Ann -

there is a good info on Violet Barn site - and there is another site you will enjoy checking.

Basically - you are right - they like to be drier -and their roots like to breath. So - you need to add more perlite in your "wicking" soil.

It is dangerous to put 1 ply - it can dry/salt easily. I use mason twine # 18 for streps - an I put a layer of coarse perlite on the bottom.

The good sign it is time to repot in a bigger pot - roots are getting out of the pot. Violet Barn soil is a bit too heavy - they do not use wicks. So - soon after you get your plants - you can repot them in a slightly bigger pot with light soil and wick.

Bristol streps are relatively compact - so I think 5" pot is the maximum size. You repot them until they reach this size - they bloom real well for 6 months - and then it is time to get them out of the pot - and divide like you would divide an iris - live only young offshoots to pot, trash the rest.

They like to dry up - so actually after they reach 3-4" pot - you can put them in an empty tray and dump some water when they are dry but not yet droopy.

They like about twice more light than AVs - so if you grow under lights - for display shelf - I use 4 tubes. They do good on the window too.

And yes - when you repot - keep the center of a rosette slightly above the level of the pot. They do not do good if the center is low. Never cover it with a new soil.

There are more tricks to learn - but you will enjoy growing them. Wow factor is higher than for AVs.

Good luck

irina

Here is a link that might be useful: more info