On a similar note, in older threads, Fred mentioned he had some AV plant care sheets - does anyone still have those files to share?
Thanks.

Karin,

Speaking as a Horticulturist, I am fascinated by this obsession with leaf removal on African Violets. Everyone is always talking about 'stripping leaves'. Plants grow leaves because they need them. There is a balance between root growth and top growth. They must remain in balance for a plant to grow well. Yellowed leaves need removing as they are past their functioning days and, when trying to grow for show, a leaf here and there can be removed for symmetry's sake. But removing rows of leaves is counter-productive to a plant's growth.

I realize violet growers do this all the time but it goes against everything Horticulture science teaches and all that I have learned in my years as a professional. I have been growing violets for many, many years and I never do this.

The 'any leaf is better than none' as in 'a damaged leaf is better than none' is when a plant is struggling to survive. Then a plant needs all available resources to help it live. On a plant that is healthy, damaged leaves should be removed.

Linda

Thanks Linda,

i assume that's why i was struggling with the concept of removing entire rows of leaves...

i may try it with one or two doubles just to see if it makes that much of a difference... if not, or they decline, at least i am freeing up some space for named varieties :-)

Karin

The theory was that the plant can reserve it's energy by removing the bottom leaves that are shielded from light and thus non-productive. But in Annie's case she trimmed the whole plant down to half of it's original size which I think is more extreme. You can see this at about the one hour mark in episode 75.

Thanks, but the episodes don't load that far for me (I'll have to try a different PC sometime).
Removing a bottom row is one thing, but stripping down a plant seems excessive unless you are looking to just reroot part of the crown of a new purchase...
(Heck, it still pains me to remove all flower stalks and buds, chopping off the crown entirely, not quite there yet...)

Maybe try a different browser. I read library books on-line and I had a problem with all the pages loading. My techie son-in-law suggested I switch browsers. It worked!

Linda

A local public library would have PCs. Bring headphones. Joanne

i only have about 5 computers of my own... but no desk as of yet (looong story), so i've been using the laptop.
when i am finally set up, i will try a few different things....

Joanne,

I don't read them at the library, I read them at home. In Ohio, we have a library program in which you can get books on your computer and read them at home. Like a Kindle, I guess, without the Kindle. So I read them at night all snug in my bed without having to trek through snow, ice and cold to get my books!

Linda

Hi Linda,
I meant if Karin's PC at home would not go past 23 minutes of a longer podcast, then she could go to the library to listen to it there because libraries usually have PCs.

As for your library program, I have heard of that. Possibly, it is available from my local library. thanks for mentioning it.

On an older thread, I saw mention of books by Mel Robey that are often found in local libraries. I will try to look for those.

Joanne

Sorry! I misunderstood.

I love this library program. If I finish a book and don't have another handy, I can get one immediately. Instant gratification! (Unlike plants).

Linda

I love my online library! The selection isn't always great, but it's so easy. And no late fees :-) (my library uses the system from overdrive.com - you can search there to see if your library participates too).
I usually get audio books though, so I have entertainment whilst I putter around the house...

Karin

Here is a link that might be useful: Overdrive online library system

Karin, Linda,
Stopped by my local library today, learned they do have the electronic system you described. I also searched on their intranet for books on African Violets. They have lists for local libraries as well as with a service called "Link" that searches academic libraries. I've requested African Violets by Joan Hill from a local library. Next, I will request Clements' and Robey's books from the "Link" service. They said that one is more expensive for them to use.
Thanks for the tip
Joanne

Joanne,

I'm glad you found your library has this service. As Karin said about hers, our library is not extensive as yet but maybe I can find some AV books on-line. Let me know if you have any success.

Karin,

I've tried the audio books and it just doesn't work for me. I get too distracted very easily! It would be nice, though, as there are lots more audio books then regular ones.

Linda