with my violet.
Going to change out my pots. Thanks for the help.
Thank you for your transparency about your mistakes, it helps us to not make the same mistakes. You do Rock!!
Good to show mistakes! Helps the followers who have the same problem understand what is happening.😊
Interesting! thanks for the info, also is not a mistake 😊 it's learning! that's why I love your videos👍
This is very helpful! I'm new to African Violets, so I'm still learning. Thank you!
Thanks for your helpful video.
Oh wow!!! This was tremendously helpful!!! We all learn from mistakes and we can all learn from each other. I agree w the other viewers, you are a great resource of info and tips. Keep showing your mistakes! Perfection might be inspiring but it isn't real life . Thanx again :)
Thank you! I am having this exact thing going on with one of my violets. It was given to me to "save" even though I am pretty new to growing them. I hope you do film a wicking video soon as I want to do that when I repot.
Helped me tremendously! Thanks.
I propagate African violets and now I have 5 beautiful plants full of flowers but the little star to get damaged from to much water. I self water them but I guess the soul is not perfect. Your video was very helpful. Thank you.
Incredibly helpful for a new violet grower, thank you 🙏. I just purchased a specialty violet off EBay that was expensive and I don’t want to kill it. I appreciate videos like this because it helps me avoid a problem before it starts.
Hello. Can you help me? What's his trick? My English is not good. I can't understand what he says well
@@Meyyoush he is saying that not having good drainage/holes in violet pots causes curling and yellowing leaves, they get too water logged.
Instead of gravel on the bottom, does perlite work? I believe they use a layer of perlite on the bottom during Texas watering (where the plant sits on a wet/damp wicking material). I've never tried it, but it's interesting. I wick all my plants, mainly for the humidity of the water they sit over. I live in Arizona. :)
absolutely it will work, one of the small cups I showed had perlite in the lower section.........just needs a air space....good question!
Thanks for this info. I have the same problem! Going to getsome perlite & bring 2 plants back to health.
I am glad to see this as i have a handful of these plants coming soon.thank you Rick.
.......you will love them......your a great grower.....let them rest a week or so....then repot and treat....just to be safe.....we have to protect our collections....
Thank you! We were gifted a beautiful planter with a violet that started to struggle. Now I see all the mistakes I was making. They are a lot more like orchids than green houseplants. Hopefully I can save the little one now!
Do a how to wick please!
thank you for showing your mistakes :) Because you did so I learned my mistakes! I have 4 african violets that have all been curling, they are all ugly with curling dull leaves, not producing flowers, I had bought a bag of african violet potting mix, that didnt help them either. My grandmother used to grow such beautiful violets, Im about to give up on them, but will try these tips first and hope I can revive them.
We all miss you Rick I hope your wife is doing as well as can be expected when her beloved husband is struggling I also like to say something about the gravel on the bottom of the pots. I keep hearing all these people say the pudding Crockery or rocks or whatever on the bottom of a pot for drainage damages the plants. Here's perfect proof that it doesn't it helps the plant. I don't understand why for hundreds of years they've been putting broken Crockery or rocks at the bottom of pots to add some extra drainage and now people have this bright idea but it causes root rot or something. The only way I think it could cause root rot is if it was rootbound and so the roots were trying to find their way out of the pot and got rotten. I put things like a couple filled water bottles at the bottom of a huge pot that had elephant ears in to weigh it down and then empty scrunched up water bottles to add drainage at the bottom because the pot didn't have a hole in it and I was too cheap to buy potting soil to fill up the whole humongous pot that I couldn't even put my hands around. The elephant ears were big and beautiful
Thanks for this info. I have only a few plants due to lack of space. The last couple years I've noticed my plants curling like this and didn't know why. I'll transplant mine soon. Thanks again.
Thank you for sharing this information.i have a couple of African violets in that condition and had no clue what to do or why this was happening. Now I can correct it. Thanks a Million.
Thanks for the video...we all make mistakes, so yes! We can all learn by everyone else's mistakes, too!
Hi rick I came here looking for a clue to were I was making mistake caring for my violets and I find thanks to you sharing your mistakes that’s exactly what I was doing wrong now I am able to save my beautiful babies thanks so much for sharing 🌿☘️
Thank you for showing your mistakes. I was having same problem.
Thank you. I didn't realize I had an AV with curled leaves in a deep pot until I watched your video.
Here's a thought....Volcanic rock (basalt rock) is LOADED with minerals. That might be a good choice for the bottom of the pot. Break up the rock into little pieces with a hammer so the roots can get to more minerals. I used volcanic rock years ago in my pots and it was very beneficial.
thats a great idea.....
Where do I get volcanic rock?
Thank you!!! That was Very help full !!!
Please do show your mistakes too, we learn from that! We learn more from our mistakes than we do our successes. Take care!
This is one for my favorite fills. As it's new info to me. And it's easy to find when I get the why is my plant doing this question. And after I give a answer. I tend to get a very good question. How do you know? I love that question especially if I have a something like this video to show.
Hmm to much moisture. So am thinking if you didn't do something next would of been yellow leaves. Definitely info to remember.
......same here Victor......I dont mind someone telling me dont get those wet, or dont use cold water.........I want to know why??
oh I like to look at mistakes I know I made a ot on plants before i learned on my on and your video shows us all a lot more than a perfect grower.
Thank you for sharing your talent with these gorgeous plants! My mother passed away last year, my father still had her African Violet but it was in bad shape. There were 3 long necks and the root was rotting. I finally got brave in August and cut each of the crowns off and repotted them in addition to pulling several leaves and prayed that at least one of them would survive. The 3 crowns did survive, I left 1 with Dad and I have the other 2 in addition to 2 leaves that sprouted babies. My question is, the crowns are growing up tall rather than laying flat like normal ones I’ve seen. I had them in a West facing window but thinking they weren’t getting enough light, I moved them to a south window (we live in Florida - all of our windows do have a slight tint). I am using the Schultz African Violet Plus food (8-14-9). I know nothing (with the exception of what I’ve learned from watching numerous RUclips videos!) about raising these, and I am desperate to keep this alive. My mother really loved this plant - I don’t even know what kind it is but it was moms and that is all that matters to me. Is it possible for me to help these crowns to lay flat? I would happily provide pictures so you can see what I mean, but I don’t know how to attach them. I would greatly appreciate any advice you could provide. I really want these to live, and so far they are; I hope it’s not too much to ask that they also thrive. Thank you for your time.
Misti.....you can message me on my channel header.......click about, and it will take you to a link to email me.........if the leaves are standing up and are long stemmed they need more light.....not direct sun, .....I feed 1/8 tsp of fertilizer in the water every time I water........it sounds like you doing well.......
Thanks so much Rick for showing your mistakes...........and this is going to help me sort out my voilets.
.......that violet is a variety called Deborah........almost showed that, I make it look very easy and like I have no issues.......your not lone.....never.
I also use perlite with potting soil.
Norman Reedus hosts a plant tutorial!!! 🤩
Thank you for this. I have the same problem and now I know how to fix it.
Wow, this is the answer to my optimara ... thanks so much!
i dont grow these but Rick as others have said... its good to see what problems you come across so that we can see them and recognise the same issues and how to deal with it.... its frustrating to see the end of the fix up.....you never know what it looked like ... how it was fixed... and the outcome.... ... that is the perfect video as far as i am concerned...... i like visual ... that is why i keep asking the same questions that become annoying to the people that put out the videos....i am sorry to have asked you the same......
Dont get me wrong Rick ....love the videos you do... but would love to see from start to finish.. the same i have asked of Amy and Roger.... but ... some dont wish to do it.....
for all its worth they are my thoughts... to you with a hug... as always...x
......another great response....thanks Chris...and never annoying.....its your passion for knowledge is all........I love that in you!
Amen i sooo agree why why why only show when you fixed it and not here is a problem and this is what in going to do and see if it works... i know on Facebook many people only show beautifull things and days out and i got so much crap for sharing my good bad and ugly its so taboo in ny county to be honest about the shitty things in live. People just put on masks and pretend.. always wanting to 1-up another i havend bin on Facebook for almost a year and i havent miss it since. A few tubers show the good the bad and the ugly. And seeing a problem and seeing what that looks likes helps identify someone else's problem. Fotos aren't always enough. I want to do a magnesium test. I think a few have deficiencies mag cal idk and i need to have time but i want huddle them up show them and start a few supplements and sjoe updates see if it helped and if not try someting else. (Want to do that for 5 weeks now lol but i will get around to it) sorry for barging in on your comment it rings sooo true.
Wish you a great evening and much joy
Kind regards rose
Suzanne here, i never use wicks personally, i simply use a little om the bottom thats all, i found that wicking keeps my plants too wet and violets simply do not need that much water, so i only water a little every 10 days
I was looking for something to tell me why my AV leaves were curling and how to fix it. Thank you for this video.
I love ur video and ur plant👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you!
Hello Rick. Still greatly enjoying all your videos. I just watched the one on your violet leaves curling and I was wondering. Have you ever read about PWT(perched water table)? I'm certainly no expert but I once had a cactus that kept leaning over as if it was thirsty. I've had it for about 46 years so I couldn't figure out what was wrong. I had gravel in the bottom of the pot to help with drainage ( so I thought). After reading about PWT I decided to repot and remove all gravel. My cactus does great and has never leaned over again. This may have absolutely nothing to do with violets but it is interesting reading. Keep working on your videos and God Bless.
Marilyn.....I love it when a viewer triggers me to think....you did that this am....I am familiar with PTW....more now.. that I spent some time this am reading.....very cool topic....agree with everything you said, and some great points here.....I dont think violets would follow this line of thinking........but regardless.......thanks for the comments.....
I appreciate your feedback Rick. Happy you took some time to read about it. I do remember you saying you loved to read and learn as do I. Maybe we are kindred spirits in a a way. Love learning from you. God Bless.
Rick, I hope you are doing well. Miss your videos.
Exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you.
Thank You for this video. I have one looking sad and I think it’s due to the deep pot and excess water. I will use gravel on the bottom 👍🏽
I miss you! Having problems with my Violets there wilting 🥀 looking like dyeing. Ends of some are curled under like the one u showed in this video. So guess before the do die I need to repot! Hope all is well your way. Wishing you blessings you can’t contain 🙏🏼
Thank you so much for the info!!
thanks for the helpful info1
How do you make holes in your stoneware mugs or ceramic pots?
Thank you so much! This has helped me with my mistakes👍🏻
How to save neglected AV gifted to me. Out of six plants two are rebounding, three are almost dead with curled leaves, one looks probably dead. I watered them and the soil up top stayed dry as a bone. I overwatered them and now the soil is molding. Can they be saved? I found a semi sunny window to keep them, to try to kill the mold, but it’s cool in the house.
violets need good drainage.....if the soil is molding then I would repot them in a good peat mix with plenty of perlite.....it keeps the mix airy and allows good draining.....they should bounce back for you.....
Thanks I am having curling leaves, has moist soil but I will try adding gravel to bottom and see if that works. I have cotton cord will that work as a wick
How deep are your soil/gravel levels? What kind of gravel do you use?
How many wicks do you add to your pots for water wicking, and how much water and how often? It seems like I can’t water my African violet enough?
I hope you are feeling well.
Happy growing!
very helpful thanks
Hello Rick, I really find your videos have a lot of useful information. They are great! You do a WONDERFUL job presenting the issue you are talking about. Also I really love that you try to help others understand the problems and WHY they happen. GREAT! But I do have a question. I watched your video on LED 6500K lights. I am wondering how long do you keep these light on for each day? I know that different leaf colors will make a difference, but roughly how long are they on for? Thank-you very much. Lori G.
Do you think leca (expanded clay balls) would work in place of the perlite? (I have a ton of them)
I'd like to see the way you create a wick system for watering.
This just helped me 3 years later in May of 2021. One of my violets is doing this right now and I’m about to get on it and fix everything. I have six violets and I’m not losing one.
Hi Rick,
What’s the distance from the lights to top of violets?
Thanks,
Nora from Brownsville, TX
Hello, dear friend, we haven’t had an update on your violets lately. How are they?
......I know......Im so sorry......they are actually live and well......I will update soon...
I think this is a very good informative video Ricky, and for other growers of violets with the same issue, this video points out the cause and solution! Brilliant, please continue to show issues with plants and how you deal with them cause that really helps us all!👍👍😊😊😊
where do you buy your wicking and what size would you get for 4" and 3" pots? Do you wick the trailers? I am trying to learn from you. Thanks.
the wicking I use was nylon shoe laces........like from tennis shoes.....and yes i wicked them all.......i just water in the trays ....no reservoirs...
My mystery solved! THANK YOU! I've had violets since the 70's (not a typo 😳). My "curly" violets will be replanted soon! 😊
What kind of gravel do you use
I used lime stone chips this time........but any small gravel would work......the idea is to provide good drainage and allow air flow to the roots.
Hey Rick,
I've been growing african violets for a couple years now, got a little obsessed/hobbyish with them, ordering from three different online companies over the past two years. I have a question I can not seem to find advice for - I know all about making the soil very light and porous and not over or under fertilizing, I let tap water sit out for 24 hours before using on my plants, I grow some under artificial light and some bigger, mature plants near windows in my sunroom. So my question, some plants I receive very young never seem to mature to growing into full-size plants. I have gone back to confirm on the sites that a particular plant is categorized as a "standard." Currently, I have an Optimara "Manitoba" and "Key Lime Treat," both of which I have had for months and neither seem sickly but just not maturing, not getting bigger, new leaves that stay as small as a miniature violet would. Manitoba has never bloomed but the little "Key Lime Treat" has even bloomed at this tiny size. Any advice on how to get violets to grow into bigger plants?
……….interesting issue...….if your certain there isn't a pest issue, and it doesn't sound like it.....light, temp, and food are what make them grow......do you add any garden lime to the media?......it has a lot of calcium, and is important for cell structure and growth...and are you getting good root growth, are the pots full of roots??
Rick L. Orchids thanks I’ll look into that! I use an African violet potting mix which I add additional perlite too. I believe the mixture is by Black Gold. It seems to be very good quality and light, especially with more perlite added. I’ll look into lime.
Hi Rick 👋 Just wandering if you have tried the 2-part self-watering pots? I’ve ordered a few to try on my African Violets. You answered a few questions I had been wondering about thank you 😊
…...I have used them before...….not a big fan of them....they require a very light porous mix.....that drains well, and the nutrients need to be spot on or they can have issues......
Oh! 😲. 🦸🏼♂️
Great video, thank you! What kind of gravel do you recommend?
Anna.....anything ....just create an air space, you want the gravel to small enough to block the lower section.... so it can keep the soil above it
Thank you Rick! Mine are doing well at the moment but I can see how I potted them that this could become a problem in the future and if it does I'll repot with the gravel : )
Thanks for the info, three years later.
very nice video.
Thanks for the visit
where can we buy the string that you used in the pot for absorbing water? Thanks. what type of string is that?
I use nylon shoe laces from the dollar store.....
I wanted to know too. Never would have figured that one.
Most violet growers here use acrylic yarn
Thank you so much for this video, which I feel was made for me! I was wondering if AV can be attacked by Mealy bugs? I haven't seen any but I brought home a couple plants that apparently were already infected and they attacked my 17 yr old Hoya so I'm really worried. Although I haven't seen them on my violet the leaves wilt then shrivel and I noticed is a large spot that looks sort of silvery and is almost a hole underneath one of the leaves. I want green thumbs so badly and appreciate all input!
Joy I bet your thumbs are plenty green...…..you just need answers so you can make your own decisions ….Violets will get mealy bugs......Neem oil is my preferred treatment for them.....
Did you say it was limestone gravel chips that you used?
.....just a good material for drainage.....they love moisture but not soggy roots.......pea gravel...stone chips....perlite works great as well.....sometimes I used the heavier pea gravel....for ballast on large heavy plants......kept them from falling over if bumbed etc
Thanks for this video! I was ready to give up on growing AV. All my AV start with this problem and go to AV heaven. I am going to give this a try.
will be some more info shortly.........dont give up.........ask any thng anytime.
I very much appreciate you sharing your "mistakes". I would consider them learning lessons instead. Because you shared them, I have been enlightened what not to do. Thank you for that. I see that you use wicks. What are your thoughts about self-watering pots? I bought a few Mini Violets in them. Also someone mentioned below that they'll put theirs in leca pebbles (hydroton). What are your thoughts on that medium for Violets? Keep up the good work, your plants are beautiful! Thank you, in advance, for your assistance. : }
thank you for that information! didn't know about the wick and gravel! one of my violets changed-the middle of the plant has become hard and the plant is growing in a leaning way-yeah ,kind of sounds weird, but that is the case. It was not like that before- any thoughts as to what is the problem?
Once you repotted the plant with the gravel on the bottom how long did it take to recovey to where the leaves no longer look droopy?
My young violets have pretty serious leaf 'cupping' (edges turned upwards)---looks healthy otherwise. What causes this? Grown from Park's seed ('Fantasy Hybrids Mixed') under a grow light in a basement. Thanks.
leaf cupping is a reaction to something........temperature, bright light, cold water, .........violets get rained on in the wild........but the water is always within a few degrees of the daytime temperature........watering them with cold water from the faucet can shock them.......cause them to react...make sure the water is room temp....
Where can you buy the wicking material? It's Sept, not sure if the stores will carry it now? Other than Amazon does anyone know of a brick and mortar store that sells them?
.....my favorite wicks is white shoe laces from the dollar store.....cheap and they last a long time..
Thanks, never thought of that and I already have some!!!
Thank you! I was wondering about the wicking also. I use carpenters string for my babies but was curious about your mature wicking. My mature plants don't have wicks but I will work on getting that switched because I am a believer! I learned wicking and transplanting on videos and enjoy my african violets so much more since learning about it. And thank you for this video. I have had problems with curling leaves and dying plants in the past and just never knew what caused it.