African Violets ~ Plant of the Week ~ 01/28/2010

Just like in the fashion world, plant trends come and go.  There are some things that are just timeless.  African Violets are like the ‘Little Black Dress’ of the houseplant world.  They often remind us of our childhood when Grandma had a half a dozen growing on her window sill. 

Their popularity has never decreased, and maybe that is why the breeders have created so many more varieties over the years.  African Violets are low growing plants with long fleshy leafstalks.  The star-shaped flowers are grown in clusters with a pronounced yellow eye.   The flowers can be single or double and some may have frilled petals.  The flowers come in many colors with shades of pink, purple, red and of course white.  Some may have white outlined petals or speckles of colors on them as well. 

THE FACTS:

Origin: Tanzania; hybrids

Height: to 6″ depending on variety

Potting Mix: Many all-purpose soil mixes will work.  Some companies are producing soil specifically for African Violets with a time release fertilizer mixed right in.

Repotting: In spring, when the roots fill the pot.  The plant flowers best when slightly pot-bound, so use a pot about 1/3 the diameter of the plant, up to 6″ across.

Pot requirements: A pot with drainage is a must!  African Violets like to be watered from the bottom up, so a pot with drainage is essential!  We sell pots specifically for growing African Violets that work as a ‘pot inside a pot’ planter.  The outside pot is solid, without a drainage hole.  Then another pot sits inside of it, usually the inside pot is porous.  the Outside pot holds water and the inside pot wicks in as much water as the plant needs. 

Propagation: Take a leaf stem cutting or divide large clumps in spring and summer.

Keeping plants: African Violets will last for many years provided their special requirements are met.

Plant Care

A bright area with no direct sunlight.  Filtered winter sunlight or added flourescent lighting in winter will encourage year-round flowering.  African Violets prefer temperatures between 65 – 75 degrees.  Water from below with lukewarm water.  Allow soil to dry slightly before watering.  Apply fertilizer every 2 weeks when plants are blooming.

Possible Problems

Flower buds will not form when days are short, but extra artificial light from fluorescent tubes should promote winter flowering.

Remove damaged leafstalks and dead flower stalks by twisting them sideways, to break off the entire stalk. Do not cut them.

Soft, brown spots on the leaves can be caused by moisture lying on the foliage or by sun falling directly on the plant.

Fluffy, gray mold seen on dying flowers and leaves is botrytis, a fungus disease which starts on dead tissue.  It is worst in cold, moist conditions.  Remove all dead and damaged parts and move the plant to a slightly warmer place.

African Violet Plant of the Week Coupon

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