Hi, if you're thinking it's a pine because it's evergreen and has needles, it's 99% certain it's a juniper, not a pine (which would be dead indoors now). The glued on rocks should be in the garbage now, I hope because they just get in the way of watering and judging dryness, and were only there to hold it all together during shipping. Why you unearthed it right now, I'm not sure, but anyway, it should be outdoors for life, watered only when more of it than less - tho' not all - is dry, and in the sun. Yes it should also be in a gritty mix without peat, but that should wait til spring. Right now you should just try to keep it alive til then, and do some reading along the way.

Yesterday I went to the public library for my area to try to do an eBay transaction. They have IE only, not Mozilla. Could not use Buy It Now nor Add To Cart from the library computer. So I do not believe that the problem is in my computer Some discussions suggest that PaisaPay is the problem. I have received messages from them but never responded in any way. PaisaPay is in India and supposedly is for transactions only in India. I have no idea how I got associated with PaisaPay, but many of those experiencing problems have received messages from India.

Geez, what a nightmare. Why can't people just be honest and treat others like they'd like to be treated? I just don't get it, it's not that hard. I really wanted to bid on some beautiful RL bedding, a rare style, but I really had to read between the lines and push to get info. Apparently with the shams the seller mentioned although never used, she did launder one "by mistake", but it went right back in the package. Saw no logic in that whatsoever... Since it was cotton and lace (delicate), I wondered if she dried it (which would ruin it). I emailed her asking if the washed sham had been distorted or shrank as a result. No reply. I wait a few days, auction is nearing and end, and basically email her a 'hey, I'd really like to bid, but have not received a reply to my question so I'm giving it one more try here.' That generated a response from her, she admitted that the laundered sham was 'snug' and corners 'curled', but suggested ironing would make it fit properly again. Good grief. (She failed to include that significant detail in her description, even after I asked, she didn't post my question and her answer.) Very cat and mouse. I'm glad I took time to push it, because although it was a beautiful set I might well be out the $, and it would be worthless with only one good sham (and it garnered pretty high $$). I'm watching to see what kind of feedback occurs once the buyer receives it. Anyway, back to valinsv's guy. Clearly there are major issues with some items he sells. Is he too ignorant to realize that having integrity would only bolster his business that much more? That's the part I just don't get. Treat people right, they'll keep coming back. Treat them badly as a habit and sooner or later he's going to lose. Seems to me with the type of volume he does he'd be a lot further ahead if he'd just be honest. Just curious mona if you might know: if he does get kicked off, is his IP address banned, or just his ebay ID? He seems to have such a huge system set up and selling high volume, can't see him just walking away. Could he just come back under a new ID? (Although given his business and volume and listing style, it would be easy to recognize it might be him.)

Like everything else on Ebay, you have to do your homework. But if you seek something not commonly found in a local nursery, it can be a great source to rare items. I have bought African violet leaves off Ebay and had exceptional results. There are violets out there that are very rare, especially the Russian varieties. ONE leaf just sold on Ebay for $63.00. I've had a couple of leaves sent from Great Britain, and one potted violet sent from Poland. No problems at all. Most serious growers who do business on Ebay have 100% feedback and will replace or refund if the plant arrives dead. But mine have always arrived fresh and perfect. As to the soil issues, socks has a point. I quarantine my leaves and pots in a separate area before I introduce them to the rest of my plants. If you are seeking a specific variety then I wouldn't hesitate to buy on Ebay. Just make sure you check the feedback. BTW Alisande, your irises are spectacular. Have you thought about joining any Iris lovers Facebook groups? I have found the African Violet groups to be hugely helpful. I've learned so much from other input. Here is a link that might be useful: Blueberry Butterfly African Violet