I was a member of the Knights of Columbus and they asked me to be their secretary. I could not say no.  Then I found it hard to be working full time and doing the work for the Knights of Columbus during the evenings.   My plants began to be neglected; I decided to let them go and gave most of them away, only keeping a couple. (photo above: Silverglade Treasures)

 

After 24 years as secretary for the Knights of Columbus, two and a half years ago I decided to let that position go.  I was determined to start over again so I began purchasing leaves from vendors.  Now I have close to 1500 at various stages.

I have raised all my plants from leaves only --- I have never purchased a plant. Also I never did enter a show;  I grow violets for my pleasure and enjoyment only.  (Above:  Ray's Plant Room)

BASIC SOIL RECIPES

 I have tried various methods of starting leaves.  I used the 1-1-1. mix for a while.  At the present time I am using just Perlite and Vermiculite.   I use two thirds Perlite and one third Vermiculite.  This seems to be working fine and I have not lost any leaves yet using this method. With the 1-1-1- mix I was losing quite a few:  they just stayed too moist, even leaving them uncovered. (photo above: Lemon Kisses)

The soil mix I use for my plants begins with Optimara soil.
I use: 4 qts Optimara Soil
         1 Qt of Perlite
         1 Qt. of Vermiculite
I find if you use just the Optimara Soil, it will cake after a while. In this way, adding the perlite and vermiculite loosens the soil.

WATERING

I top water all my plants:  this way I feel I have control over how much water they will get. I usually water once a week in the cooler months.  In the summer months they do require more watering so sometimes I am up at 5:00 am watering my plants.  (photo left: Ruffled Skies)

FERTILIZER

I use three types of fertilizer. One watering I use Optimara.  The next watering I use Schultz Liquid.  Then comes plain water. The first week of each month I water all my plants with Fish Emulsion, and spray all plants with Neem Oil.

LIGHT SETUP

I have five light stands in the basement, where I grow most of my violets.  The conditions are perfect. There are three shelves on each stand;  plus there is enough light down there some plants are even on the floor. The temperature down there is 78 to 80 degrees and I do have heat for the winter months.  (Photo left:  Loaded shelves in Ray's Basement)

Time spent on my violets

I spend as much time as I can with them. I still work full time so evenings and mornings I usually groom them:  taking off outer leaves and dried blossoms.

Biggest Mistake

The biggest mistake I made when I first started was to put them in 4 "pots.  They just sat there and never blossomed. Now all my standards are in 3" pots.

Standards are what I mostly grow and prefer. I do have a few minis but was never addicted to them like the standards. And of course variegated varieties are my weakness.  I cannot get enough of them; even if they never blossomed, the foliage alone is enough to satisfy me. (photo right:  Mister Socialite)

Do I see any changes for my plants in the future?

I see no real changes. I just hope for the day when I can retire and can devote more time to them. I find it very relaxing and rewarding especially when you raise them yourself.

What aspect of African Violets would you like to learn?

Right now I do not have much knowledge of trailers. I just let them do their own thing. I have about 12 of them now.

PERSONAL

My days are spent working a full time job with one day off during the week and I use that day totally for my plants. 

 I am a morning person and have most of my energy in the morning. I was never a TV person;  therefore, I found that it is necessary to have a hobby.  (photo above: Rose From Yard)

 Next to my violets, comes my dog Brandy:  a great companion, although he does not get the attention he always needs.  But he understands. (photo right: Brandy)

Last of all, I began being introduced to the various internet violet groups.  I have absorbed so much information from the members in their experience and willingness to share their knowledge.

All plants on this page were grown and photographed by Ray.  We thank him for generously sharing his plants and his photos.

Many of Ray's beautiful photos have been made into jigsaw puzzles, that may be played online.  Visit the Jigsaw Puzzle page.