African Violet
African Violet
These Growing Methods Give You Endless Blooms Inside The Home
African violets were given their name after Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, first discovered the plant in the 18th century. The plant was named African violets since it was initially discovered in Africa and the blooms have a close similarity to true violets. This plant belongs to the Violaceae family.
Description
The African violet are known as flowering perennials. It possesses attractive flowers that have 5 petals that generally are blue violet in color. The flowers can also be pink, fuchsia and white. The new cultivars of these species can have doubled or even semi-doubled rows of petals. There are also bi-colored and contrasting shades. African violets that grow in the wild ordinarily have violet, pale blue, purple, or even white flowers.
African violets make good houseplants. They will endlessly bloom if they are grown under the right conditions. These plants are only able to develop to a height of 15 centimeters and it's possible to find trailing and miniature subspecies.
Growing Requirements
African violets may be grown in little containers and put onto a windowsill. They require a sufficient quantity of sunshine, preferable that of the afternoon sun. If the plant is subjected to cool and cold temperature, its development might be stunted. The actual containers as well as the potting medium has to be sterile and clean because this particular plant is prone to root rot. In addition, make sure that the soil is has effective water flow and drainage elements.
It is possible to line the bottom of the grow container utilizing small stones so you can get even better drainage. Once they grow larger and you observe the leafless part of the stem is about an inch and a half long, it's about time to repot the plant right into a larger pot. This will avoid the overcrowding of the roots. You may find that you must repot an African violet every year.
Watering Guideline
It is advisable to keep your soil generally damp. Avoid watering the leaves under direct sunlight, as it can be a reason for leaf burn. Should you over water an African violet and the roots become saturated, it is possible the plant will develop either root rot or perhaps crown rot. This particular plant is at risk of developing diseases such as botrytis and mildew.
About the Author
Steve Habib is an active gardener, researcher and lawn maintenance operator. You can receive more information about having beautiful blooming African Violets Or if you'd like a Free copy of "How Do Plants Grow" visit Plant and Gardening blog
I have an African Violet...How do I get it to perk back up?
We moved several states away. Since then, my poor plant seems to be withering away! Does anyone know anything about African Violets?
You need to put the African violet near a window that gets sun at least for a few hours a day, and if not direct sun it should get STRONG light.
African Violet
How To Care For African Violets
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Growing Your Own African Voilets
NATURAL LIGHT: Adequate light is the most important factor in promoting flowering. Place plants near any window that has bright, but filtered, light. An east window is best because it gets morning sun. A thin curtain will be necessary if placing plants in a south or west window. In order to develop a nice symmetrical form, plants must be turned 1/4 turn every week.
FLUORESCENT LIGHT: If adequate natural light is not available, plants can be grown under fluorescent lights. Use double tube fixtures with one cool white bulb and one broad spectrum bulb. Lights should be 8 to 10 inches above the top of the plants and turned on for 12 to 14 hours a day. If plants have tight centers or seem to be bleaching out, reduce the number of hours to 8-10 a day.
WHEN TO WATER: More violets die from over-watering than from any other single cause. Violet soil should be kept evenly moist and never allowed to become soggy. Water only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Always use tepid water.
HOW TO WATER: You can water from the top, bottom, use wicks or use self watering planters. However, about once a month, plants should be watered from the top to flush out accumulated fertilizer salts. Never allow plants to stand in water (unless wicked or Oyama Planters are used). If water gets on the leaves, dry with a paper towel to prevent leaf spotting.
SOIL: A potting medium suitable for African Violets should be sterilized, and light and airy to allow root penetration. Soil-less mixes are ideal - they contain sphagnum peat, vermiculite and perlite.
FEEDING: Lack of regular feeding is one of the reasons an African violet will not bloom. The best way to feed is to use a dilute fertilizer solution every time you water. Use 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. fertilizer to one gallon of water. A balanced fertilizer should be used such as 20-20-20 or 12-36-14. Find a fertilizer with a low nitrogen urea content as urea burns the roots. Some brands are Peters, Optimara, Miracle Grow, Schultz.
ATMOSPHERE: Temperature and humidity are important factors. Most violets can tolerate temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees. Ideal temperatures are 72-75 degrees day-time and 65 degrees night-time. The preferred humidity range is 40% to 60%. A humidifier or bowls of water placed near plants can be used to increase you home's humidity during heating season.
About the Author
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African Violet