Need input on what to buy!

5 years ago

I have tried AVs a few times in the past. The last couple of times I had no luck. They kept dying. So. . . I am going to try once again. Are variegated leaved varieties really harder to grow? I am partial to them. I am looking for standard or semi-mini. I will go with non-variegated if I have to. What varieties are the easiest to grow in your experience? TIA!

Featured Answer

party_music50

5 years ago

For starting out, I think you can’t go wrong with Optimaras or whatever you can pick up cheaply at a local store. I do think variegated AVs are tougher to make / keep happy. They’re also not as readily available for sale.

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Comments (8)

Randi Holbrook
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you. I can't find any at my local stores (I'm out in the middle of the high desert, lol) so I'll look at Optimaras online. Thanks again!
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aegis1000
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I find that variegated AV's are not any harder to grow than non-variegated AV's.

Private Dancer is variegated ... and fairly easy to grow ...

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/3377400/private-dancer-september-2015#n=5

I've also had good success with Suncoast Lavender Silk ...

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6095040/suncoast-lavender-silk-march-2021#n=4

These are, typically, both available as "BUY NOW" items from eBay seller P.J.'s Violets.

Another beautiful variegated AV is available from Selective Gardener online, ... Optimara Modesty. This plant is a bit trickier, as it seems more sensitive about watering, ... but it is a beauty ...

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/3331660/optimara-modesty-optimara-s-foliage-wonder#n=24
Randi Holbrook thanked aegis1000
aegis1000
5 years ago
As to how to keep your AV's alive and blooming ...

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/4287150/mysensation-at-local-lowes#n=20
Randi Holbrook thanked aegis1000
aegis1000
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Quick tips ...

Don't overwater ... only water when plant is close to dry ... and don't let the soil get soaked. Make sure that the pots used have drainage holes ... and that you let excess water drain out. Plastic is easiest.

Give the plants adequate light to bloom (sun, fluorescents, LED's ... no incandescents).

Guard against AV pests. Don't put your plants outside. Keep other plants (even new AV's) away from them until you're sure they have no pest issues (a couple months or so).

After a couple months or so, begin to use an AV fertilizer (at about half-dosage) when you water.

For repotting, ... use an AV or Houseplant potting mix with about as much Perlite mixed in.

Don't overpot ... pots should be 1/3 the diameter of the plant's leaf spread.

This should get you most of the way there ...
Randi Holbrook thanked aegis1000
Randi Holbrook
Original Author
5 years ago
Great suggestions and advice! I'm on my way to look at them! Thank you again so much!
Rosie1949
5 years ago
Aegis I was gonna jump in but you said it all ! Randi Holbrook, I would add this,,,, read a lot of the back postings and threads in this forum for additional opinions and information. You will gain valuable insight. Rosie
Randi Holbrook thanked Rosie1949
Randi Holbrook
Original Author
5 years ago
What does everyone think of Mac's Scorching Sun? The colors are so gorgeous, but I'm getting mixed reviews on it. Seems people either love it or hate it.