Transplanting African Violets to Hydroponics

	Transplanting African Violets
	African Violets are excellent candidates for transplanting into our Hydroponic System. The "wicking action" of the LECA pebbles provide and even balance of moisture and air to the roots. Strong roots make healthy plants

		Carefully remove plant from its pot. African Violets have thin, delicate roots, so handle gently.
		Take plant to sink and rinse away all potting materials. Water temperature should be tepid - these plants don't like cold water! It's okay if the leaves get wet. That spotting you often see on the leaves comes from sunlight shinnig through water droplets. So avoid getting the leaves wet when the plant is exposed to sunlight.
		Roots after potting mix is removed.
		Now is a good time to remove any soil that may have acculmilated on the leaves. Use a soft brush with warm water. Allow time for leaves to dry before exposing to sunlight.
		Fill bottom of culture pot with LECA pebbles that have been soaking in rooting solution.
		Postion violet in center of pot and carefully fill with pebbles. We suggest planting slightly deeper than soil if possible. If your new transplant is wobbly and looks too high, dump out pebbles and start over.
		Water new transplant by pouring diluted rooting solution through the pebbles every 2-3 days. Notice I have removed plant (and culture pot) from outer pot for watering. We're not using the water gauge yet. Don't allow standing water at the bottom of the system for the first 2-3 weeks.
		Return plant to outer pot after watering. Your new plant looks good!

After the Transplant
Give your new transplant some time to aclimate its new home. For the first couple of weeks, water plant by pouring water through the pebbles - no standing water at the base. After this initail period, water to 1/2 or "Opt" on the gauge. Then wait until system ids competlty dry before rewatering. This should take 2-3 weeks.
New roots growing out the bottom of the culture pot means a healthy plant.	I have removed an established plant from its pot to show new hydroponis roots.	Roots actually attach to the pebbles.

Don't worry about older leaves tuning yellow after transplanting.	These plants are getting acclimated to the Hydroponic System. Remove old leaves - the new growth is the future.