The Integration of Newly Acquired Stock into the Collection

When I first started my collection, the greatest joy was finding a new variety of African Violet to add to the collection.  It did not matter where I found this new acquisition as long as it was unique and a beauty to behold.  At one time I would purchase new plants from box stores and any grower I could find.  Never did I consider what may be lurking on the plant’s foliage, blossom or in the soil.  Quickly I discovered that those prize discoveries often had either thrips, aphids or root mealy bugs that came with them unseen in the moment.  Once placed in the collection it did not take long from the stow aways to invest the entire collection.

After having this devastating experience of a gift plant or box store beauty being the source of infestation which were extremely difficult to bring under control I started the practice of quarantining.  Now when I come home with a new plant, I place it in a room away from the collection for several months prior to its introduction to the collection.  As an added precaution recently, I have begun to treat all the new acquisitions with Marathon. 

As my collection has grown and I have more varieties that I have produced by hybridization I tend to resist the temptation of purchasing plants.  I prefer purchasing leaves or taking leaves from the new plant and tossing the plant itself.  With leaves one can treat them to eliminate any stowaways and integrate them into the collection right away.  Jeff Jackson graciously shared his method of treating leaves which I have used since and have not had any unwanted guests in my collection area.

When acquiring new leaves for propagation from other growers follow these six steps.

1.) Soak your newly acquired leaves in a solution of 25ml of bleach and 250ml of water. Let soak and stir occasionally for 15 minutes.

2.) Rinse and soak those treated leaves in water for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3.) Recut the stems. I leave very little stem on the leaf.

4.) Pot up in soil you will use when you pot them up into their adult pots

5.) I always cover them in little terrariums. I find the increased humidity assists in the rooting and growth.

6.) Place under lights, mark, and date your container, then sit and wait! All leaves are different, but usually within a couple of months, you should see babies!