Actually, I am having the same problem. I was going to post my own post, but saw this was here, so I thought it may be better to ask here. What is happening with me is that I am planting cuttings started in straight perlite, over to a mix of potting mix and perlite into bigger containers. I just lightly moisten the mix before transplanting. However, my leaf wilting is not happening over time. It is over night. I transplant them that night, and in the morning, their leaves are wilted and droopy. Since they have not even been watered, would my leaf wilting be from root stress from the transplant? So, will the cutting recover? Even if it loses its leaves, will the cutting still be ok? Should I do anything else to them? I was just curious is my wilting if from transplant shock since it has only been 12 hours after transplant and what I can do to save them while they are still alive. Thank you! Christy

No matter what, Tanya, in the hosta market, today--it's a risk when you buy one. Don't worry about it--if it's HVX you will know in a few years, for pretty sure. Just make sure not to cut scapes with the same knife or scissors you just cut another with. And, if you dig and divide, make sure you also clean the shovel and or knife (after and between digs) with a fury, with Dawn dish detergent and a bleach solution. With the nematodes--in my opinion, it's a worse problem. But--what are we going to do--give up our passion? Nope, we'll just have to 'deal with it'!!! Enjoy what you've done!!! I've gone through the hysteria of nematodes and the frustration of HVX--and I think I'm beginning to mellow. The nematodes I found the other day--didn't get 'nuked' this time, like the leaf I showed above (my first discovery on a newly purchased 'Sugar and Cream'). In fact, I'm so cool about it--it's still in that card-board box up on the deck! I feel sorry for it!! But--not for the 'nems'!!! I hate that they are such a problem--and my graphic is from the previous experiences, but I just posted it for fun this time!! I'm not nearly as 'freaked' as before--but still miffed at the seller for selling it--because it was a problem she saw--and felt she had to conceal, whether she understood what it was or not! That, to me, shows a lack of integrity--which I value very much in anyone, whether they are selling me something or just being a friend--be honest, sincere, kindly forthright and patient with me--cause we all are 'a work in progress' on some level! :o/ Did I mention I just can't abide someone who 'flatters' which translates to be someone being very ingenuous--hoping to impress me and with an ulterior motive--that I always wonder about!!! And, I just don't understand the desire to hurt another person, to put them down or make them feel idiotic--what is with that in a person to feed off that kind of hurtful mindset?? Oh well--now you know more about me than you ever wanted to know--right? LOL

Tx. ahelaumakani. Unfortunately my kitchen sink (which is near the back door to the garden) doesn't have a normal faucet....only a hose...so I can't hook up a garden hose to it. I finally decided to try the basement sink, sending the hose out the back window and under the deck to the yard. But alas, it seems the small window in the basement has the kind of screen that doesn't pop out. So frustrating! So I finally sent a note to my LL, telling him that for years I've had to haul buckets, and couldn't he figure somethihng out for me so I can get water out back? We'll see what he says.... :-(

Hello Andrea, Hosta leaves are one of the, if not the best for flower arrangers; (bouqets). I would charge $.50-$2.50, depending on size and the rareness, uniqueness of the plant you are taking from. I just clip here and there. You won't even notice. Make the stems as long as possible. You can take hosta leaves and decorate a serving table by placing the leaves around the dishes. No water, it will take a few days for them to wilt. I cut in the early morning; before sunrise or shortly after. A hosta leaf is 90% water; they last forever having all that water stored up. Good Luck