Hi Judy, From Lyndon Lyon's, or LLG, I get consistently large plants, often in bloom, in 2 1/2 in square pots in a good potting mix that does not have to be changed for at least six months. They come with plastic stakes that have the plant name printed on them so I can move them when I repot. The plants grow rapidly and do not sucker. The company has excellent customer service and ships promptly. For me, it is worth it to pay slightly more to get consistently larger, premium quality plants. For all the trouble of ordering live plant material across country, I want to get the best I can for my money. They have good quality control and accurately label the plants. They are my first choice. I only go elsewhere if there is something I want that they don't carry. They also keep their web catalogue updated, so if they are out of stock, they won't list the item. So, no surprises and no substitutions. They usually have enough of a particular type to choose from. For example, they will offer five different reds or five different whites or more. Their own hybrids are exceptional, vigorous and strong. I primarily raise Lyon 's own hybrids. They also have a wide selection of many other hybridizers. They are a large enough company to be able to introduce new hybridizers. They first opened up the Russian market and offer a wide range. They seem to pick the best choices of other hybridizers, so if they offer a plant , I feel it has been preselected for good performance. If something is new in the plant world, chances are they developed it. They are consistent in what they offer, it is usually possible to find the same plant year after year, plus new ones. I like to be a loyal customer and give them my business. They have been at this for sixty years, I appreciate they are still in this business. I feel they are excellent, so why not do business with them? When I place an order with them, I already know what to expect, so I can safely order a dozen. But they will accept an order of any size. When I want to try out a new grower, I place a small order. Usually, about four. Joanne This post was edited by fortyseven on Tue, Aug 12, 14 at 10:56

Alwong, sometimes the bloom stalk needs to be manipulated to stand upright between leaves, instead of under. Go slow and be gentle. Also, a picture is worth 1000 words, maybe more. Is your plant growing in a nice flat rosette? If so, don't mess! You only need to pull off the ocassional outer row of leaves as they get old and grungy looking. If it's not in a flat rosette, if it's all over the place, chances are you have suckers and need to deal with those. As always, check out Rachel's site for illustrated instructions on what to do. Haxuan, HAHAHAHA! Welcome to the club. Wait until you start getting interested in the *other* Gesneriads; do you have Chirita tamiana? It's from northern Vietnam, and as easy to grow as an AV. All your spare money will go bye-bye along with your spare time. Still, it's a better hobby than gambling or football. Korina (the first step is to admit you have an addiction) Here is a link that might be useful: Rachel's Reflections

Those sure are pretty leaves Sue! I have one plant I'm thinking of rehoming but the foliage is so appealing I like having it on the shelf. Like your Optimara, the plant practically radiates good health and that glossy quilted dark green is compelling. I usually pluck suckers too early for them to have a hope of survival but your happy baby makes me think maybe I should leave a few now and then. A couple of my chimeras have a sucker or two. Maybe I'll let them go for a bit and try to root them when they have some substance. Welcome to the world of fuzzy foliage fanatics Cooper!

Not bad for $3.99! You got yourself a really healthy shiny young plant - it will be doing really well for you for some time - and you have time to research the needs of it - so it will be with you and blooming for as long as you want. It has a potential to be twice its size - and carry 3 times more blossoms.