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.
So you are interested in propagating African violet plants! Once you start growing Saintpaulias, it will not be long until you are interested in African violet propagation. Soon you will feel like the old woman in the shoe — you’ll have so many “children” you won’t know what to do. There is no stopping Saintpaulia … Read more
Like stamps, coins, and pressed glass, saintpaulias today are grown on a vast nationwide scale. But it is no longer possible for even the most ambitious devotee to have them all. The plant’s own capriciousness produces an unbelievable number of sports, and this tendency is abetted by commercial growers and amateurs all over the country. … Read more
That 16” inch Double Neptune, completely hiding its wick-fed pot 18 months ago, was the size of the small Double Neptune, just beginning its wick-fed career. The new 3” inch pot with paraffin edge is the same size pot the plants are growing. The large one, until two weeks before the picture was made, cultivated … Read more
Are you often discouraged when you try to root out or grow African violets successfully? Trial And Error For Successful Propagation Of Houseplants Through trial and error, after many years of experience with these plants, I have found the following practices successful and offered them to those who may have difficulties propagating these popular house … Read more
Many years ago Atlanta, Georgia, was the great center of African violet interest on October 9 and 10, when enthusiasts from 20 states met for the first time at the annual convention of the African Violet Society of America, Inc., and witnessed the staging of the First National African Violet Show in 1946. On the … Read more
If you have never grown African violets from seed, you have missed one of the fascinating phases of their culture. There is a new adventure in store if you want to try it. Seed may be had from several commercial sources. However, growing African Violets to maturity requires about the same time as developing a … Read more
When I started growing African violets a few years ago, I realized that I could have hundreds of blooms in many colors throughout the year. Before I knew it, my collection began to increase as I added new varieties to what has become a fascinating and absorbing hobby. In the beginning, I had my troubles, … Read more
Speaking strictly as an amateur, I would like to give some words of encouragement to gardeners who have not yet succeeded in growing African violets. Do not be discouraged by 1 or 2 or even more failures because these plants are delicate to handle, especially for any distance, though easy to grow once they are settled … Read more
Have you seen the exciting and fashionable green and gold-edged African violets? Did you ever visualize that such interesting color combinations might be produced by the American hybridized? African violet hybrids of good single and double forms edged in chartreuse, lavender, green, and gold do exist and are available in many saintpaulia lists and catalogs … Read more
After talking to many people, I have little doubt that the easiest plant to grow is African violets under fluorescent lights. Simplest Light Set-Up The simplest light set-up is one using a reflector type of fixture having two 40-watt fluorescent bulbs which can be bought as a complete unit for less than $15. Such light … Read more