A package received by mail is always a great source of surprise and excitement, especially when it contains live saintpaulias, better known as African violet plants. Many times I have experienced that feeling of anticipation received in opening a package, reminiscent of a child who awaits Christmas morning.
To unfold plants that are to perform in a cheery array of blossoms during the cold, dreary, winter months ahead, gives one an added interest in learning the best possible treatment for this newly acquired treasure.
For assured success with plants, keep in mind the best and safest time of year to order plants by mail. I speak specifically of America’s most popular house plant, the African violet. However, this information may easily be applied to any member of the gesneriad plant family such as the episcia and aeschynanthus, or any tender house plant.
African Violets Get Around
Your first consideration is to remember the nature of this semitropical growing plant. It flourishes best under normal house temperatures of 65° to 75° F. Thus, ordering plants in the late spring before dry, hot, humid weather begins or during the early fall months before heavy frosts and prolonged freezing weather prevails, would be the most ideal times to receive a safe plant shipment.
African violets have been shipped safely to many far corners of the globe arriving in a sturdy, healthy condition. One glance at the African Violet Society of America’s membership has many foreign countries plus Canada and all the states in the U.S.A., makes one suddenly realize they are the greatest travelers in the world for their relatively short 150-year history.
When plants arrive, the most common mistake is the excessive care given to African violet. I receive letters daily from people whose intention is good but who in their effort to give the best possible culture go through the ritual of repotting, overwatering, feeding, and spraying.
For a tender plant that has just had a long journey the treatment is too severe. I heartily agree that a little caution is most essential with any new plant arrivals but a gentler method could be applied.
How To Treat New African Violet Arrivals
Your first chore is to unwrap the plants carefully and look for stakes of variety identity. If plants appear dry to the touch, water them lightly at the top of the soil and place them in a tray or container where they can receive good growing light. Do not handle any more than necessary.
Give the foliage a chance to gracefully fall into its natural position after being packed in an upright manner during its travel, this may require several hours or even a day. If plants arrive with open blossoms (as many growers are anxious to have you see blossoms of new cultivars) do not judge them too hastily as their delicate colors often fade in transit or can be easily bruised.
Clean Up The Plant
Remove any withered blossoms, flower stalks, or petioles so they will not hinder plant growth. Do not repot plants immediately on arrival. This mistake is most common as one thinks a husky plant needs to be transferred promptly to larger quarters.
Let plants remain in pots received at least ten days or longer until they adjust to your home atmosphere. When repotting, transfer only to the next size (for example from a 2 1/2″ to a 3″ pot).
African violets rarely need pots larger than a 4″ size. Do not contaminate well-protected greenhouse stock received by using soil not suitably blended or sterilized. This is of great importance to the future growth of your plants.
After repotting, it may be a good idea to syringe leaves lightly with a fine mist sprayer using warm water to cleanse any dirt from the leaves. It is always wise to keep plants out of strong light and sun until they are thoroughly dry to avoid leaf spotting.
After plants have become acclimated to your conditions, use an insecticide as a precaution against disease. Also, feeding can now begin. Soon your plants will be ready to take their place among your favorites.
Show Winners Begin Now
The greatest advantage of ordering plants in early fall is that they will have enough time to grow and be groomed properly for the local and national spring flower shows. Show plants require months of planning, patience, and persistence.
By sending for plants, you have a wide choice of variety and many cultivars that can be obtained only from certain greenhouses. It is most advantageous to send catalogs in advance, study descriptions, and instructions for ordering before sending. Any reliable firm is most anxious to afford you the pleasure of ordering from their latest catalog.
44659 by Anne Tinari