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.
Now here are two practical methods developed for leaf propagating by home gardeners. Cover a water-filled glass tumbler with wax paper with a rubber band. Pierce the paper in three places. Insert the leaf stems in these holes deeply enough for the stems to reach into the water. Set the glass in a fully light … Read more
Saintpaulias are responsive plants to grow. Indeed, their popularity is partially due to the ease of extending a collection or increasing the number of plants of some appealing variety. Through the neighborly exchange of leaves or their reciprocal mailing to unmet but not unknown distant “violet friends,” almost every desired combination may be acquired and … Read more
Give your African violets that little extra care to keep them at their peak throughout the winter. Plants From Attic To Basement When your care for African violets fills every favorable window in the house, you will start scouting the place for additional quarters for your plants. At this point, you become a “fancier.” One … Read more
Watering and temperature methods have much to do with success in caring for African violets, although plants watered in different ways may bloom equally well. As a triumphant record, here is an account sent to me. “I have an African violet, four and one-half years old. It has been reported but once. Yet in that … Read more
Raising saintpaulia from seed is a fascinating pursuit, and, like thousands of other house-plant gardeners, you will get a great kick from it. But it is like matrimony: you should not go into it without prior consideration. You may find yourself responsible for caring for several hundred African violet seedlings, which may mean a big … Read more
For nearly three years, I have been collecting and propagating African violets. Before that, I, too, had difficulty trying to raise them. As I look back, following the general trend that African violets did not require sun was more or less responsible for my troubles since I was careful to keep my plants away from … Read more
Many “experts” in caring for African violets will tell you that no greater sin can be committed against your violets than to water them from the top. It would be best if you watered them from the bottom or with a unique self-watering pot for African violets. Others, equally proficient, say “Always water from the … Read more
I believe African violets have frustrated more people than all other houseplants. We read articles and books on their culture till we know just how it is to be done, what to do and what not to do. We buy good plants from reliable growers, get hand-tailored potting soil, and determine the light requirements of … Read more
When my little plants became over ¼” inch high, I prepared to pot them. I scrubbed two-inch pots clean and filled them with vermiculite. I often use sharp sand for this potting with excellent results; however, I notice that my violets bloom more quickly when plants are rooted in vermiculite, and since I’m always in … Read more
The value of indoor gardening as a health-preserving and rest-promoting hobby is inestimable. It can supply necessary relaxation and ease mental tension in these trying times. If you’re not already an indoor garden hobbyist, you’ll find it worthwhile to start a window gardening venture this fall when your outdoor garden needs less attention. More than … Read more