This plant has had a much more vertical growth habit than other AVs I have grown. I thought maybe it wasn’t getting enough light, so I moved it closer to the grow lights about a month ago. Some of the outer leaves are now starting to sag, and I see lots of little leaves underneath all this healthy growth. It’s been blooming hard for maybe 3-4 months, so maybe I should just leave well enough alone? Or should I cut off the lowest layer and scrape the suckers? Split the plant? This is definitely as much an art as a science! Thank you for your help!
by KoiCyclist
2 Comments
I have a few notes that may help!
•Scrape the suckers!! Suckers are named as such because they “suck the life” out of the mother plant. You can prop these guys if you’re gentle, I remove mine with a cheese knife for best results
•I would not recommend a clay pot for violets. They dry out too easily. I would recommend a basic nursery plastic 4in
•It’s GORGEOUS and clearly happy. There’s a couple reasons why it’s perking: suckers, too much light, or not enough light. It seems here you’ve likely checked two boxes: suckers, and you’re at the threshold of “too much light but not enough to burn”. The crown is pretty dense and perking to protect the growth spot, so you can ease off the light and allow it to calm down for a bit. Or, just take it off the pedestal so it’s not so close to the grow lamp
•The lowest part of the crown is drooping because they’re just older leaves. You can leave them on until they naturally wither, or prune it. But, pruning it won’t change how your plant is acting. It’ll only be for aesthetic purposes. I personally don’t prune because it makes the crown look wonky
Its potted a bit low, thats why the leaf stems are resting on the lip of the pot preventing it to lay flat. It would also helps to remove the old outer leaves and suckers if you have. Raise the plant and add some mix of violet soil and perlite. You should be able to see the main stem when you look under the plant.