Post by violetlover on Oct 2, 2004 17:01:30 GMT -5
Like most plants, African violets have undergone extensive
breeding and are now available in a wide variety of colors and
sizes. Flowers may be white, creamy yellow, pink, purple, blue and
bicolor with single or double blossoms. Plants vary in size from only a couple of inches for the miniature types to almost a foot for the standard types. Leaves are usually hairy (pubescent) and
green or variegated in color.
Proper placement is essential for these plants.African
violets prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Usually an eastern window is sufficient to supply enough light for growth and flowers.
If the leaves are thin, dark- or blue-green and
there are few or no flowers, light levels may be too low. If you don't have space near windows, you can grow African violets successfully under artificial lights. Plants receiving 12 to 16
hours of light from double fluorescent bulbs will reward you with ample blossoms. If light levels are too high, the leaves will be small and yellow-green.
African violets are fussy about air and water temperatures. Air temperatures from 60 to 80°F are preferred. Keep plants away from hot or cold drafts for best growth. If you are comfortable, it is most likely that your plant pets will be comfortable as well. Water temperature is also important. When watering African
violets, the water should be at room temperature or slightly above. Their delicate leaves can easily be damaged by cold water.
Water that collects on the foliage also can initiate deadly diseases. Many African violets are subirrigated or watered from the base of the container. However, they can also be watered from above as long as the foliage remains dry during watering. Water plants thoroughly until the soil is saturated. Discard excess water. To raise humidity levels, place your African violets on a tray filled with a shallow layer of pebbles and water. This special treat is most important during the winter months.
African violets should be fed with a dilute solution of a complete fertilizer. Some owners feed their plant pets at every watering.
Others use a more concentrated fertilizer solution and fertilize only once a month. If leaves begin to turn a lighter green, more frequent fertilization may be necessary. If leaves look healthy but the plant stops flowering, less fertilizer may be recommended.
Less fertilization is recommended during the winter months.
If you like your new plant and would like to grow more, African violets are easily propagated from leaf cuttings. Select a healthy, mature leaf(not old from the outer rows) with a petiole (leaf stem) of approximately 1
to 2 inches in length. Cut it off with a sharp knife or razor blade. Gently insert the petiole into moist vermiculite.
It is best to insert the petiole at an angle to allow the new plants plenty of room to develop. Keep the humidity high by placing a clear plastic bag over the propagation container. Place the container in a well-lit but shaded location to prevent excessively high temperatures.