African violet, (genus Saintpaulia), genus of six species of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae native to higher elevations in tropical eastern Africa.
How many varieties of African violets are there?
The African Violet Society of America has more than 16,000 varieties in its database. These varieties are grouped by their growth and by their flowers.
What is the largest African Violet?
They sit there and thumb their noses at you and say, ‘I dare you to grow me,’ ” said Progebin, a Plantation resident. When she lived in New Jersey years ago, she grew the largest African violet on record: a whopping 37 inches across and bearing more than 350 open flowers.
Are all African violets purple?
They differ mainly in the colors of their flowers, which range from white to purple, though some varieties have variegation in their foliage and flowers as well. African violets are typically classified by size, based on how wide they grow: Miniature: less than 8 inches across. … Large: more than 16 inches across.What is the difference between violets and African violets?
The main differences between African Violets and True violets are: … African violets have fleshy downy leaves and produce throughout the summer, five-petalled flowers, usually with a distinct eye while true violets have large to small heart shaped leaves, sometimes smooth, sometimes with varying degrees of hairiness.
Can you touch African violets?
There’s no doubt that African violet plants are beautiful. In looking at and caring for them, it’s tempting to touch the fuzzy leaves and colorful flowers. While most plants can take this attention with no adverse results, African violets seem to be sensitive to the touch.
Can violets be pink?
One of the best spring-blooming violets, ‘Fragrant Pink Violet’ has sweetly scented, antique pink flowers that rise up from the foliage on short stems.
How many colors do African violets have?
Flower color varies from blue to violet, lavender, pink, red-violet, blue-violet, lavender-pink and white. Flowers may be single, double, semi-double, star-shaped, fringed or ruffled. Some varieties produce flowers with two or more rows of petals on one color with the rest fringed in a different color.Why do African violet leaves get limp?
Excessively dry or overly wet soil can result in African violet limp leaves. When the potting soil for African violets is too dry, the leaves wilt because they aren’t getting enough water, but African violet leaves also wilt when the soil is too wet. The roots need air as well as water, and soggy soil drowns roots.
How long do African violets live?African violets can live a long time, as long as 50 years! To get them there, you need to provide good care which includes repotting African violets. The trick is knowing when to repot an African violet and what soil and container size to use.
Article first time published onDo African violets need sun?
African violets need indirect sunlight, direct can burn the leaves. Choose a north- or east- facing window for best results. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light. Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.
How often should African violets be watered?
An important point to remember when bottom watering African Violet plants is to top water at least once a month. This way you are flushing out any extra fertilizer salt build up and refreshing the soil/roots from the top too.
Do African violets smell good?
One thing violets are known most for is the fact that they have a lovely scent that seems to go away after just one sniff. That’s because the flowers contain a chemical called ionine which desensitizes the nose and sense of smell temporarily.
Do African violets smell bad?
It’s true their flowers resemble, but only at a first glance, because even the flowers are different. Also, from their scent one can tell which is an African violet and which is a Parma violet because African violets are totally scentless.
What does violet symbolize?
Purple combines the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red. The color purple is often associated with royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition. Purple also represents meanings of wealth, extravagance, creativity, wisdom, dignity, grandeur, devotion, peace, pride, mystery, independence, and magic.
Is African Violet a succulent?
African violets are native to high-elevation tropical rainforests in Tanzania. Other than the blooms, the most distinguishing characteristic of African violets is their fuzzy, succulent foliage. The fine hairs on the leaves are an adaptation to help the plant absorb water from the air.
How do you get African violets to bloom again?
- 8 Ways to Get Your African Violet to Bloom Again. …
- Let There Be Light. …
- Turn Up the Humidity. …
- Replenish Essential Nutrients. …
- Keep it Pleasant. …
- Choose the Right Soil. …
- Protect From Pests & Disease. …
- Constrict the Roots.
Should you remove dead flowers from African violets?
The plant produces leaves regularly, and this will help balance the appearance of the violet while allowing old leaves to make room for new. Remove spent flowers as they occur. This will help promote the growth of new blooms because the plant doesn’t have to direct any energy to old flowers.
Do mice eat African violets?
Mice are small, furry mammals whose refined palate is drawn to the sweet-tasting anthers of African Violets. Unlike Thrips, Earwigs or other insects which feed on the pollen of African Violets, mice will gnaw off the entire pollen sac, leaving little trace of its contents.
Why does my African violet not bloom?
Too little light can cause of African violets not to bloom well. They prefer bright, indirect sun. Too little sunlight causes them to stretch for the light and produce few or no flowers; too much sun can burn the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, especially with a sheer curtain to block the sun’s harshest rays.
Can you grow African violets from a leaf?
African violets are very easily propagated from leaf. Even inexperienced growers can quickly produce additional plants and expand their collection. Step 1: Remove and trim leaf. … It’s best to use a mature leaf, but not one that’s old and tough.
Do African violets need to be watered from the bottom?
Should I water African violets from the top or bottom? Either is fine. It is important not to use cold water; lukewarm or warm is preferred. If you water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun; this is to avoid leaf spots.
Should you mist African violets?
African violets tolerate average indoor HUMIDITY; 40-60% is best. If your house is very dry, mist your violets lightly with room temperature water on a daily basis, but never late in the day or at night. … Violets have hairy leaves that will collect dust. A soft brush can be used to keep leaves clean between baths.
How do you rejuvenate African violets?
Remove the plant from the pot and check the roots for rot (brown – black soft roots). It is possible for plants to grow new roots. If a majority of the roots are still white or light-colored, prune off the rotted roots, and re-pot the plant in soil for African violets in a container with several drainage holes.
Are African violets slow growing?
Tight crowns occur in African Violet plants over a slow period of time. First the African Violet plant will slow down in growth and begin a stunted growth period. The leaves will be smaller in size, they become brittle and hard to touch and shiny in appearance.
Is there a blue African Violet?
Hybrid Blue African Violet features dainty clusters of blue round flowers with yellow eyes held atop the stems from late winter to late fall. Its glossy round leaves emerge light green, turning green in color throughout the year. The red stems can be quite attractive and add to the plant’s interest.
Are African violets difficult to grow?
Unlike most houseplants, the flowers are the stars of the show with African violets. Though these fuzzy blooming houseplants have a reputation for being finicky, they’re actually not difficult to grow once you know how to follow some basic rules for their care.
What kills African violets?
Use a broadleaf killer that contains 2,4-D or Dicamba, and it will selectively kill the violets without damaging the grass. Another great wild violet herbicide is called Drive (quinclorac).
Are African violets safe for kids?
African Violet (Saintpaulia): Safe for kids and your pets, the African Violet is a popular choice for novice gardeners. Suitable for indoors and outdoors, it’s small size and low maintenance needs make it a pretty choice for busy families.
Do African violets like to be crowded?
Violets need to feel crowded to bloom, but when a plant gets too big for its pot, divide the plant’s separate-looking leaf heads. When you repot, tease the roots apart and plant in room-temperature potting soil.
Do African violets do well in the bathroom?
The best temperature for the plant is 70 degree F. Avoid drafts. Establish humidity for the plants by placing them on wet pebbles. African violets like humid rooms, so a sunny bathroom or kitchen window can work well.
