MB>I've never heard of the Texas-Style potting method.  You might
MB>need to tell me a little more about that.  Thanks for all your
MB>other tips.  Some of the cuttings I started in mid Oct. are
MB>actually showing some growth now, so maybe they're gonna make it.
    Texas style might not be what you want to use, but many people swear
    by it.  (I don't use it myself - but thats another story - wicking).
    There are a number of variations for self-watering pots available -
    but that sort of information is probably best geaned from your
    gardening magazines or books on (especially) growing indoor plants.
    The Texas-Style just struck me as extremely practical, and did not
    require a person go out and buy a specially constructed pot.  You
    can make your own from regular green plastic pots - to even
    styrofoam cups!  I'm getting the information for this method from a
    book by Pauline Bartholomew, "Growing to Show".  (It's a "must" for
    anyone into serious African Violet growing).
    The technique works best for plants that don't like wet feet, but do
    like a light (loose) soil which must not dry out.  The simple method
    certainly takes the guess work out of watering your plants.  There
    can be a wide variation in the exact matereals used - but lets stick
    with the simple things.
    First - in the bottom of the pot - a thick layer of perlite.
    Perhaps up to one third of the total depth of the growing medium.
    Now the real secret of "Texas-Style"  - a series of small holes
    punched all around the pot at the top of the layer of perlite. (With
    plastic pots you can do this quickly and simply with a small
    soldering iron - but do it outside and don't breath in the fumes).
    Next - you fill the pot up to it's normal top level with your
    regular potting mix.  You normally add water as required by filling
    the  saucer.  (bottom watering).  Because of the way things are put
    together - it's almost impossible to over-water your plants.
    There are a lot more details to why this method works - but it's
    best to read up on them stright from the books.  (Such as the one I
    noted above).  This method is perfect for people with a limited
    number of plants - it's not practical for those growing many plants.
    (There are easier methods available).
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                     | o o o o o o  |   * Origin: Juxtaposition BBS.  Lasalle, Quebec, Canada (1:167/133)