The African violet, or saintpaulia, is some of the most popular house plants. They tolerate the temperature and humidity of the average home.
Several species and types of African Violets creep and trail. They flower in a window, or under fluorescent light.
They grow in moderate warmth and humidity in light, humus-rich soil. Keep the soil moist. Propagate by seeds, leaf and stem cuttings, or division of mature plants.
Most home growers say 300 foot-candles of light are necessary to produce bloom. On mature plants, a 40-watt fluorescent tube 11″ inches from the pot rim is about right.
A few evenings ago, I was at dinner sitting alongside a young lady who happens to be my daughter, who said to me apropos nothing in particular: “I can’t see why people get so excited about African violets. They’re all right, but I don’t think they’re too beautiful.” Such heresy demanded rebuttal, so I tried … Read more
So you want to grow African violets well? The odds are in your favor! No houseplants are easier to handle in the conditions of our modern homes with their thermostatically controlled heating systems. Light requirements are modest—neither excessive sun nor deep shade. As far as moisture is concerned, saintpaulias are neither teetotalers nor heavy drinkers. … Read more
There’s no better time than the present to spruce up your African violets for spring. Now that longer, warmer days are stimulating growth for African violets, it’s easy to help your saintpaulias grow into more beautiful, well-proportioned plants. Study Each African Violet First, study each plant separately. Is it too small or too large for … Read more
Compared to many house plant favorites, the African violet is still a newcomer. Although discovered by Baron Walter von Saint Paul in 1890, it was not until 45 years later that it really became popular in this country. Just when the first African violets were grown in America is still a matter of conjecture, and … Read more
Your African violets can always be a conversation piece if you follow a few simple cultural tips. Their popularity continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and almost everyone has their own method of growing African violets. Main Requirements In Growing African Violets The main requirements are few and easily provided. There are six main … Read more
African Violets have won people’s hearts in a way that probably no other house plant ever has. The foliage is compact and lovely, and the plant does not grow out of bounds. Blossoms are produced freely and abundantly, or are they? Two Important Growing Requirements If the African Violets have properly cared, for they should … Read more
Certainly, it was never an easy thing for the African violet enthusiast to choose from among the many African violets varieties offered in the past. Now, with the appearance of the newest, the selection is made even more difficult. Collections, therefore, will expand, and, as popular as the saintpaulia has been, its Hooper rating will … Read more
With indoor gardeners across the country, the African violet is, without a doubt, the favorite house plant. Varying greatly in leaf and flower, some range in size from huge specimens that will not fit into a bushel basket to tiny gems that grow in a tea or a demitasse cup. These little fellows are called … Read more
Many people who grow African violets have problems with them, and they probably will doubt the fact that the plants will bloom the year around. However, if the growing conditions are right, such a performance can be expected. For year-round blooms, the plants must get the right amount of light. The temperature and humidity are … Read more
Do you want to try magic on your African violets? You can transform your plants into “giants” through the use of colchicine. Properly treated and grown African violet leaves develop into plants that have larger leaves and flowers than those of the original plant. Of course, colchicine can also be used on other plants. My … Read more