The genus Saintpaulia, also known as African Violets, is one of the world's most popular houseplants, and for a good reason. These compact, low-growing plants flower several times a year, and they are available in a multitude of leaf forms and colors. Don't be put off by their reputation for difficulty: providing you follow a few simple rules, African Violets should thrive indoors. With a bit of experience, it's possible to keep them in flower nearly all year round and grow them to the size of dinner plates.
Growing Conditions
Light: Bright, but not direct sunlight. They are commonly grown under fluorescent lights placed 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) above the leaves.
Water: Keep soil moist with warm water and strive for high humidity. Do not allow water to contact the leaves to prevent damage, other than light misting. Water from below, or push the water spout into the soil when watering. Don't allow the plant to sit in water.
Temperature: Do not allow to fall below about 60ºF (15ºC). They thrive at 70ºF (21ºC).
Soil: A well-drained potting mix is essential. Poor drainage can cause root rot, in which the plant becomes waterlogged, and its leaves begin to fall, so make sure that the plant is never allowed to be exposed to standing water for an extended period.
Fertilizer: Feed with an African Violet fertilizer every other week.
Repotting
African Violets do better when they are slightly underpotted. Repot only when necessary into a pot that is one size up. To repot these plants, simply grab the plant as a whole, lift it, and replace it into a larger container, making sure not to damage their root systems in the process. Common signs that a plant is stressed out and needs to be repotted include falling leaves and overcrowding, and roots that protrude from the surface of the soil. Keep an eye out and repot if you think it'll help.
Propagation
African Violets can be propagated from leaf cuttings or offsets. Adult plants occasionally produce small plantlets or shoots from the side. Remove these and pot up independently. Removing them also encourages better blooms on the parent plant.
Grower's Tips
African Violets will thrive in bright, warm, and humid conditions. Keep water from touching their leaves, or it will leave brown spots. Remove dead flowers and leaves as soon as you have seen them to encourage a healthier plant. Regularly check the soil and plant to make sure there is no accumulation of dead leaves. This will encourage rot. Growing these houseplants is really a matter of balance; you have to make sure that the different factors that go into their cultivation all are weighted against each other. They should be kept in moist enough conditions that they don't dry out yet are still exposed to a fresh breeze to avoid letting them get too stuffy and exposed to sunlight without damaging their leaf tips. Don't be discouraged if your African Violets suffer some damage — it's all part of the process.
Source: about.com
Links
- Back to genus Saintpaulia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin