some of these topics are addressed on the

frequently ASKED questions

link found above.

Yes, do take the time to read all the info in the FAQ link up top - good stuff there. But to answer your questions briefly this is what I do and what works for me (YMMV):

1. No they don't and I wouldn't recommend using clay pots, glazed or unglazed, cold or not. Tried that years ago, switched over to plastic pots and the violets were so much happier. Plastic is what most growers use. You can always put a plastic pot inside another fancy pot if that's the look you want.

2. I wait until the babies' leaves are at least quarter sized before I separate and they go into tiny pots - empty Keurig cups or solo cups. After that repotting depends on growth. Try to keep your pot size one third the diameter of the plant overall, and re-pot regularly - at least once a year (some do every 6 months.)

3. I like to let a baby plant bloom as soon as it wants to so that I can check that it came true to variety thereby not wasting any time on off plants, growing them on for months only to find they're not what I expected (this is esp. true for varieties with fantasy.) I generally don't disbud at all - but I'm not a show grower, nor am I interested in growing as large a plant as I can. Smaller is actually better for my space. But yes, disbudding puts more energy into the plant/roots - if you can stand to do it. ;-)

4. East windows are best, but south can work - usually you'll need a sheer curtain there between that southern exposure and the violets at different times of the year. I wouldn't worry about "acclimating" them for such a move, but I would keep an eye on them for signs there is too much or too little light. Oh, and be sure to turn them frequently for even growth.

5. I grow most of my AV's under florescent lights which are on a total of 10 hours. That works well for me. Anywhere in the 10 to 12 hour range might be right for you depending on the strength of your lights, the distance from the plants, etc. Sometimes you just have to pay attention and adjust as necessary.

6. Rooting hormone is not necessary when starting AV leaves - I never use it and I have pretty good success. Rooting hormone is never necessary at all when just re-potting. And even if you re-start the crown of the plant by cutting it off, simply keeping it in damp soil inside a closed baggie or other clear container for a couple weeks will get it rooting just fine, no chemical assistance required.

Finally, read as many posts on these pages as you have time for. You can go back in time a long ways and there is lots of information here, lots of gems to note. Read, read, read - that's my best advice. Ask a question if you can't find it anywhere here already answered, of course, but do your homework, too! ;-)

Best of luck with your grandmother's plants,

Anne

Anne, you said it in a nutshell!!!! Rosie