Great job! It is a beautiful shade of green that contrasts so well with the deep color of the flower. I wish I could post a photo of my Marie Lorraine plants for you, they are blooming their heads off. It is one of my favorites. It stays compact, but the blooms just get bigger and more of them with each bloom cycle. The color also gets richer and darker. The description says they are supposed to have fantasy markings, Mine don't, they have a wide glitter edge in a deeper shade of the same color, but no fantasy. I grow in natural light, so it probably does not bring out the fantasy the way fluorescent lights do. I am happy with them just as they are. It is also a strong plant, not fussy at all. The hybridizer is no longer with us, so treasure that plant! It is hard to get! I know how to post a photo to an email but I still have not figured out yet how to post to the forum. that will be my next project. Many folks have given instructions, so I will try to do that soon. The photos are saved on my phone. Joanne

"It's an amazing little plant. So cute. How many, in all do you have? If you don't mind me asking..." About 100-150 or so I think... All minis & semis. Tho, the semis are kinda "too big" for my liking so I am trying to "phase them out" of my collection :-p "Would a petitition, if 'x' amount of signitures were submitted to the ASVA, convince them renaming a 3" or smaller Av, a micro?" I dunno... Maybe... Maybe not. I'm new (less than a year) to the AVSA so I don't wanna "cause waves" :-p "M3, your camera really picks up detail. It displays each 'hair' per leaf. I don't know if it's the camera or your computer. I like that." Thanks but as I said when I posted that pic, my friend Jana took that one, not me. Jana's good tho. And I sorta taught Jana a bit of what I know. Good cameras help. But still, thanks--I do think I am a good photographer... You can see my pics in the gallery area of this forum. "What's the brown pieces/medium in your soil? Is it bark?" It's just the potting medium that all of Rob's plants come in. I bought this from his table at Tulsa Convention... But it's the same if you mail order from him. Kinda heavy stuff, I repot whatever I get from him immediately into a light mix (about 1/2 peat, 1/2 perlite) so I can get 'em on wick watering. "I'm baffled by the number of people who travel around the US hunting down AV's. Did you go to OK to AV shop or other reasons and happen to come upon a show?" I don't "travel around the US hunting down AV's" HAHAHAhahahahaha I went to Tulsa, OK in May because that was where the 62nd annual AVSA National Convention was being held. It's A BIG DEAL.... Not just the sales room with most of the biggest African Violet suppliers that are in biz, but meeting up with violet lovers from all over the world, with seminars & classes... Oh, and a BIG show. 2009's National Convention will be in Reno, NV... so I'll be going there for it :-p Mostly I just liked it for the people. I only bought 2 plants (which was pathetic compared to most of the frenzied shoppers at Convention as you might imagine LOL)

Update! Four of the babies have been removed from the momma leaf*, who is back in her materinity ward to see if she wants to give up any more. (because I totally need more unidentified plant babies) Three had good roots, one was like a little sucker on another. I don't hold out a whole lot of hope for it but it's in a wee cup, under a dome to see if it will grow roots. Sadly because it's soooooo tiny and rootless, I fully expect it to die. Anyway, I'll try to get pictures later on. ~ I have to (shamefully) admit that two of the babies were removed about a week ago and were probably a little bit too small but I was so impatient with my first attempt! So far they don't appear to be doing much except not dying, and not dying is a good thing.

Please include your name, location and age. Charles E.Rent Midwest USA Age 52 1. Why do you grow African Violets? I like to grow things. African Violets are good for growing indoors, blooming and providing a year-long gardening outlet. 2. I've been told that there are various reasons that people plant African Violets. Based on what you've learned and heard from other members, what are some of the other reasons you've heard for growing these flowers? African Violets grow and bloom year-round. They're also not hard to grow, once you get the hang of it. They bloom in a wide range of cool-spectrum colors, ... red, pink, white, blue, violet, salmon, etc. 3. Are you a part of any groups (with friends or other enthusiasts) that share your love for African Violets? If so, what do you do? No groups, other than on-line. 4. What are the precautions one must take in growing African Violets? The biggest issue is avoiding over-watering, which can be sudden death for African Violets. Another issue is avoiding any of a number of pests which can plague African Violets. It's easier to avoid these problems rather than battle them after they turn up. For this reason, I prefer to mail-order my plants, rather than pick up plants at retailers (which almost have thrips). 6. How extensive is your collection of African Violets? I have about 75 plants, from plantlets to full-grown specimens. 7. Some say that growing these violets are a hobby and others say it's their life. Based on your own experience (and maybe family as well), do you think it's just a hobby or a way of life? It's a hobby for me. I do a lot of other things, too. 8. Do you often share advice on how to cultivate these flowers? Maybe every few months or so. 9. What other tips would you give to others who are looking to start growing their own African violets? - Understand how to water your plants. - Get your plants from a verified vendor (avoid retail). - Make sure you have adequate fluorescent lighting. - Get a good African Violet fertilizer. - Use the right size (not too big) and type of pots (plastic with drainage).