Pests and Disorders and Propagation through leaves

African violets are subject to a number of diseases as well as being prey to a number of pests. Most troubles can be avoided by sterilizing the soil and giving good culture. One danger signal is leaves with edges pulling under. This generally indicates too cool growing. When center leaves become gnarled and grow hairy, the plant is likely to be suffering from an infestation of cyclamen mites. Dispose of badly infested plants and wash your hands carefully before touching other plants. If you have some choice stock you want to save, apply sodium selenate to the soil. This can be purchased in bulk powder (and you can easily make the liquid by adding water), or in the easy-to-use capsule form. A capsule added to each pot of soil directly after potting will insure against cyclamen mites; or add a capsule to each pot of infested plants. Isolate such plants until centers appear normal.

In the North, violets are seldom attacked by mealy bugs, but in warmer areas these pests are prevalent. Malathion will eradicate them. Root nematodes cause plants to appear droopy and to have blisters on the petioles. Control by using sterilized soil. A soil nemacide (such as V-13) is effective against nematodes. Crown rot is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, and inadequate ventilation. You can often save valuable specimens by cutting away the rotted areas and transplanting into sand until plants recover.

Propagation Through Leaves

Saintpaulias are propagated by leaves, plant division, or seeds. To root leaves, cut the petiole so that about 1/2 inch remains with the leaf. Insert it in vermiculite, sphagnum moss, peatmoss, equal parts of sphagnum moss and peatmoss, or sand. Set it firmly with the edges of the leaf blade just clearing the mixture. When propagating a number of leaves, space them 1M inches apart. Make certain they are settled firmly and cannot fall against each other. If there are many varieties-and say one or two leaves of each-write the name on a label (as one of the white plastic markers) and place the marker beside the leaves of that variety.

How to Get Many Plants from One

Sometimes in buying a plant to use for propagation you will find that it has several crowns, or there may be several plants growing in the same pot. In the case of multiple plants, knock the clump out of the pot and separate the rooted plants, repotting them into individual 2-, 3-, or 4-inch pots, depending on their size. If there are several crowns, cut these apart with a sharp knife, root in any media, and then plant in 4-inch pots.

62. A gloxinia that is grown to perfection of flowering will “sell itself on

sight,” and while it is on display it will be the instrument for a brisk sale

of seeds and small plants, too. (Photograph by Author)

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