I also took pictures with my 60x magnifier and cell phone. I haven’t seen anything but maybe it’s me. These are the pics.. What do you see?

Why are you spraying?

Because I haven’t yet and read that it would prevent problems as everyone will eventually have some sort of pest. I knew Forbid was a mite systemic but wondered should I also do Neem before bring them back inside. It was a haul to get them all to garage. I also felt that I would subsequently treat any incoming plants from this point forward. Husband says I am over treating and that maybe true however, an ounce of prevention is better for me than a catastrophe. I have now realized just how many plant babies I have. There are more in the basement in isolation that still need spraying.

Is that first flower a Ma's Ching Dynasty ?

Yes, and my first blooms from her. I’m I’m love! Hard to remove them but I want growth. Thinking of trying Dyna grow too.

Pretty with the purple edge.

Cheryl, if you don't have symptoms of mites then spraying Forbid now will not prevent you from getting them if they come into your growing area in some way in future. I've never heard of anyone using this spray pre-infestation to keep their collection safe. Also, spraying with Neem when you don't know what problem you might or might not be addressing seems a waste of time and effort as well. What got you started with the Forbid, may I ask?

Which brings me to another thought: if you DID think you might have pests, you should never participate in a Round Robin until you are certain (as anyone can be) that your collection is clean. Imagine how many people could have their collections ruined if someone was heedless and shared their "bugs" with others. Not saying that is the case here, but if you do seriously think you might have pests, you should consider dropping out at this time.

If, OTOH, you're worrying over your plants not based on anything you've seen but only on things you've read that scare you, I think you need to step back and breathe deeply. The best thing to do is monitor closely for problems, and always, always isolate anything new (like incoming material from Round Robins.) ;-)

AnneCecille - I appreciate ur thoughts. I am on the forum to ascertain information for the health of all my plants, incoming plants and family. I have been open and up front throughout and not withheld any information or pictures. I have been looking forward to the round robin for months but in no way wish to cause concern for anyone. I do not pretend to know 100 percent of anything. From what I have been seeing is that it is impossible for anyone at anytime to be completely pest free. We are dealing with biologics. I have within The last 4 months created a prolific host of a decent variety of plants. As u can see by the pictures I posted even if just this post. There are more in the basement that are in isolation that have not been photographed. At first, many were rescues and I have had an issue with fungus gnats that I learned of and through help of the forum was able to deal this the issue. I would like a protocol of maintenance and prevention. Whether or not I am in the round robin, and in offense maybe I should rescind. I’ve posted microscopic photos. Certainly, if someone were to see something, I certainly would never risk causing a spread of any illness.

i have carefully have periodically washed every leaf with Alchohol and water to care for my violets. Do I care? ......Yes.

As far as Forbid, I understand it is a systemic and yes I have understood that spraying any incoming plant was a good preventative. I have also looked into non chemical. Obviously, I have not found a comfortable balance but I am trying.

1) Literally anything you apply to your plants--even air and water--is a chemical.

2) Preventative treatment has the potential to create long term problems. You run the risk of exposing disease vectors to low doses of the chemicals. Why is this a risk? Because disease vectors can adapt to those low doses and learn to not be impacted. The analog here is the obsession humans have with antibacterial soaps, which has lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria. THIS IS BAD. Isolate new plants, treat ONLY as necessary, and that's good enough. We cannot live in bubbles, nuking any little thing. Focus on having strong healthy plants, not on living in a bubble.

Forget the Neem.

You did Forbid - now take it easy and just observe. If your plants are in isolation - and they bloom and grow well - like your Ma's Ching Dynasty - it means you do not have anything evident. Plants with bugs look stunted. Plants with mites look disastrously bad. X 60 loupe is about unusable - what you see is hair on the leaves. The white oval thingies are probably dried exudate - leaves exude juice when they are overwatered .

Fungus gnats - you cannot spray them off - the larva lives in a soil. So you need to do drench - not spray -and they are mostly nuisance.

If you picked root mealy bugs with your rescues - you will see them when you repot - spray will not help.

Since we all get paranoid every 3 months or so - and think our plants have everything including leprosy - your desire to do preventative measures is very familiar to all of us,

Again - right now - your job is watching our plants and if they perform well - in 3-4 months you are more or less safe to get them all together. I would repot them before it - to make sure that there is no root mealies.

Do not introduce any rescues (P*&%&^&O^!!!! Stop it!!!) or new purchased plants into your holding area - because you are almost clear.

Round Robin - it is mostly leaves - and they are really easy to desinfect. Roots - this is serious.

Good Luck!

Irina_co I was hoping u would jump in!!! I did wonder what I was looking at through the lens. Nothing moved so thought debris. I just got the lens, will go for stronger one. Would/do you use Forbid periodically? I wanted it on my shelf just in case. How long does it last in the leaf? How would you clean the pots from overspray?

The fungus gnats were taken care by mosquito dunks awhile back.

I always repot shortly after bringing new plants home. ( no new ones for months or so ) ; ) Never have seen root mealies.

“Do not introduce any rescues (P*&%&^&O^!!!! Stop it!!!)” - haha, it’s such a weakness. But not so much now that I know the consequences.

Irina-co what preventative measures do you take on a regular basis?

Annececilia - Schwann -

There are so many opinions and back and forth information. I recognize that I must choose my own pattern for my environment. I have a large base of plants which include orchids, African violets, and cyclamen. I no longer have the cyclamen ( I killed it pretty fast this winter ) and have chosen not to grow it due to the dangers it can cause. With these 3 varieties in mind I thought the Forbid would be reasonable to start off with. I do realize it might be extreme but I do want the confidence that I have a good clean start. I would have thought that for the Round Robin it would alleviate concerns but certainly I can see that it also raises concerns. I will happily withdrawal from this one and maybe in the future can be a part of one where there is not any concern raised. I want my name clear of any uncertainty. Thanks for your input.

How long will Forbid last in the plant?

Probably for a month.

The only thing that is probably should be done twice a year - it is some kind of Powdery Mildew preventative - Neem Oil or Spectracide - pre-spring and pre-fall treatment. PM infestation is weather related and spores are abundant in nature - so they will travel with air.

The rest - is absolutely on if needed base - you got them - you sprayed them immediately - you don't - leave plants be.

And do NOT do (&*&$##))!!... rescue!!!! If you rescue - rescue a leaf or 2 - and dip it in 1/3 solution of rubbing alcohol - BUT YOU STILL CAN GET A VIRUS. The uglier the plant rescued - the more chances you will bring something that will ruin your collection.

DO NOT RESCUE RABID SKUNKS.... ever...

“DO NOT RESCUE RABID SKUNKS.... ever...“- ..hahaha So true, they really do bite! They bite my time, my $, my hopes.

“That helped me to learn to say "no" to strays.“-.........no more sicklies.

“And do NOT do (&*&$##))!!... rescue!!!! If you rescue - rescue a leaf or 2 - and dip it in 1/3 solution of rubbing alcohol - BUT YOU STILL CAN GET A VIRUS. “- giggle,haha.....I know nothing of plant virus’. How do you treat? How do you know?

powder mildew, — check. My house is really dry but if need be I have both spectrum and neem, also Lysol and a fan ready.

“Recommended by my club, I just got Dyna Gro Ni rich food, I ordered it through the internet. Or it can be ordered thru a company in FL. I also got Dyna Gro and Black Gold potting mixes” - ..... I just got home. I hate miracle grow potting soil, plan to return the 2 bags I have.

So wish we had a plant club let alone an AV club. The nearest is like 4 hrs form home. I might start one tho, just as soon as I figure this all out!

Number 1 lesson -...... BREATHE and smell the violets.

Number 2-....... Do not spray all plants with Dawn, Alchohol and water or Forbid. Leave all plants alone after a rest, repot, and insecticidal spray then wick! ; )

I was mesmerized by that plant and then came to horror when I realized they were the reason cyclamen mite recieved their name! That was all it took plus well.... it also took the option not to live with me! It’s ok. I don’t need mites.

Yes, wicking definitely is my game. I was a mizer with the water now they are growing. So excited about the Dyna gro. Thanks for all the encouragement Joanne. I will also try just the Dawn but a drop. I have caused damage by overdoing it.

Cheryl, I have read this thread twice. I understand you want to raise the best violets you can with great success. And I from what I have read you are doing a great job. But while I feel you started out doing a great job, you are now seeing things that aren't there. You are too worried and that makes you faaarrr too cautious to the point of destruction! If you keep curing what isn't there,,,you will reverse your healthy plants to be so incredibly stressed out by "cures" they will not have a chance to just relax and grow.

Yes we have to be vigilant. But not to the point of obsessive.

Cheryl, for now, shelf the chemicals, put away the magnifiers and just enjoy the flowers and new growth as it comes. Your hobby is to enjoy, not go grey prematurely!

Stay in the RR. As Irina said, leaves are easy to treat and isolate. For instance, when I get a leaf I put it in a snack baggie with the soil in the short side. (zip up first). I put the tag inside also. Don't water much if at all, just make sure your 1/2 and 1/2 mix is barely damp. Blow a little air in the bag before you zip all the way and your leaf is not only in a nice enviornment,,,,it is also isolated. Try a couple that way. I like the isolation feature the best. And baggies are cheap!!! Look up previous threads on gwf about bagged leaves etc and you will get a wealth of info!

But please relax a little. I can feel the stress in your typing! No kidding! Rosie

Rosie - I started giggling as I read your reply and my husband became curious so I read your post to him. He is belly laughing,..,..,, right now. You sound just like him.!!! He has been calling me Mortisha Addams the violet killer, because I won’t leave them alone. He is now singing the song. I read about them constantly or looking at their pictures into the wee hours under the covers so as not to disturb him. Yes, it’s a true addiction but there could be worse. Believe it or not, I do have a life and other interest too.

I would have loved to have stayed with the RR but there will be others. I’ve already withdrawn.

so happy you posted about the baggies. I wanted to ask ( in detail ) how you grew your leaves. I remember you saying tiny leaves have even been grown in a sponge. So I bought one to try. Cups with perilite mix in a bag has not worked for me with micro leaves. I can grow the standards that way.

Maybe, I ask too many question. I truely admire the experience and appreciate the input. Didn't mean to stress you out. Really, I am fine too. They are plants. I’ve lost a few and it ok. I am resigned to simply grow the ones I have for now and find my pace.

Maybe, I ask too many question.

Never think that. People who participate in these forums offer their experience, and are happy to answer questions. And, something you may not have thought through, is that the answers to your questions are read by the rest of us newer growers, and help us as well.

Oh Cheryl,,,I am so glad to hear that you took my post the way you did. I was so worried you would be heaps of angry! After all, I was telling you to stop acting like a first time mom!!!!! Whew!

Oooookay! now down to business. ALWAYS ask questions. The only stupid question is the one NOT asked!

You asked for detail,,,I hope you are ready for a lot of reading. Here goes.

BAGGIE METHOD (mostly for my standard & semi mini varieties)

I find the baggie method is pretty good! Use snack size baggies. Same width just not as tall as the sandwich baggies. Be careful you don't buy the portion control baggies. Too narrow.

First and foremost,,,,TURN baggie so it now sits up long ways. Use a sharpie and write the name of the leaf and date planted across the short end of the baggie that will be your top.

Now go down to the bottom end of the baggie. STOP!

From this point there are 2 methods. Choose one or experiment with both!

#1 Zip up baggie about 1 1/2 inches on side from bottom up. Now put about 2 tablespoons of your growing mix in the bottom of the baggie. Fresh cut your violet stem and insert into mix. Add label behind leaf.

SIDE NOTE: (Even though I label the short end top of the baggie,,,,I STILL put a plant tag in with the leaf. That way there is less chance for a mix up and your tag will be ready for you when you pot up your new babies!!!!)

Don't water or you will have mud. There should be enough moisture in the soil (remember you always plant in barely damp soil,,,not bone dry) Zip bag almost up and blow just a puff of air into baggie before finally zipping it. There you are done. Now be patient and wait.

#2 Get 2 kcups.

SIDE NOTE; (if you don't have a Keurig coffee maker have someone that does save the cups for you. Clean them out, put used grounds on your grass or compost pile, and tear out the little filter, or not, it will eventually just fade away the more you use the cup! Oh yes! They are reusable!!!)

Fill ONE kcup with your soil mix, fresh cut the leaf and plant it in the kcup. Put plant tag behind it.

Put this kcup in the baggie not quite all the way sitting in the bottom. At this point I do not always zip up the baggie. You can if you want. Or not. Either way, just fold the zipper side so it hugs the kcup. You will have a little bit of baggie on the bottom. Get the 2nd kcup and slip the baggied cup into it. NOW you have a bottom holder so nothing tips over!

You now have 2 baggie methods. See what works for you. I prefer #2 so everything sits upright on a tray.

I don't put my bagged leaves in a lot of light until I see that there may be roots leading to babies.

I always check the moisture/condensation levels and sometimes I need to open the baggie and wipe excess with a napkin or kleenex. Some moisture is good but you don't want it so damp it rots!

Ok, Cheryl, about that. IF a leaf rots,,,,,that is all it did. It will happen, it doesn't mean there is some dastardly, nefarious bug in there!!!! Do NOT go for the spray or jeweler's loop!!!!! It just means you had too much moisture in the baggie and it got past you! Adjust and overcome until you succeed!!!!

MINIATURE & MICRO MINI LEAVES

I have 2 methods for these. One method is Baggie #2. It is ok, but I prefer Method #3 for mini's and micro mini's just because they are so small.

Method #3 I use 5oz. condiment cups with lids.

SIDE NOTE: (Save them from when you go out to dinner, buy them at Gordon Food Service/Walmart/Dollar Tree or wherever you can find them)

Write date & name of leaf on a small piece of paper. Tape it onto the outside of the cup. I only plant one variety of leaf per cup so I don't mix up names.

Fill cup with barely damp soil about 1/2 way up. Fresh cut your leaves, plant into soil and snap lid on.

Again,,,,,watch the condensation levels. Adjust if need be. Wait for babies!

For all of my methods, I mix 1/2 measure MiracleGro (use whatever YOU want to use) and 1/2 measure perlite. Now I always add more perlite. It is probably more toward the 3/4 measure. Mix very well.

I do not use vermiculite because it holds too much moisture. I don't use peat anything because I hate peat for anything. Holds moisture when it is wet but if it happens to dry out you play hell getting it damp again. I use it for absolutely NOTHING.

The only bad thing about trying the sponge method is once the roots are growing in the sponge,,,,well,,,,you can't transplant very well.

If you want to be adventurous,,,,get some spaghnum and wet it real well, wring it out, put it between 2 paper towels to get out the last of the water and plant your leaves in that!!!! You can use all 3 methods as long as it is BARELY damp! I like spaghnum for rooting!

Well if you have anymore questions feel free to ask. I know this is long, but you did ask for detail!!! lol Rosie

Cheryl -

No ha-ha about virus. The only treatment is a Dumpster. Do a search on INSV african violets - and get properly scared.

You cannot wash thrips away - their larvae pupates in a soil. Something will pop-up later. If I take the plants to the Show - and bring them back - I disbud and wash them - hope that no larvae made it to the soil. But if I see one thrips on my plants I spray everything in a house. Otherwise it will be a million. And they come in summer.

We had a Convention in Nashville- and Holtkamps made it super special including the tour of Optimara growing facilities. Very interesting and very efficient - but thrips are permanent residents there. I am sure they do something to keep the population in check, but in greenhouses of this size it is impossible to eradicate them 100%.

Rosie,....W. O. W!! This is awesome. Thanks for the knowledge. Can’t wait to try. We just got home from worship and lunch with friends and hubby is taking a quick nap. We r soooooo going back to town to get baggies and condiment cups n lids. I will b calling all my friends or going to bank for their trashed k-cups . ( they offer free coffee n mom in law works there too, (( she’ll b so embarrassed-lol ))

? - would you consider taking a picture of the K-cup set up with bag. A little unsure. I know it probably simple but might clarify.

Ok, but not today. Am going to daughter's for dinner. Slow down,,,don't be impatient. I am sure you will like the system. And tweak it so it works for you! You can get baggies for plants at Dollar Tree where everything is a dollar. They will work just fine. Rosie

Irinna_co SEE, I am NOT the only one who sprays entire collection. I knew it! I knew it. ; ))

i truely wish wish we had some kind of club or show anywhere close. Literally believe 1st one is Richmond or Raleigh! At least 4 hrs. We r leaving for Fl soon with Grandson. I am soooooo going to be looking up some AV there!

Fortyseven_gw

Joanne, you are sweet. Thanks for the distraction. At this point, I believe I don’t want rescues. My heart is certainly sad about the RR. I might splurge with a few AV’s on my favorite list to soothe the Ernst. Typically, I do Violet Barn but I have others I like too. I am excited about Rosie’s propagation. That might keep me for a while too. I am getting picky only wanting to add specific AV’s. Not all of them speak to me and some sing and sing loudly. - haha

You have fun Rosie!

Russian Orthodox Easter is on April 8 this year. My grand parents were Russian Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox Easters are very special, at least ours were. We would go to service and in those days I knew enough, now forgotten, to understand a bit.

Fond memories.

I had mixed a gallon of Forbid. How long will it be good for. I didn’t use but less than a pint

Our family is also Russian Orthodox. Still trying to learn the language. Parents didn't teach us. sigh. Rosie

I don't think Forbid will last long. Just give up and dump it. If you do not have them... crabs...mites..chiggers... do not treat them.

Yup = Easter food - kulich - tall sweet yeast cake, eggs died with onion skins, the cottage cheese dish - paskha - death by calories,,, but sooo good..

Will do!! Thanks ; )

Good idea. I do want to do something pretty in the kitchen for indoor herbs. We love to cook. Hydroponics sound interesting. Apparently the Dynogro is what are used for nutrients.

Great Idea... A friend roots strep suckers this way - just hangs them so they almost touch the water but not quite, And they send the whole mop of roots.

Since I use A LOT of solo cups - I got a soldering iron - and I make holes in them on the back porch to decrease the fumes. I just looked it up in WM - you can a cheap one - as long as the tip is thick enough to make good holes, I usually put 3 holes, Why soldering iron - because I can easily make drainage holes in every plastic container - even plastic wine glasses...

Easter food -- hrudka, paska, kielbasa, kolachi .... iz gud!

@Irina: : "DO NOT RESCUE RABID SKUNKS.... ever..."

But, Irina, it is like having a Neapolitan Mastiff with slobber everywhere! Who wouldn't want that?!

@Cheryl: "I just have to drill the holes or melt them with a metal kebab stick. I have learned tho not to place the petiole through the hole as then the roots block any removal. "

You might try slicing the lid from one edge to the hole (1 radius, not the entire diameter). The lid should still sit well enough on the cup but this way, when you go to remove the leaf or plant, you can twist the lid to make an opening such that the rooted leaf/plant can be removed with minimal damage.

Also prior to the Easter season, the buckwheat flour blini with caviar and sour cream.

That I've never had nor heard of.

@Cheryl: "I just have to drill the holes or melt them with a metal kebab stick. I have learned tho not to place the petiole through the hole as then the roots block any removal. "

That's very funny, Cheryl.

Seems growers, among their many other skills, are natural born engineers. Ha, not always successful ones, but engineers nonetheless, lol!

Irina - I just so happen to have stumbled across a soldering iron this summer and brought it home. I’ve yet to try it. Great ideas

Paul - nice thought, will experiment with it.

Dviolet, some of my favorite people are engineers. Great minds and conversationalist. Maybe I’ll have that potential too as I continue down my violet path!!

I use a really cheap hot glue gun without the glue stick in it to make drainage holes in my solo containers. It works really well but I imagine the soldering iron is probably a little easier.

Have one of those too and never considered using it that way. Nice!