I say it again, I love the detail that you go into regarding your videos! I don’t have an AVS near me to learn from😔 I would have never thought to use acrylic yarn for wicks, and love the tip to wash the yarn with soap to remove factory chemicals! Thank you for your videos!!!
You are a wonderfully natural teacher. Methodical, explaining the reasoning behind all the steps. I will never forget what I learned here today. Thank you so much!
Love the camera angle! I don't know how you can put the camera between you and what you're doing but that's great. We can see everything that you're doing! Love the visuals too, how you show everything (roots close ups!). Very good explanation for every step. Great video. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for the step by step guidance and the plethora of experience you share! I love the new African soil mix from your precious tutorial. My African violets are thriving!! Thank you so very much!!❤️
This was very “helpful” that I sub’d to your very informative channel. In all my research on African violets, I found that your channel has far exceeded what’s out there. I discovered your channel by chance. I was searching for crochet/knitting info and your channel was recommended in my feed; which I also enjoy. Looking forward to more of your 🧶 info as well.
I just discovered your channel while looking for wick watering tips. I LOVE this video! You did a GREAT job explaining everything I need to know about wick watering - and in several cases, "didn't know what I didn't know" and therefore didn't know I even needed to be concerned about. I have made it my mission to convert all of my nearly 100 plants to wick watering by end of summer, and I think you may have just saved my entire plant family. Thank you so much! I have clicked the Subscribe button, and I will be watching more of your videos to see what other tips you have. ~Karen :)
I just love your channel- straight forward simple instruction - my mother grew African violets easily - she is gone now - I struggle - but I subscribe & will follow you - thank you - your plants are beautiful
I brought 2” AV from Lyndon Lyon where the plant have blossom already. The leafs look healthy. Should I remove the flowers? Or just wait until they fade.
@@grayturtleviolets hi , I really enjoyed watching your video😀 its very helpful , just started but I just want to know where I can buy the tiny little white pot that you used for African violets?
@@annabellecortez8912 I usually get mine from my local African Violet club and Amazon. I've also seen them on Violet Barn, check it out: www.violetbarn.com/store/plastic-pots-fertilizer-etc.html
I love your videos! You are so thorough and pleasant to listen to. Do you have to use glass for your wicking reservoir or can you use a plastic Solo cup?
Go for it! Yarn works fine for me, I just rinse it periodically when washing wicking reservoirs, and then replace with the new one during repotting time. Happy growing!
Thank you so much again, your videos are so clear. Just the best 👏 I cannot get Promix in the UK. What should I look for in a potting mix please? Thank you again
Enjoyed so much your informative video. I do not have a grow light. My 6 African Violets are on a stand facing a southern window. I’ve had them more than 10 years. They need to be repotted as they have elongated. I saw that you put the newly repotted plant in plastic under a grow lamp. What do you suggest since I only have natural light from a southern window? Look forward to hearing from you.
Appreciate your feedback! As long as it’s indirect light and comfortable temperature, they should be fine using the same technic, just open them periodically to aerate the enclosed repotted plants to get rid of extra condensate.
I absolutely love watching your videos. They are so helpful and extremely informative. Apologies for being the "World's #1 Procrastinator." LOL I should have reached out to you for help two months ago. I'm gifting my first babies that I've grown as Christmas presents this year. I'm ashamed to admit that I have no care instruction to include. However, I have recommended that they watch some of your videos. I've searched your video archives and haven't been able to find any specifically for beginners. Do you happen to have one or better yet a few that my new AV care givers might find helpful? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much, Carol AKA: HUGE FAN Happy Holidays 🎄
Thank you, glad it’s been helpful! That’s a great topic for a new video, will add it to my future projects list. In the meantime, here is my African Violet Care playlist, with some helpful tips from my own growing experience: ruclips.net/p/PLUjJPrUsRFqKcOeRyKffoZGXpQcWoCJtP&si=32eFNkD7bTa_MgKx. Happy holidays!
@grayturtleviolets Thanks so much for responding so quickly. You have such a huge gorgeous collection. I don't know when you have time to sleep. I'll be sure to keep a 👀 out for it. Happy Holidays, Carol
Thank you for your videos they are very informative. I would like to ask when you mentioned putting your violets into a greenhouse what type of greenhouse are you referring to?
Thank you! Yes, most of my AVs are wick-watered, there is one vintage variety that I top water because it didn't seem to like growing on a wick. I top water the small plugs until they grow their roots to be strong enough to handle the wick watering method, e.g. the young starter plant shown in this video, and then switch them on to wicks, as well.
You say to thread the yarn from underneath and then lay the yarn the entire parameter of the pot? True? I’m going to convert all of my African violets. Thank you
I used to lay the yarn in a circle inside the pot when I just started experimenting with wick watering. I since have simplified the yarn placement for wicking: I just thread the yarn inside and out, across the bottom of the pot, like in this video: ruclips.net/video/u1YOsTJ5_sE/видео.html
Hello Gray Turtle, Thanks so much for your very prompt response. I am a total beginner here - in my attempt to grow African violets and a few streptocarpus plants. Am a senior citizen who (mistakenly!!) thought this would be a great hobby! Someone said in your comment section earlier today ...that they find your videos easy to understand. I think they also liked the idea that many of them were quite long, allowing you to delve in deeply to your chosen topic. I concur completely with this assessment. I have been trying to bottom water but it still seems difficult to decide when I should add more. Sometimes I attempt to decide this question by picking up the pots/ small trays and guessing how dry they are by the feel of the weight. Have read so many warnings about overwatering that I am hesitant to begin. Have also been trying to raise petunias from seed but that has been a failure. Not sure why. Some of them germinated but would just not "kick in" and begin to put on a little size. There are many factors that presumaly hold some influence in how your houseplants will succeed or fail. There is lots of conflicting info all over the internet too on any topic, but espeially so re: gardening! I have only been trying to grow these starter plants for about three or four weeks I guess. Surprisingly, I do believe they are starting to grow somewhat bigger! Yah! I really like your approach to growing dilemmas - more of a scientific, experimental approach. Have watched quite a number of your videos so far. Thank you for producing them. Best regards, David in Canada
You mentioned that you will put the new potted plant in a greenhouse. Is this a greenhouse with high humidity and no sunlight? We built a small greenhouse in our garage to winter my outside plants. Our nighttime temperatures are in the high 30’s to low 40’s right now here in Colorado. We placed an open crock pot of water on the floor. The humidity to our surprise can range from 64 degrees to 94 degrees! There is no sunshine on the plants. Would you recommend the greenhouse for young African Violets? I only have sunshine from a window facing south and no grow lights. My African Violets grow quite well in this location. Any suggestions would be welcomed. Thank you for your videos. They have been so informative and easy to follow.🪴
I use domed propagation trays as a sort of ‘mini greenhouses’ for my violets. I show them in this video, check it out: ruclips.net/video/32xrK05XdoA/видео.htmlsi=aZxrgG5yrr0RUqE7
Your videos are very informative, and your plants are beautiful! I wanted to ask where you bought your 3” plastic pots? I am having problems finding that size online.
Hello, I have been wondering if you have any videos on your channel that deal with watering African violets from the bottom. Thanks so much. David in eastern Canada.
Thank you for asking! I haven’t tried bottom watering. A while back, I tried mat watering, only to realize that I didn’t like the look of algae growing like crazy on the moist mats, so I’ve been wick watering ever since.
I followed your directions and the watering was going great. My violets were thriving. But after a few months the system stopped working well and the violets were sagging without additional water. Any idea why? Does it work less well when the violets get bigger?
There may be different things at play with wick watering, environmental including air humidity and temperature, potting mix quality, water quality, and algae growth rate in reservoirs. If algae is present and not rinsed off regularly, it can clog wicks stopping capillary action altogether. I found that in my growing conditions, I have to repot wick-watered plants every 6 months to ensure healthy growth. Check out my latest in this video: ruclips.net/video/YrzAJonzYE8/видео.htmlsi=5cfRyrIr7ZpoO0Lc
Hello! I have a question…I plan to propagate a few violet leaves and am wondering if this wicking method would keep the soil too moist? If it would work, would there still be a need to place them into a plastic bag, or an enclosed container, or would the humidity from the reservoir be enough? Thanks!
I’ve seen other growers propagate successfully using wick watering method. I think as long as you use 50-60% perlite in your mix, it could work. Here is the propagation method I use: ruclips.net/video/ICSIn8sPtCs/видео.html
@@grayturtleviolets Excellent! Thank you for your reply. I have been binge watching your channel for the last week and am learning a lot from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
I was them about once a month. I used to add peroxide to wicking liquid (water plus fertilizer) in the past, it didn’t make much difference, so I skip it now altogether.
Gray Turtle, hola! Muchas gracias por la enseñanza, espero poder lograrlo. Ya te platicaré. Dios te siga bendiciendo. Gracias por tu amabilidad. 🐢☺🐦🌸🐞🌼🌷😘🌼🌸🌷🐸🌵
I remove and discard the old wicks. Sometimes the roots get stuck in the yarn thread, so then I just cut them off. To avoid that, I started threading the wicks through the bottom of the pot, letting both ends hang down into the wicking liquid, instead of up and around the inside of the pot - this way less roots get damaged during the repotting process.
Decorative containers made of non-absorbent materials - glass, etc. - should work. In fact, it the container is not transparent, it will slow down the algae growth that sometimes happens in the clear containers because of light access to the wicking liquid. Appreciate your feedback!
What a great video, thank you so much. On the second shelf down, in the middle, that gorgeous purplish AV in the glass bowl. Could you share the name with that? And would you sell some starts?
Appreciate your feedback! It's a semi trailer, Rob's Gundaroo, by R. Robinson - one of my favorites. I should have an individual review of this variety on my channel, check it out for more info. Will be also featuring it in full bloom in the upcoming bloom updates video. I offer my extras on ebay (grayturtleviolets) from April through October, thank you for your interest!
I started wick watering my african violets and i noticed that some plants have roots sticking out of the containers. I noticed on your video the same thing. Do you clip them off or just leave them sticking out. Mine will touch the water soon. Thank you for your video
I just let the roots be - as long as they look healthy and keep growing. Because there is fertilizer in the wicking liquid, they receive the nutrients they need from it. If there are too many of them, I may re-pot the plant a size up. Happy to share!
So I made a gravel bed wicking system for my violets and now i find that the roots are growing out the bottom of the pots. They are all 4 inch pots so they're deep enough...or so I thought. Do you think this is going to cause a problem? I used jars before but got tired of cleaning the algae growth so thought I would try a gravel bed. Good humidity for the violets as I live in a dry climate.
Roots naturally follow the flow of moisture. I did the same thing but I used Leca as the base. My violets grew out of the bottom, just like yours. So I have swapped to wicking like in the above video method, so far seems to have stopped the roots growing out of the bottom of the pot. I pull my wick up to the centre of my pot and do a little loop around - I think this method tricks the violet to keep her roots up need the water source. Hope this helps :)
Love the gravel bed wicking idea! In the individual jars mine grow roots reaching outside of the pot into the wicking liquid quite often. I don't think it's a problem - they need to be repotted every 6 months to a year, so the roots will be tidied up during the repotting process.
Me encanta sus violetas africanas, he visto prácticamente todos los videos, vivo acá en Chile , me gustaría saber si usred hace venta de ejemplares para chile.
I am a small hobby grower, and I do not sell internationally. There is a commercial grower selling internationally that I could recommend, it is called Violet Barn, check them out! Thank you for your interest!
Two main ingredients are Pro-Mix BX and perlite, 1:1 ratio. I have a video on my channel, where I show how I made my first batch of potting mix, called "African Violet Potting Mix - Part II - PRO-MIX BX 1st Batch & Recipe" - check it out!
Rain water is great too, I believe it needs some additional CalMag, I’ve seen it recommended by AV expert growers. Gloves is a personal choice. Appreciate your feedback!
Congratulations!!! Love your plants and the way you’ ve explained how you do the wick water, will that be the same system for the Episcias ?. I’ve been trying to grow Episcias because it bring me back to my childhood years, to not luck... I’ve killed most of them... can you share the soil mixture you used for your Episcias, please🙏. I forgot to mentioned that I live in Northern California, to be more specific in the East Bay Area... so we’re not that far from each other. Do you sell and ship plants? Hope to hear from you. And thanks again for the b Beautiful video... Blessings!!!
Thank you, and greetings from SoCal! I wick water most of my episcias, growing in the same potting mix as my African Violets, a couple of them grow in terrariums, I show them in this video: ruclips.net/video/OD2RYUXCupI/видео.html. Here is the potting mix video, except I skip the Diatomaceous Earth, I noticed it solidifies the potting mix, which needs to stay airy for healthy root growth: ruclips.net/video/pLLcZOfIo-E/видео.html. I sell on eBay (grayturtleviolets) from April-October, when I have a surplus from my own collection propagations. Happy growing!
How big of an African Violet can you wick water? I have one in a 4" pot and needs to be put in a 6" pot. Is that too big for wick watering? Should I use 2 pieces of yarn for a larger pot?
I have used wick watering method with AVs of all sizes, and also with Streptocarpus and Episcias, some in 6” pots, mostly Episcias. 1 or 2 pieces of yarn will do, for 6” pots. Using 2 pieces of yarn, I’d probably add a layer of coarse perlite on the bottom, for extra drainage.
Hello Gray Turtle, I am wondering if you are familiar with the "CV Tray Toppers" as sold by "Christopher Violets". They are a commercial vendor of the "Aftican Violet Society of America". I have never seen a similar product anywhere else. Their info suggests that these trays could be used with wick watering, although I am not quite sure how that would be done. If you are able to comment on this product, it would be very much appreciated and useful. Thanks so much for your kind input. - David Whalen in eastern Canada.
I haven’t tried them myself, I stay away from communal wick watering to minimize the risk of passing down potential issues from one plant to another, otherwise I think it’s a great time saver!
@@grayturtleviolets Oh, I never thought about that aspect of possible spread of disease, but I am sure you are dead on about this. Do like the idea that this tray topper idea would hold all plants securely. Additionally, I think you are able to add a high dome on top if you like. I am bottom watering all of my plants but find it time consuming. The streps seem to "wilt" after only about three days, so they require more frequent watering compared to my African violets. Have been watching your video on watering by wick watering. So much to learn and try!! Thanks very much for your explanation re: my question to you. Appreciate it greatly.
@@davewhalen2735 Yep, I too have to refill reservoirs for my Streps more frequently, than African Violets, Streps are thirsty all the time, especially when in bloom! Happy to help!
2 weeks ago I transplanted 4 AV's into wick watering. They look great so far but are very heavy with water because they are constantly taking in water. I'm concerned about root rot because the plant is always so very wet (bottom of the pots are not in the water; they are about 1 1/2 inches above water) Are your plants OK staying very wet?
That’s the point of the wick watering method - to keep the potting mix consistently moist. The key here is to maintain the perlite to peat moss ratio at 50/50-40/60, depending on the humidity levels in the growing environment - the higher the air humidity, the higher ratio of perlite should be in the potting mix. Happy growing!
@@grayturtleviolets Great video-- thank you! If the plant has been watered from the top or bottom, does it need to be transitioned to wick watering or just repot it and start the wick watering. By the way, don't you just love the liquid sunshine here in Oregon? 😄
My African Violets didn't do well when I was adding vermiculite to my potting mix. Vermiculite is known to hold water, which makes the potting mix intended for wick watering too wet, putting the AV roots at rick of root rot. So, I just use ProMix BX and perlite. I know that vermiculite has some good nutrients for AVs, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, but I substitute by using a fertilizer containing the same nutrients instead.
Gray Turtle Currently I’m using your first recipe, for now due the cost of Promix, and my Violets are doing well. I’m following you and appreciate your help!
I don’t like vermiculite either, it seems to make the mix very heavy and African violets like light and well-draining mix. I think the problem is the vermiculite commonly sold is too fine texture. I prefer Black Gold AV potting mix that I mix extra perlite into
Since I moved my 3 African violets into a quick watering set up, the flower coasters only have one or two flowers instead of many, and they rarely flower. I have increased the sun, eastern window, Florida. What is wrong?
@@etanaf how frequently do you repot them? The wick watered plant need more frequent repotting than top watered, based on my experience: 6 months for standards, 3-4 months for miniatures.
@@grayturtleviolets thanks for suggestion. I repotted 6 months ago when I put them in the wick pots. They’ve really not bloomed or only 2 flowers on a stem. Previously I’d had many nice clusters 2-3x/year. I did buy 2 new orchids and though they were a weird showy variety that doesn’t produce many flowers… but watching your video, I’m going to let them dry and then water like I used to, unless I go away on vacation.
Some potting mixes contain mycorrhizae, or beneficial fungi, forming fuzzy stuff on the soil surface that looks like mold. Usually mycorrhizae works underneath the soil surface, around the roots, but sometimes it does expand above the ground, manifesting itself with the white fuzz. Do you know if your potting mix has any mycorrhizae contents? It should say so on the packaging...
I used to buy them at my local club before the pandemic, and now I get them from Violet Barn, check out my last unboxing video: ruclips.net/video/Fz87OPzpe6g/видео.html. I've also seen them available at Fancy Bloomers, under Pots and Supplies.
Just love watching your inspirational videos. I just need to clarify something-is the soil mixture for wicking different to the propagating soil for leaves i.e. leaf propagation has fertiliser added to the soil and plants ready for wicking have the fertiliser added to the wicker/n water? Rosy
Thank you! I use the same potting mix for wicking and leaf propagation, without fertilizer added to the soil, with two main ingredients: ProMix-BX and coarse perlite, at 50/50 ratio. Here is a direct link to my potting mix video: ruclips.net/video/pLLcZOfIo-E/видео.html. For fertilizing, I add fertilizer to the water I use for wick-watering and for watering the propagated leaves. Happy growing!
On this particular stand, I got the light fixtures from my club, and then replaced fluorescent light bulbs with LEDs. Check out my African Violets Setup - Stands and Lights video: ruclips.net/video/axTu2oq2Uy4/видео.html, for more info and product links.
I noticed over time, since I made this video, that algae kept growing in mine too, with the peroxide added in the wicking water, some more than others. So I stopped adding it altogether, and now I just wash the wicking containers periodically.
I've been observing my plants and noticed that some do better when wick-watered, than others. I am using 50-60% perlite in my mix, to keep it light and filled with air pockets, for healthy root growth. I also found using the ProMix-BX variety, that has a biofungicide component, helps prevent the root rot.
I say it again, I love the detail that you go into regarding your videos! I don’t have an AVS near me to learn from😔 I would have never thought to use acrylic yarn for wicks, and love the tip to wash the yarn with soap to remove factory chemicals! Thank you for your videos!!!
You are very welcome! Happy to share!
You are a wonderfully natural teacher. Methodical, explaining the reasoning behind all the steps. I will never forget what I learned here today. Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful! Appreciate your feedback!
Thank you so much for showing me how to set up the wick watering way. Most helpful. 🎉
@@betteneiman8033 Glad it’s been helpful! Happy growing!
Love the camera angle! I don't know how you can put the camera between you and what you're doing but that's great. We can see everything that you're doing! Love the visuals too, how you show everything (roots close ups!). Very good explanation for every step. Great video. Thank you for sharing!
Oh, I am so glad! Happy to share! Thank you so much!
The best teacher I have ever seen in the internet , thank you !
Thank you!🌸
Thank you for the step by step guidance and the plethora of experience you share! I love the new African soil mix from your precious tutorial. My African violets are thriving!! Thank you so very much!!❤️
You are very welcome, so glad to hear that! Happy growing!🌸🌸🌸
This was very “helpful” that I sub’d to your very informative channel. In all my research on African violets, I found that your channel has far exceeded what’s out there. I discovered your channel by chance. I was searching for crochet/knitting info and your channel was recommended in my feed; which I also enjoy. Looking forward to more of your 🧶 info as well.
Thank you for your feedback! I am glad you find it helpful.
I just discovered your channel while looking for wick watering tips. I LOVE this video! You did a GREAT job explaining everything I need to know about wick watering - and in several cases, "didn't know what I didn't know" and therefore didn't know I even needed to be concerned about. I have made it my mission to convert all of my nearly 100 plants to wick watering by end of summer, and I think you may have just saved my entire plant family. Thank you so much! I have clicked the Subscribe button, and I will be watching more of your videos to see what other tips you have. ~Karen :)
So glad you find it helpful! Wick watering has been a huge time saver for me. Happy growing!
thank you . great presentation very thorough .
Thank you for showing us how to re pot the violets. It was amazing. Thank you and have a great rest of your day.
You are very welcome! Happy to share!
Wow I just love ur collection! 😍
Thanks for explaining the importance in selecting pot sizes.
So glad you like them! Thank you for watching!
Děkuji za cenné rady pro pěstování kapských fialek.
My pleasure! Happy to share with fellow enthusiasts!
Wow this is so clever, im definitely gonna try it as soon as I can
Thank you! Happy growing!
This video was so helpful. I think I can start grow my own collection in Jamaica
Glad it was helpful! Happy growing!
Thank you so much for showing how to set up wick watering.
Glad it’s been helpful! Appreciate your feedback!
Very good tips and demonstrations.
Thanks so much! Glad you like it!
I just love your channel- straight forward simple instruction - my mother grew African violets easily - she is gone now - I struggle - but I subscribe & will follow you - thank you - your plants are beautiful
Thank you so much! I am learning, too - happy to share what I've learned so far. Happy growing!
I love how you take care your African violets. Thank you for the information.
You are very welcome! Happy to share!
Excellent video! I am new to growing African Violets and will be sure to employ your wick method! Thanks very much.
Glad it was helpful! Happy growing!
The Bubble garden looks stunning ❤
Thank you!
thanks for this video. please how long do you soak the yarn?
Overnight usually will do
I brought 2” AV from Lyndon Lyon where the plant have blossom already. The leafs look healthy. Should I remove the flowers? Or just wait until they fade.
I recommend removing blooms. Here is how I treat all incoming plants: ruclips.net/video/FR3srOXimVY/видео.html
A lovely video thank you and I'm going to try this method. You have such beautiful violets.
Thank you for your feedback! Happy growing!
Do you know what is the name of that plastic white pot that she's using?
@@grayturtleviolets hi , I really enjoyed watching your video😀 its very helpful , just started but I just want to know where I can buy the tiny little white pot that you used for African violets?
@@annabellecortez8912 I usually get mine from my local African Violet club and Amazon. I've also seen them on Violet Barn, check it out: www.violetbarn.com/store/plastic-pots-fertilizer-etc.html
14:55 thanks just what I needed to learn.
I love your videos! You are so thorough and pleasant to listen to. Do you have to use glass for your wicking reservoir or can you use a plastic Solo cup?
Thank you! I use both glass and plastic containers for wicking, both work well.
One of the best video! Thank you so much.
Glad you liked it! Thank you for watching!
I'm going to have to give yarn a try, I've been cutting up cheap automotive rags.
Go for it! Yarn works fine for me, I just rinse it periodically when washing wicking reservoirs, and then replace with the new one during repotting time. Happy growing!
Thank you so much again, your videos are so clear. Just the best 👏 I cannot get Promix in the UK. What should I look for in a potting mix please? Thank you again
Look for sphagnum peat moss. Check out this video, for more info: ruclips.net/video/dPxgaDSS_Z4/видео.html
@@grayturtleviolets thank you so much again x
Breathtakingly, Beautiful
Thank you!🌸
Enjoyed so much your informative video. I do not have a grow light. My 6 African Violets are on a stand facing a southern window. I’ve had them more than 10 years. They need to be repotted as they have elongated. I saw that you put the newly repotted plant in plastic under a grow lamp. What do you suggest since I only have natural light from a southern window? Look forward to hearing from you.
Appreciate your feedback! As long as it’s indirect light and comfortable temperature, they should be fine using the same technic, just open them periodically to aerate the enclosed repotted plants to get rid of extra condensate.
Thank you for answering so quickly. How long do I keep them covered in plastic? All the plants that I have are 8 and/or 10 years old. Thank you.
@@deltalady52 I usually keep mine covered 3-4 weeks, for the new roots to start growing. Happy growing!
Thank you again for a quick response. You probably said it in the video and I missed it. That definitely helps to know 3-4 weeks.
Thank you💕⚜️
Very well explained.. thanks for sharing your expertise..👍
Happy to share! Thank you for watching!
I absolutely love watching your videos. They are so helpful and extremely informative.
Apologies for being the "World's #1 Procrastinator." LOL
I should have reached out to you for help two months ago.
I'm gifting my first babies that I've grown as Christmas presents this year. I'm ashamed to admit that I have no care instruction to include. However, I have recommended that they watch some of your videos. I've searched your video archives and haven't been able to find any specifically for beginners. Do you happen to have one or better yet a few that my new AV care givers might find helpful?
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Carol
AKA: HUGE FAN
Happy Holidays 🎄
Thank you, glad it’s been helpful! That’s a great topic for a new video, will add it to my future projects list. In the meantime, here is my African Violet Care playlist, with some helpful tips from my own growing experience: ruclips.net/p/PLUjJPrUsRFqKcOeRyKffoZGXpQcWoCJtP&si=32eFNkD7bTa_MgKx. Happy holidays!
@grayturtleviolets Thanks so much for responding so quickly. You have such a huge gorgeous collection. I don't know when you have time to sleep. I'll be sure to keep a 👀 out for it.
Happy Holidays,
Carol
Thank you for your videos they are very informative.
I would like to ask when you mentioned putting your violets into a greenhouse what type of greenhouse are you referring to?
Thank you, appreciate your feedback! Check out this video for more info on greenhouses for African Violets: ruclips.net/video/32xrK05XdoA/видео.html
Your video was very informative
Thank you so much!!
Happy to share! Thank you for watching!
Great video! Do u wick water all your AVs? ( I have few plug avs so should a wick water these too?)
Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you! Yes, most of my AVs are wick-watered, there is one vintage variety that I top water because it didn't seem to like growing on a wick. I top water the small plugs until they grow their roots to be strong enough to handle the wick watering method, e.g. the young starter plant shown in this video, and then switch them on to wicks, as well.
You say to thread the yarn from underneath and then lay the yarn the entire parameter of the pot? True? I’m going to convert all of my African violets. Thank you
I used to lay the yarn in a circle inside the pot when I just started experimenting with wick watering. I since have simplified the yarn placement for wicking: I just thread the yarn inside and out, across the bottom of the pot, like in this video: ruclips.net/video/u1YOsTJ5_sE/видео.html
@@grayturtleviolets I just saw that in another video. I am about to watch your video on what to do with newly purchased plants. Thank you.
Hello Gray Turtle,
Thanks so much for your very prompt response. I am a total beginner here - in my attempt to grow African violets and a few streptocarpus plants. Am a senior citizen who (mistakenly!!) thought this would be a great hobby!
Someone said in your comment section earlier today ...that they find your videos easy to understand. I think they also liked the idea that many of them were quite long, allowing you to delve in deeply to your chosen topic. I concur completely with this assessment.
I have been trying to bottom water but it still seems difficult to decide when I should add more. Sometimes I attempt to decide this question by picking up the pots/ small trays and guessing how dry they are by the feel of the weight. Have read so many warnings about overwatering that I am hesitant to begin.
Have also been trying to raise petunias from seed but that has been a failure. Not sure why. Some of them germinated but would just not "kick in" and begin to put on a little size.
There are many factors that presumaly hold some influence in how your houseplants will succeed or fail. There is lots of conflicting info all over the internet too on any topic, but espeially so re: gardening! I have only been trying to grow these starter plants for about three or four weeks I guess. Surprisingly, I do believe they are starting to grow somewhat bigger! Yah!
I really like your approach to growing dilemmas - more of a scientific, experimental approach. Have watched quite a number of your videos so far. Thank you for producing them.
Best regards,
David in Canada
Appreciate your feedback, thank you for sharing! Glad it’s been helpful! Happy growing!
You mentioned that you will put the new potted plant in a greenhouse. Is this a greenhouse with high humidity and no sunlight? We built a small greenhouse in our garage to winter my outside plants. Our nighttime temperatures are in the high 30’s to low 40’s right now here in Colorado. We placed an open crock pot of water on the floor. The humidity to our surprise can range from 64 degrees to 94 degrees! There is no sunshine on the plants. Would you recommend the greenhouse for young African Violets?
I only have sunshine from a window facing south and no grow lights. My African Violets grow quite well in this location. Any suggestions would be welcomed. Thank you for your videos. They have been so informative and easy to follow.🪴
I use domed propagation trays as a sort of ‘mini greenhouses’ for my violets. I show them in this video, check it out: ruclips.net/video/32xrK05XdoA/видео.htmlsi=aZxrgG5yrr0RUqE7
Thanks for this informative video!
Thank you for watching! Glad it was helpful!
What is the best yarn to use? I am trying 8ply acrylic or nylon knitting yarn.
@@WhipGirl25 I am using 4-ply acrylic knitting yarn for standards, and split it in half for miniatures.
Thank you for sharing ❤
Your videos are very informative, and your plants are beautiful! I wanted to ask where you bought your 3” plastic pots? I am having problems finding that size online.
Appreciate your feedback! Check out Supplies section on Violet Barn website, that’s where I got mine from.
Hello, I have been wondering if you have any videos on your channel that deal with watering African violets from the bottom. Thanks so much. David in eastern Canada.
Thank you for asking! I haven’t tried bottom watering. A while back, I tried mat watering, only to realize that I didn’t like the look of algae growing like crazy on the moist mats, so I’ve been wick watering ever since.
I followed your directions and the watering was going great. My violets were thriving. But after a few months the system stopped working well and the violets were sagging without additional water. Any idea why? Does it work less well when the violets get bigger?
There may be different things at play with wick watering, environmental including air humidity and temperature, potting mix quality, water quality, and algae growth rate in reservoirs. If algae is present and not rinsed off regularly, it can clog wicks stopping capillary action altogether. I found that in my growing conditions, I have to repot wick-watered plants every 6 months to ensure healthy growth. Check out my latest in this video: ruclips.net/video/YrzAJonzYE8/видео.htmlsi=5cfRyrIr7ZpoO0Lc
Hello! I have a question…I plan to propagate a few violet leaves and am wondering if this wicking method would keep the soil too moist? If it would work, would there still be a need to place them into a plastic bag, or an enclosed container, or would the humidity from the reservoir be enough? Thanks!
I’ve seen other growers propagate successfully using wick watering method. I think as long as you use 50-60% perlite in your mix, it could work. Here is the propagation method I use: ruclips.net/video/ICSIn8sPtCs/видео.html
@@grayturtleviolets Excellent! Thank you for your reply. I have been binge watching your channel for the last week and am learning a lot from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
@@JoAnneMOwens Happy to share! There is always so much to learn! Appreciate your feedback!
Do you ever wash out your reservoirs? Do you leave peroxide in the reservoir? Thank you!
I was them about once a month. I used to add peroxide to wicking liquid (water plus fertilizer) in the past, it didn’t make much difference, so I skip it now altogether.
@@grayturtleviolets thanks
Thanks a million.
Great video, thank you so much!
Thank you! Glad it was helpful!
Gray Turtle, hola!
Muchas gracias por la enseñanza, espero poder lograrlo. Ya te platicaré.
Dios te siga bendiciendo.
Gracias por tu amabilidad. 🐢☺🐦🌸🐞🌼🌷😘🌼🌸🌷🐸🌵
It is my pleasure! Happy to share!
Very nice. How often you change the water ….?
About twice a month in cool season, and once a week during summer.
Thank you for another very instructive video.
Glad you found it helpful! Thank you for watching!
Do you pull out the old wick from a plant when repotting? Any tips on doing this without damaging the roots.
I remove and discard the old wicks. Sometimes the roots get stuck in the yarn thread, so then I just cut them off. To avoid that, I started threading the wicks through the bottom of the pot, letting both ends hang down into the wicking liquid, instead of up and around the inside of the pot - this way less roots get damaged during the repotting process.
Great info 😊
Thank you!
Enjoyed your video. Can you use a decorative containers for wicking or must you use clear containers?
Decorative containers made of non-absorbent materials - glass, etc. - should work. In fact, it the container is not transparent, it will slow down the algae growth that sometimes happens in the clear containers because of light access to the wicking liquid. Appreciate your feedback!
What a great video, thank you so much. On the second shelf down, in the middle, that gorgeous purplish AV in the glass bowl. Could you share the name with that? And would you sell some starts?
Appreciate your feedback! It's a semi trailer, Rob's Gundaroo, by R. Robinson - one of my favorites. I should have an individual review of this variety on my channel, check it out for more info. Will be also featuring it in full bloom in the upcoming bloom updates video. I offer my extras on ebay (grayturtleviolets) from April through October, thank you for your interest!
I started wick watering my african violets and i noticed that some plants have roots sticking out of the containers. I noticed on your video the same thing. Do you clip them off or just leave them sticking out. Mine will touch the water soon. Thank you for your video
I just let the roots be - as long as they look healthy and keep growing. Because there is fertilizer in the wicking liquid, they receive the nutrients they need from it. If there are too many of them, I may re-pot the plant a size up. Happy to share!
So I made a gravel bed wicking system for my violets and now i find that the roots are growing out the bottom of the pots. They are all 4 inch pots so they're deep enough...or so I thought. Do you think this is going to cause a problem? I used jars before but got tired of cleaning the algae growth so thought I would try a gravel bed. Good humidity for the violets as I live in a dry climate.
Roots naturally follow the flow of moisture. I did the same thing but I used Leca as the base. My violets grew out of the bottom, just like yours. So I have swapped to wicking like in the above video method, so far seems to have stopped the roots growing out of the bottom of the pot. I pull my wick up to the centre of my pot and do a little loop around - I think this method tricks the violet to keep her roots up need the water source. Hope this helps :)
Thanks. Still don't think ill go back to the separate jars.
Love the gravel bed wicking idea! In the individual jars mine grow roots reaching outside of the pot into the wicking liquid quite often. I don't think it's a problem - they need to be repotted every 6 months to a year, so the roots will be tidied up during the repotting process.
Me encanta sus violetas africanas, he visto prácticamente todos los videos, vivo acá en Chile , me gustaría saber si usred hace venta de ejemplares para chile.
I am a small hobby grower, and I do not sell internationally. There is a commercial grower selling internationally that I could recommend, it is called Violet Barn, check them out! Thank you for your interest!
Hola muy linda noche , muy interesante video , que sustrato utiliza?
Two main ingredients are Pro-Mix BX and perlite, 1:1 ratio. I have a video on my channel, where I show how I made my first batch of potting mix, called "African Violet Potting Mix - Part II - PRO-MIX BX 1st Batch & Recipe" - check it out!
Very informative, thank you. Wouldn't rain water be a bettet choice ? And shouldn't you wear gloves so that the roots don't get oil from your skin?
Rain water is great too, I believe it needs some additional CalMag, I’ve seen it recommended by AV expert growers. Gloves is a personal choice. Appreciate your feedback!
Hello! I am new to growing African violets. I would like to know where you get the 2- and 3-inch round white pots.
Welcome to the hobby! I get mine from Violet Barn, under Supplies: www.violetbarn.com/plastic-pots-fertilizer-etc.html
hi i have a question! how do you fertilize your african violets since you use the water wicking system?
Currently I use 1/8 tsp Jack’s Classic 20-20-20 per gallon of water. Great question!
Congratulations!!! Love your plants and the way you’ ve explained how you do the wick water, will that be the same system for the Episcias ?. I’ve been trying to grow Episcias because it bring me back to my childhood years, to not luck... I’ve killed most of them... can you share the soil mixture you used for your Episcias, please🙏. I forgot to mentioned that I live in Northern California, to be more specific in the East Bay Area... so we’re not that far from each other. Do you sell and ship plants?
Hope to hear from you. And thanks again for the b Beautiful video... Blessings!!!
Thank you, and greetings from SoCal! I wick water most of my episcias, growing in the same potting mix as my African Violets, a couple of them grow in terrariums, I show them in this video: ruclips.net/video/OD2RYUXCupI/видео.html. Here is the potting mix video, except I skip the Diatomaceous Earth, I noticed it solidifies the potting mix, which needs to stay airy for healthy root growth: ruclips.net/video/pLLcZOfIo-E/видео.html. I sell on eBay (grayturtleviolets) from April-October, when I have a surplus from my own collection propagations. Happy growing!
@@grayturtleviolets Thank you so much. I’ll watch the videos you’ve recommended. Blessings 🙏❤️
How big of an African Violet can you wick water? I have one in a 4" pot and needs to be put in a 6" pot. Is that too big for wick watering? Should I use 2 pieces of yarn for a larger pot?
I have used wick watering method with AVs of all sizes, and also with Streptocarpus and Episcias, some in 6” pots, mostly Episcias. 1 or 2 pieces of yarn will do, for 6” pots. Using 2 pieces of yarn, I’d probably add a layer of coarse perlite on the bottom, for extra drainage.
Hello Gray Turtle, I am wondering if you are familiar with the "CV Tray Toppers" as sold by "Christopher Violets". They are a commercial vendor of the "Aftican Violet Society of America". I have never seen a similar product anywhere else. Their info suggests that these trays could be used with wick watering, although I am not quite sure how that would be done. If you are able to comment on this product, it would be very much appreciated and useful. Thanks so much for your kind input. - David Whalen in eastern Canada.
I haven’t tried them myself, I stay away from communal wick watering to minimize the risk of passing down potential issues from one plant to another, otherwise I think it’s a great time saver!
@@grayturtleviolets Oh, I never thought about that aspect of possible spread of disease, but I am sure you are dead on about this. Do like the idea that this tray topper idea would hold all plants securely. Additionally, I think you are able to add a high dome on top if you like. I am bottom watering all of my plants but find it time consuming. The streps seem to "wilt" after only about three days, so they require more frequent watering compared to my African violets.
Have been watching your video on watering by wick watering. So much to learn and try!!
Thanks very much for your explanation re: my question to you. Appreciate it greatly.
@@davewhalen2735 Yep, I too have to refill reservoirs for my Streps more frequently, than African Violets, Streps are thirsty all the time, especially when in bloom! Happy to help!
Do you keep them constantly in the water ?
Yes, I always watch the water level to make sure the capillary action is maintained, to supply moisture to the potting mix.
@@grayturtleviolets thanks! Also is there a downside to using water with chlorine ? Will it harm the gesneriads?
@@sedumzz3289 Excess chlorine accumulating in leaf tissue is harmful to all plants, here is a good read: extension.umd.edu/resource/chlorine-toxicity
2 weeks ago I transplanted 4 AV's into wick watering. They look great so far but are very heavy with water because they are constantly taking in water. I'm concerned about root rot because the plant is always so very wet (bottom of the pots are not in the water; they are about 1 1/2 inches above water) Are your plants OK staying very wet?
That’s the point of the wick watering method - to keep the potting mix consistently moist. The key here is to maintain the perlite to peat moss ratio at 50/50-40/60, depending on the humidity levels in the growing environment - the higher the air humidity, the higher ratio of perlite should be in the potting mix. Happy growing!
@@grayturtleviolets Great video-- thank you!
If the plant has been watered from the top or bottom, does it need to be transitioned to wick watering or just repot it and start the wick watering.
By the way, don't you just love the liquid sunshine here in Oregon? 😄
I just repot mine to wick watering, no need to transition. Love the Oregon weather, it's perfect for African Violets! :)
Question: If I’m wick watering my Violets, do you recommend vermiculite?
My African Violets didn't do well when I was adding vermiculite to my potting mix. Vermiculite is known to hold water, which makes the potting mix intended for wick watering too wet, putting the AV roots at rick of root rot. So, I just use ProMix BX and perlite. I know that vermiculite has some good nutrients for AVs, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, but I substitute by using a fertilizer containing the same nutrients instead.
Gray Turtle Currently I’m using your first recipe, for now due the cost of Promix, and my Violets are doing well. I’m following you and appreciate your help!
I don’t like vermiculite either, it seems to make the mix very heavy and African violets like light and well-draining mix. I think the problem is the vermiculite commonly sold is too fine texture. I prefer Black Gold AV potting mix that I mix extra perlite into
Since I moved my 3 African violets into a quick watering set up, the flower coasters only have one or two flowers instead of many, and they rarely flower. I have increased the sun, eastern window, Florida. What is wrong?
@@etanaf how frequently do you repot them? The wick watered plant need more frequent repotting than top watered, based on my experience: 6 months for standards, 3-4 months for miniatures.
@@grayturtleviolets thanks for suggestion. I repotted 6 months ago when I put them in the wick pots. They’ve really not bloomed or only 2 flowers on a stem. Previously I’d had many nice clusters 2-3x/year. I did buy 2 new orchids and though they were a weird showy variety that doesn’t produce many flowers… but watching your video, I’m going to let them dry and then water like I used to, unless I go away on vacation.
@@etanaf 6 months might be a good time to repot, fresh potting mix might help with blooming. Happy growing!
A copper penny before 1982 or copper wire cut into 1" pieces into the bottom of the pots prevents algae growth.
Wow, that's amazing! Got to try it, thank you for sharing!
@@grayturtleviolets You're welcome!
One African violet I have has developed mold on the soil surface with wick watering. Any thoughts ?
Some potting mixes contain mycorrhizae, or beneficial fungi, forming fuzzy stuff on the soil surface that looks like mold. Usually mycorrhizae works underneath the soil surface, around the roots, but sometimes it does expand above the ground, manifesting itself with the white fuzz. Do you know if your potting mix has any mycorrhizae contents? It should say so on the packaging...
Where do you get the round plastic pots?
I used to buy them at my local club before the pandemic, and now I get them from Violet Barn, check out my last unboxing video: ruclips.net/video/Fz87OPzpe6g/видео.html. I've also seen them available at Fancy Bloomers, under Pots and Supplies.
Just love watching your inspirational videos. I just need to clarify something-is the soil mixture for wicking different to the propagating soil for leaves i.e. leaf propagation has fertiliser added to the soil and plants ready for wicking have the fertiliser added to the wicker/n water?
Rosy
Thank you! I use the same potting mix for wicking and leaf propagation, without fertilizer added to the soil, with two main ingredients: ProMix-BX and coarse perlite, at 50/50 ratio. Here is a direct link to my potting mix video: ruclips.net/video/pLLcZOfIo-E/видео.html. For fertilizing, I add fertilizer to the water I use for wick-watering and for watering the propagated leaves. Happy growing!
Where did you get your lights from
On this particular stand, I got the light fixtures from my club, and then replaced fluorescent light bulbs with LEDs. Check out my African Violets Setup - Stands and Lights video: ruclips.net/video/axTu2oq2Uy4/видео.html, for more info and product links.
Очень круто спасибо большое.
Спасибо большое, мне очень приятно!
❤
I have tried that ratio of peroxide and it does nothing for algea in my plants.. going back to try Physan 🙄
I noticed over time, since I made this video, that algae kept growing in mine too, with the peroxide added in the wicking water, some more than others. So I stopped adding it altogether, and now I just wash the wicking containers periodically.
Muy bellas☺🇲🇽👏👏👏👌🖒
Thank you!
I found out that some violets do not like too much water. One of my violet died of root rot.😭
I've been observing my plants and noticed that some do better when wick-watered, than others. I am using 50-60% perlite in my mix, to keep it light and filled with air pockets, for healthy root growth. I also found using the ProMix-BX variety, that has a biofungicide component, helps prevent the root rot.
🤩🤩💜
Very helpful, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
That is so nice.Thank you.❤