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African violets (saintpaulia ionantha), which are native to Africa, are some of the most loved flowering houseplants in America. They are extremely well-suited to indoor culture. They are low, compact
plants with clumps of thick hairy dark green leaves and lovely flowers
that bloom off and on all year long. Many beautiful varieties are
available in white, shades of pink, rose, violet, blue, purple, lime
green, and pale yellow. There are also miniature cultivars available that can be grown under
glass with fluorescent lights. There are also the trailing ones that
look best in hanging baskets. Light: Medium light for
growth; high light for flowering (near bright east or south window) for
at least 12 hours each day. Always use a light curtain to filter the
light during summer when placing plants in a southern or western window.
This is necessary to prevent sunburn which causes brittle, bleached
leaves. Grows well when placed 12 to 15 inches below fluorescent plant
lights for 16 hours a day. Water: Keep the soil mixture
slightly moist at all times by watering from the bottom with
room-temperature water. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent
white spots from forming. Humidity: Moderate to high for good growth. The miniature plants will thrive in a slightly open terrarium. Temperature: 70-75 degrees during days and a minimum of 65 degrees during nights. These plants do not like hot, dry air or chilly drafts. Fertilizer: Apply monthly with balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 or use a flowering-houseplant fertilizer. Propagation:
Remove mature leaves with 1/2 inch of stem and firmly plant them into
moist sand or propagating mix. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to
retain moisture. New plants should form in a few days. Rooting hormone
speeds up the development of new plants. Pests: These plants
can be attacked by spider mites and mealybugs, showing signs of damaged
leaves that are curled and grayish. Check undersides of leaves for
cotton-like egg masses or tiny webs. Exterminate pests by touching them
with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and water. Repotting:
Repot only when the leaf spread overbalances the pot. Use a good
soilless potting mix with the special self-watering pot to keep the
plant's delicate roots perfectly moist. Various
diseases of these plants caused by viruses and fungal infections can be
prevented by using sterilized soil, and prompt removal of faded flowers
and unhealthy leaves. With proper lighting, temperature, moisture,
fertilizer, grooming, and an ongoing inspection for pests and diseases,
your African violets will thrive and reward you with beautiful foliage
and flowers.African Violets
How To Care for Your African Violet