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Caring for Your African Violets
African violets, although from Africa are not in fact violets. They are herbs. They became known as violets from the deep purple of their flowers. They were brought to Europe in 1893 by Baron Walter von Saint Paul, from whom their botanical name Saintpaulia derives. These plants are low growing with dark green oval leaves. There are over 500 varieties some with large blooms over an inch in diameter.They are good houseplants, thriving in a warm environment. As they prefer daytime temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees F and above 60 degrees at night they might need some protection in the winter. Move them away from windows at night if you house gets a little cold. Growing Conditions African violets are primarily jungle plants and as such are accustomed to heavy rainfall. Water them well from below without splashing the leaves, which can encourage the growth of white spot which is a common problem with these plants. use a long spouted watering can to moisten the soil without dripping cold water on the leaves. A wick watering system would be ideal for African violets and never spray them, even with warmer water. Instead gently brush the leaves to remove any dust. They do not need direct sunlight, a east or west facing window position would be ideal. Always keep them indoors even in the summer and plant them a rich potting compost specially mixed for African violets, which should be available at your local garden center. Do not pack the compost too tightly, African violets prefer an aerated soil. One feature of African violets that makes them better suited to indoor growing than most other flowering plants is that they do not require much sunlight. Though the plants can succeed in a northern exposure, they do best when placed in an east- or west-facing window. Feed your plants with a special African violet fertilise with and always add fertiliser when re potting or planting cuttings. Propagating You can easily propagate African violets with leaf cutting. The best time is in the Spring when new leaves will begin to sprout within about twelve weeks. A new cutting taken in the Spring will be flowering by the Autumn. When the crown of the plant becomes thick it will stop flowering and then it's time to divide it carefully. With the roots exposed wash away the soil with warm water then gently tease apart the new segments, each with roots, and pot them on small containers. Place them in shade after watering and fertilising and then move them to a east or west facing window after a few days. You will soon have them flowering. With good care you can have lovely African violets blooming throughout the year!
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African Violets
African Violets 2
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This intel was contributed by janetra
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May, 2012
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