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.
I am often asked to offer my secrets for success in growing African Violets. I have no secret formulas since the African violet is one of the easiest of all house plants to grow with success. Its widespread popularity among indoor gardeners all over the country is proof enough. Basic Needs of African Violets To … Read more
“We’ve just about reached the end. Anything further will be just a minor improvement on what we already have.” This is the statement some people are making about the future of African violet varieties. My answer to this is the story about the government official in the 1800s who advocated closing the Patent Office as … Read more
“Sell my wife anything she wants in the shop – except an African-violet plant!” This was the telephone call a nursery received from the husband of a woman who the African violet bug had bitten. This same bug caught up with Mrs. Herbert S. Miller of Oklahoma City about seven years ago—since which time she … Read more
African Violet is a magic word in gardening—and rightly so. No other house planeasiest and quickest way to propagate African violetst is so satisfying or rewarding. How do you get started growing and collecting African Violet (Saintpaulias)? Quite often, it is by chance: a friend gives you a leaf from one of her plants; you … Read more
If you should ask Mrs. Edith Waller her secret with propagating African violets. she will most likely say: “Why anyone can raise them—just give them a little time and attention.” She should know as she has successfully raised, hybridized, and even sold African-violet plants for the past ten years—just by giving them a little time … Read more
The African violet is, of course, not violet at all, even though it does come from Africa and its more usual deep purple blooms are of violet form and color. It is a member of the Gesneriaceae family, along with the velvet-leaved gloxinia. Baron Walter von Saint Paul first discovered the plant. His father, Hofmarschal … Read more
To every lover of “green things growing,” the African violet offers a challenge. Saintpaulias will grow well and bloom almost endlessly under the conditions of the average home, but it will not flourish so quickly as to let us neglect it or lose interest in it. At its best, the Saintpaulia is a great delight … Read more
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 … 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 starting a window gardening venture worthwhile this fall when your outdoor garden needs less attention. The saintpaulia (African violet), … Read more
Are you ready to add lush greenery and vibrant colors to your home? The popular African violet is an excellent choice. These fuzzy-leaved, delicate, low-growing plants are known for their colorful violet-like blooms that can flower all year round with proper care. The African Violet, the common name for the Saintpaulia houseplant, originates from Africa … Read more