Friday, September 28, 2018

African Violets (Saintpaulias) for African Sulcatas Plant Fundraiser

African Violets (Saintpaulias) are in big trouble in its native habitat. Native to the Eastern Arc Mountains and coastal forests of Kenya and Tanzania, the forests are disappearing. The problem is largely impoverished local residents. The human need for cutting down trees and pushing back the forest to clear the land for agricultural purposes happens at an at an alarming rate,

As the trees disappear, so does the canopy that shades the ground-hugging violets. The sudden exposure to unobstructed sunlight is more than the plants, which thrive in moist conditions in low and filtered light, can withstand. The result is that the Saintpaulias tends to literally burn up.


Discovered in 1892, the botanical name for African violets honors Baron Walter von St Paul-Illaire. (Saintpaulias)

Is The African Violet Going Extinct?

African VioletExcept for the species Saintpaulia ionantha as a whole, which is near threatened, all of the other Saintpaulia species and all of the subspecies of S. ionanatha are in one of the three threatened categories: vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered,” said Roy Gereau, an assistant curator of the Missouri Botanical Garden and co-director of the Tanzania Botanical Research and Conservation Program.
Gereau has participated in conservation assessments of all eight of the wild species and the 10 subspecies of Saintpaulia. He helped prepare data about the status of wild populations of Saintpaulia for the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. This list is considered the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species.
“Almost all of the species of Saintpaulia and all the subspecies of Saintpaulia ionanthaare in a perilous position,” said Gereau in an interview.  It’s possible that species not known to science are waiting to be discovered in remote areas of Kenya and Tanzania, if villagers don’t destroy them first as they clear the forest to grow food and other crops.

Are All African Violets The Same?

  • There are some species that have foliage that will change color depending on the light condition
  • There’s a couple of plants that, as they’re exposed to longer days, their foliage will actually become almost stripped by the end of the day and then revert back to dark green overnight.
  • There are some species that have leaves with very short hairs so the texture is very velvety to the touch

Can We Control What An African Violet Looks Like?

Mr. Jeff Smith is a trained botanist and research scientist who has studied the genetics that controls the flower color of African violets. He uses a strong species influence to breed award-winning African violets, and he thinks the species still have a very important role to play. That’s because he contends, some species’ traits haven’t been fully developed or appreciated.
Commercial growers have one goal, creating plants that will appeal to the homebuyer. But there are some species of violets that only true collectors cherish.

African Violet Mths.

  • You have to water from the bottom.  Rain always falls from the sky.
  • Can’t get water on the leaves. It’s not the water that hurts the plants; it’s the temperature of the water. Water plants with room-temperature water.
  • Have to use blossom-boosting fertilizer.
  • Have to use self-water pots.
African Violets, like other plants, need light for photosynthesis. While photosynthesis is most often associated with a plant’s green leaves and stems, its most vital function is to convert carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (in the form of carbon dioxide and water) into usable energy called plant carbohydrates. Even when all the essential nutrients are available to the plant, a complete absence of sunlight will literally result in starvation. 

Pinch off spent blossoms and blossom stems to encourage                                                    the development of new blooms. 
In general, African Violets need just enough water to keep the soil moist, but never soggy. Too much water will leave your African Violets susceptible to such deadly pathogens as Pythium, Root Rot and Crown Rot. Overwatering can also cause denitrification, a condition which prevents plants from getting the nitrogen they need.
African Violets
Click to purchase
The water should be room temperature, or as close as possible in temperature to the air around your plants. When the water is too cold, it chills the roots of African Violets, causing leaves to curl down as the water is absorbed into the plant. Also, if watering from the top, cold water can cause leaf spotting. Such spots represent a form of necrosis and, as such, cannot be removed.
Note: Whether the water is the correct temperature or not, it is always important not to get water on the leaves. The only exception to this is when you are spray misting for purposes of quick-feeding or increasing the humidity around your plants. Such misting will not leave behind the large water droplets which, when exposed to the sun, will produce brown spots on the leaves.
How to grow African Violets book
Click to purchase
Never use soft water. Soft water increases the saline content. This will alter both the pH and the electrical conductivity of the soil, thereby diminishing your African Violet’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. If you have soft water, you may be able to divert water before it reaches the softening unit. If not, you will need to seek an alternative source of water.
Avoid using highly chlorinated water. While some chlorine is actually necessary for photosynthesis to occur, African Violets need very little, i.e., 70-100 ppm. Such minute traces in the water will not be discernible by smell. In fact, if you can smell chlorine, then your water has too much. The consequences of using water with too much chlorine in it include leaf burn and diminished flowering. If you have highly chlorinated water, and no alternative source is available, dispense water into a container and let stand overnight to allow the chlorine gas to escape.
Place plants away from floor vents, fans, or entrance doors to avoid air drafts and bursts of cold air.
Click to purchase
To ensure correct watering, you are strongly encouraged to use a recommended self-watering device, such as the Optimara MaxiWell (for 4-inch standard Violets), MiniWell (for 1-inch super miniatures) or the Optimara Watership container, a spill-proof, self-watering device for 2-inch miniatures. By providing the correct amount of water, a good self-watering device will greatly reduce the chances of getting any of the deadly fungi which cause plants to rot. In addition, because a good self-watering device waters from the bottom, it eliminates the potential hazards of watering from the top, i.e., leaf spots.
Finally, there are some self-watering devices which, while providing the benefits already mentioned, will also increase the humidity in the area immediately around your Violets. A self-watering device of this type, such as the Watermaid (for pot sizes up to 5-1/2 inches), stores water in an open saucer and draws water into the soil via capillary matting. All of the above self-watering devices are available online at the Selective Gardener, a mail order supplier that specializes in plant care products made specifically for African Violets.
The amount of light that an African Violet receives is important for its health and overall performance. They thrive in moderate to bright, indirect, indoor light. 

DSC_0927
More common, of course, is a plant which simply does not get enough sunlight. In such circumstances, an African Violets will stop flowering and its leaves begin to turn yellow. It is also likely that the African Violet, which is not getting enough sunlight, will become rangy as it develops elongated leaves and stems.
While insufficient sunlight can be harmful, too much sunlight can also cause problems. Among other symptoms, too much sunlight will produce brown spots on the leaves and flowers. This is a form of necrosis analogous to sunburn. In addition, too much sunlight can cause the leaves to curl down and may turn variegated leaves entirely green.
Feed your African Violets
Click to purchase
African Violets perform best when they receive a lot of indirect sunlight. While African Violets will tolerate direct sunlight very early or very late in the day, they should, in all other cases, be shielded from direct sunlight. For best results, place your Violets in a window where they will receive light most of the day, i.e., a window with western or southern exposure. Adjust your blinds or use a sheer curtain to filter out some of the light. If you have access to a light meter, the correct luminosity for African Violets is 10,000 to 12,000 lux or about 900 to 1100 foot candles. As an alternative, you can get a reasonable approximation of this light value by simply holding your hand over a Violet during the time when it is receiving the brightest light. If you can barely see the shadow of your hand over the Violet, then it is getting the correct amount of light.
African violets, are a genus of 6–20 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae
We Adopt ~ Breed ~ Rescue ~ Transport  ~ Rehabilitate
Crazy Critters Inc. is a Private Non-Profit, 501(c)3, Exotic Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. Our Wildlife Facility is located in Eustis, Florida. We provide permanent homes to over 200 animals including lizards, turtles, skinks, geckos, birds, and assorted wildlife. Crazy Critters Inc. was established to provide non-domestic, non-releasable animals with a safe and permanent home.
Mostly Tortoises and Turtles call Crazy Critters Inc. home. What makes us unique is that after adoption, Crazy Critters Inc. continues to share the lives of the pets on social media. Providing an additional continued connection. When an animal finds its way to Crazy Critters, it has found a forever home.
Everyone in our community benefits when donors put their funds together to help protect animals and our environment. And the fact that the animals can call this a forever home makes it that much better. Your monetary donations help provide veterinary care, food, and supplies to the animals in our care.
In keeping with our commitment to a quality life for the animals here at the sanctuary, we provide a diet created specifically for each animal’s needs, the best veterinary care, enrichment programs for the animals, and maintain their spacious, safe habitats.
Click DONATE to make a safe Paypal Transaction, of any amount. Every single dollar adds up! We will contact you by email to see how you would like your sponsorship recognized. We appreciate our community! We are always looking for corporate sponsors who believe in a mission such as ours


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Saturday, September 15, 2018

African Mud Turtle East, West, and Helmeted. Lots of info!

The African Sideneck Turtle is a part of a group of turtles. Fifteen species that in the Pelusios genus that can be found in large populations throughout Africa, Madagascar, and Seychelles. Pelomedusa subrufa is found in Madagascar and many parts of Africa.
Click To Order This Health Care & Rehabilitation of Turtles and Tortoises Book From Amazon.
The West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus), is a medium-sized turtle that is found in freshwater habitats such as mud holes, swamps, rivers, and ponds.
The East African Black Mud Turtle (Pelusios subniger), also known as the Pan terrapin, is a species of turtle in the family Pelomedusidae, native to eastern and southeastern Africa.
The African Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), also known commonly as the marsh terrapin. These species of turtles This species of omnivorous side-necked terrapin in the family Pelomedusidae.
African Helmeted Turtle
The carapace (the hard upper shell of a turtle) is a dark to light brown with no markings. The plastron (the underside of the shell) is also brown with some lighter colors found towards the middle.  The neck and large, flat head are withdrawn into the shell sideways hence, this turtle’s second name, “African side neck turtle.”
The carapace (top of shell) is a dark to light brown with no markings. The plastron (bottom of shell) is also brown with some lighter areas found usually in the middle. The skin is gray to brown with lighter areas underneath and on the soft parts.

Click to see these turtles underwater

What Do They Eat?

African side-necks have longer necks than most other species of turtles. They use this long neck as the super predator they are to hunt.
African Mud Turtles are primarily carnivorous but will eat aquatic plants too, especially as juveniles. In the wild, they eat the water grasses and algae, insects, worms, snails, small fish, amphibians, and crabs.
Captives adapt to eating commercial floating turtle sticks (e.g. Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Diet), and these are fine if supplemented with the more carnivorous fare, such as crickets, earthworms, and snails. It is important to provide plenty of calcium. Keeping a cuttlebone in the habitat will allow the turtle to self-regulate calcium intake. You may also sprinkle a reptile calcium often over food.
African Mud Turtles first appeared some 120 millionyears ago making them one of the most primitive turtle species on earth today.
These aquatic turtles have withstood the test of time making them expert survivalists in a harsh world. During droughts and when seasonal spaces dry up, the turtles will excavate into the ground to wait out the wet season.
They are usually found in large numbers basking along muddy banks and are ravenous feeders.  Strong, semi-webbed feet with sharp nails aid the turtle in climbing and ripping food items apart.
Although Mud Turtles can be seen basking throughout, these turtles are more active at night and are considered to be nocturnal.
The species naturally occurs in fresh and stagnant water bodies.

How Do You Tell The DifferenceBetween East & West                                     African Mud Turtles?

Or If It Is the African Helmeted Turtle
On the top of the head is where the only pattern is found on the West African Mud Turtle. Light to yellow reticulations which are more or less defined is found here. This trait separates them from the East African Mud Turtle (Pelusios subniger) which features an unmarked head.
You will also find a “figure 8” shaped plastron. Both P. castaneus and P. subniger exhibit a hinged plastron. This differentiates them from a very similar species of turtle, the African helmeted turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa) which sports a fixed plastron.
Hatching African Mud Turtles
Females dig nest cavities and lay their eggs in late winter or early spring. Baby turtles hatch out about two months later. We were successful at hatching them just as we do our tortoises at 85 degrees Fahrenheit.  I do not think that is a test to our experience. It is more likely showcasing just how hardy this African species is.

Do They Play Nice?

These turtles are easy to handle and are not aggressive towards humans but are highly aggressive towards other turtles, I find many of the African species of plants and animals instinctively fight to survive.
You can socialize pet aquatic turtles with frequent interaction, and African side-necks are no exception. They are fast to learn their keepers. Because they have a strong instinct to find food. Most African species have adapted in this sort of way.
Their long strong neck gives them a distinct advantage over arguments with fellow turtles. If they find themselves turned over on their shells, these turtles can right themselves using their neck muscles. Most turtles are helpless when turned on their shells.

Are They Endangered?

This species has an expansive range and is relatively abundant in the wild. It does not appear to be threatened, although over-collection for the pet and food trade is always going to be an issue for any turtle.
The African Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), is the most widely distributed turtle in all of Africa. It occupies the entire continent south of the Sahara desert.

Are They Easy To Care For?


A good quality water filter is needed since aquatic turtles defecate in the water and without a filter, you’ll be doing weekly water changes. Some people prefer canister filters while others like the smaller submersible filters. For a large tank, such as a 75 gallon, investing in a quality canister filter is typically your best option.
We have chosen to raise these guys in ponds. Each pond has a bulkhead and overflow. Click here to see a video where we show you a little of the installation.

Do It Right The First Time!

We use live plants as a natural filter.

In addition to keeping the water clean, you should dechlorinate the water by either letting it sit out for 24 hours before adding it to the tank or by adding a dechlorinating solution to it. A recommended pH of 6.5 (a fairly neutral pH) should be maintained and can be easily checked with water test strips from the pet store. We are blessed to have well water. We still acclimate cages for a couple weeks prior to adding animals. Beneficial bacteria is very important.
Click To Order Turtle Care Supplies From Amazon. The commission equals a donation to Crazy Critters. We are an Amazon Affiliate!


We Adopt ~ Breed ~ Rescue ~ Transport  ~ Rehabilitate
Crazy Critters Inc. is a Private Non-Profit, 501(c)3, Exotic Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. Our Wildlife Facility is located in Eustis, Florida. We provide permanent homes to over 200 animals including lizards, turtles, skinks, geckos, birds, and assorted wildlife. Crazy Critters Inc. was established to provide non-domestic, non-releasable animals with a safe and permanent home.
Mostly Tortoises and Turtles call Crazy Critters Inc. home. What makes us unique is that after adoption, Crazy Critters Inc. continues to share the lives of the pets on social media. Providing an additional continued connection. When an animal finds its way to Crazy Critters, it has found a forever home.
Everyone in our community benefits when donors put their funds together to help protect animals and our environment. And the fact that the animals can call this a forever home makes it that much better. Your monetary donations help provide veterinary care, food, and supplies to the animals in our care.
In keeping with our commitment to a quality life for the animals here at the sanctuary, we provide a diet created specifically for each animal’s needs, the best veterinary care, enrichment programs for the animals, and maintain their spacious, safe habitats.
Click DONATE to make a safe Paypal Transaction, of any amount. Every single dollar adds up! We will contact you by email to see how you would like your sponsorship recognized. We appreciate our community! We are always looking for corporate sponsors who believe in a mission such as ours


REMEMBER: All donations are tax-deductible!

We Grow Crazy Plants To Care For Crazy Critters!

Feel free to contact us with questions requests and comments.
Follow us on our journey as we build our Herp Haven called Crazy Critters!
Website
Facebook 
Instagram 
YouTube
GoFundMe
We even have a blog!

Please like, share, follow and subscribe.