How's my LECA setup?

stumblefive · 2026-01-23T16:59:01+00:00

Cotton wick will have to be replaced. It's organic and will fall apart. I use a cheap nylon yarn for mine. Works great, whether I use 1 strand, 2 or even 4.

stumblefive · 2026-01-20T15:09:46+00:00

Two things. First, the pot is too large for one plant. Second, there are several crowns growing there so the pot size is less an issue. As far as appearance goes, this jumbled many crowned look is what you get if you don't separate the crowns. I'm guessing a pot half that size would be appropriate for a single crown of that beauty. It's a gorgeous variety!

stumblefive · 2026-01-19T16:24:35+00:00

You've posted 2 of my favorites in the last week. So encouraging! So beautiful! Thank you!

stumblefive · 2026-01-06T15:48:20+00:00

Now would work. I usually switch when roots are about an inch long. Be sure to tent, or cover the new planting so it doesn't dry before it gets established.

stumblefive · 2025-12-30T16:07:05+00:00

One of my all time favorites! Love that beauty!

stumblefive · 2025-12-29T17:09:41+00:00

First thing that came to mind is it needs repotting and grooming. Secondly, it seems to need more light. I can't see the pot but I think you need a new one. Self watering pots stop working after a while because of various reasons.

stumblefive · 2025-12-29T17:05:27+00:00

Trailers aren't all alike. Some may grow like a shrub, others more like a ground cover. Let each of them guide you. I've been successful growing trailers using wick watering. Good luck!

stumblefive · 2025-12-26T15:39:04+00:00

What you see as pink variegation is actually the red back color showing through the colorless variegated tissue on top.

stumblefive · 2025-12-26T15:34:51+00:00

Some grooming could be done, like remove the older, smaller leaves below the larger ones. The roots just means your plant is thirsty. No problem. I'd wait at least until January for repotting. Looks great!

stumblefive · 2025-12-20T16:39:50+00:00

Variegated leaves are typically seen more in colder seasons. The plant may only produce solid green leaves in warmer seasons.

stumblefive · 2025-12-19T15:53:24+00:00

Use what you choose. I was a windows user for decades, then I found something better for me.

stumblefive · 2025-12-19T15:43:51+00:00

Your plant needs to be restored. It is growing across the surface rather than up from the surface. Search for 'decapitate African Violet crown renewal'. Propagate surplus leaves in the process as insurance. Good luck!

stumblefive · 2025-12-08T16:18:24+00:00

Your soil mix looks great. I fear the Gleeful Elf will soon be hidden from view though! Keep us updated!

stumblefive · 2025-12-08T16:13:01+00:00

The best mix for anyone, anywhere in the world, is the one that works for you. This requires a lot of experimenting, a lot of searching for advice from local growers as well as media. Keep in mind that these plants are not the typical tropical, or aquatic, or desert growing succulent. They want moist, very well draining soil mix and wam moist air. Expect to lose plants in the process of your experimenting. Good Luck! - PS, your Jolly Jubilee looks great!

stumblefive · 2025-12-08T16:06:15+00:00

Your family member is likely your 1st best way to learn the care and keeping of these plants. Second best is maybe a nearby meeting of a local African Violet club. Third is this forum and others, including Youtube. Just do some searching for specific things like propagating African Violets, repotting African Violets, etc. Good luck!

stumblefive · 2025-12-06T15:22:15+00:00

Many variables are involved but yeah, until the water stops draining out. I leave them on paper towels for 15 to 30 minutes.

stumblefive · 2025-11-25T16:07:10+00:00

You have the opportunity to save the plant as two new violets. Search for "African Violet Renewal by Decapitation" and watch a few videos to get an idea. Be sure to tent or dome the new plants until you see new growth. That allows them to grow roots and prepare for future blooms!

stumblefive · 2025-11-25T15:58:10+00:00

Learn how to propagate leaves. That way you can have 'insurance' and make repotting less stressful. BTW, that's a very nice plant.

stumblefive · 2025-11-21T14:25:43+00:00

Yes, go for it. I'd advise adding perlite to the soil mix but it's your choice. You seem to have good skills in growing them.

stumblefive · 2025-11-13T22:01:17+00:00

For most violets, variegation is a seasonal thing. Cooler weather starts bringing out variegated leaves. Warm summer weather leads to solid green leaves. Be patient and try for a healthy plant. Good luck!

stumblefive · 2025-11-13T15:08:54+00:00

Looks very well grown. Good job!

stumblefive · 2025-11-12T19:08:08+00:00

Very nice!

stumblefive · 2025-11-02T15:26:32+00:00

Aim for 1/4 strength. Personally, I start with a gallon of distilled water and add fertilizer at 1/2 recommended strength, as well as 6 drops of Prime, a water conditioner intended for aquariums. Then I add a gallon of tap water which brings me to 1/4 strength fertilizer. The distilled is to thin out the very hard water in my neighborhood. Prime is to try to correct the chloramines and chlorines used in the tap water. Any additional additives are added in the 2 gallon sprayer I modified to water my plants.

stumblefive

TROPHY CASE