Discover the enchanting world of African Violets (Saintpaulia)! Hailing from East Africa, these delicate beauties have captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts around the globe. With their velvety petals ranging from deep purples to soft pinks and whites, African Violets add a touch of elegance to any space.
Despite their sophisticated appearance, they offer a beginner-friendly experience in indoor gardening, making them an ideal choice for both seasoned plant parents and newcomers alike.
Common African Violet varieties:
- ‘Diamond Tiffany’
- ‘Amethyst’
- ‘EverGrace’
- ‘EverLove’
- ‘Cherry Princess’
- ‘Devotion’
- ‘Crimson Ice’
- ‘Champagne Pink’
Care
Other than the fact that they really love sunlight, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to keep your African Violets happy:
- Soil: Opt for well-draining potting mix to ensure health. Poor drainage leads to root rot, causing waterlogged plants and leaf drop.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist with warm water and aim for higher humidity levels. Avoid water touching the leaves, except for light misting.
- Light: African violets prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They often thrive under fluorescent lights placed about 12 to 15 inches above the foliage. Remember, if leaves turn pale green, they’re getting too much light.
- Temperature: African violets thrive in warmth and humidity, favoring around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintain temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and safeguard plants from drafts to promote optimal growth.
Give it a read
Propagation
Easily propagate African violets through leaf cuttings or offsets. For leaf propagation:
- Choose a healthy leaf from the plant’s base and snip it off using scissors.
- Trim the leaf stem at a 45-degree angle to around 1/2 inch.
- Place the cutting in a small pot filled with a mix of vermiculite and peat, then water it.
- Cover the pot with a plastic bag and put it in indirect light.
- In about 12 weeks, you’ll notice new baby plants. Let them grow a bit before separating and transplanting them.
For offsets, remove small plantlets from the side of adult plants and pot them individually. This also encourages better blooms in the parent plant
Pruning
For maintaining the vitality of your plant, regularly remove three or more lower leaves each month. This practice balances the violet’s look while allowing fresh leaves to thrive. Eliminating spent flowers contributes to new blooms, as the plant can channel energy toward growth. Not to mention that it makes your plant pretty and encourages proper airflow.
Common Pests
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need to water it about once a week, but it really depends on the season and the temps. The best way to go is by only watering when their soil is dry.
Where is the best place to put an African violet?
For optimal color and blooms, it is crucial to grow African Violets in bright, indirect light. East or north-facing windows may result in less blooming and thin, spindly leaves.
Do African violets need a lot of sun?
In order to thrive, African Violets require a minimum of 8 hours of indirect sunlight per day.
Can I water African violets with tap water?
It is possible that tap water in certain regions could contain excessive levels of chlorine, chloramines, or dissolved solids. If your water is like this, your best bet is not to water your plants with it.
Should I mist my African violets?
Nope. Misting your African violets can cause leaf spotting. These plants love to be in direct sunlight, and getting water on them can cause burns.
