"Linda W." wrote in message



John and Tracy ...

Thanks so much for your responses.

The soil in the little pot is indeed quite wet, and so I think your
overwatering theory is probably correct. I'm not even sure why I
watered it so much, as I generally tend to let them get dry in between
waterings.

John, the plant wasn't flowering at the time I watered it. In fact,
I've put all three plants out on my balcony rather than in their usual
location inside because I thought perhaps more light out there might
encourage them to flower. The one in question hasn't flowered for
years.

Linda W.

AV's with proper soil, warm temperatures, fertilizer, light and water should
have flushes of blooms every four to five months. Have you ever repotted
them into high humus soils such as the types sold by Schultz or MiracleGro?
In fact, most garden centers carry potting mixtures specifically designated
for AV's. AV's like bright light but little sunlight, particularly in the
summer. An east window in the winter is fine. They will also grow and bloom
well under eight to ten hours of flourescent light a day if placed four to
six inches beneath the light. Fertilize with a low nitrogen such as Schultz
Bloom Plus (10-60-10) at half strength every other time you water. With this
type of regimen your plants should thrive. It's also better to place a
saucer underneath and water from the blottom. They develop water spots on
the leaves if they become wet. BTW, I had a sad looking specimen, an
Oprimara, thrust at me two months ago. It's now blossoming. I also have a
leaf from it sending up plantlets.

John

Thanks so much for all this great detailed information. I haven't
repotted the AVs. I'll look for the soil you mention.

Right now, I have the three AVs out on my balcony, which has a
generally eastern exposure -- morning sunlight. I have them to the
side of a lounge chair, so that they are mostly shaded even when the
sun is shining on the balcony in the morning. They may be getting a
little bit of direct sunlight, though. Is it all right for them to be
outside in the summer?

Inside, I have had them in a window with mostly western explosure. I
don't have a lot of natural light because there are trees close to my
windows. Do they need intense light?

As for the plant I originally posted about -- I dried out the soil and
now I'm waiting to see how it does. The leaves are still
wilted-looking, but otherwise, it looks all right, I think. I did cut
off a leaf and put it in water, too. I guess I will leave the plant
until I am sure that the soil is very dry before watering again.

Does that sound okay?

And it would be lovely to have one bloom, too.

Thanks again -- very much!

Linda W.