Growing african violets – they will bloom in your windows even in winter, you just need to know a few tricks.

African violets (Saintpaulia) belong to the Saintpaulia genus. These plants arrived at the European continent in 1893 from their native Tanzania and immediately attracted attention of gardeners, who bred thousands of new varieties.

Groups of producers of African violets have formed all over the world and made these little flowers world travellers. Today we can admire their beauty on all continents. So, which variety is best for you?

Choose according to your taste

The diversity of African violets will impress anyone. Leaves may be round to ovate, with a full or serrated edge, smooth or with fine hairs. Flowers come in a wide range of colours from white, pink to dark blue.

Buying African violets

As with any plants, pay attention to the health of the plants you are buying. Do not buy plants with bent, browned or otherwise damaged leaves. African violet must look fresh and healthy and stems and leaves must be firm.

Photo: Pixabay

Growing African violets

When you bring African violet home, repot it but do it very carefully as stems and leaves are fragile and break easily. When choosing a flowerpot, choose the one that is approximately 1/3 of the width of the plant’s rosette. A smaller pot supports flowering. African violets are usually sold in potsthat contain only pure peat mixed with various substances that force the plant to bloom quickly, making it easier to sell but this soil is unsuitable for cultivation.

Substrate for African violets

Transplant into a new substrate for indoor plants and mix with perlite to make it lighter. Do not forget to make a drainage layer. Use expanded clay or pebbles to ensure drainage of excess water.

Making your plant thrive

Violets will do best on an east or northeast window. Do not expose African violets to direct sunlight, which may burn leaves and create unpleasant spots on them. Use a room temperature water when watering and pour it onto the saucer. Pour off the excess water. Soil must not be flooded so, water only as needed – once or twice a week. To promote growth and flowering, provide nutrition such as potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus.

Photo: Pixabay

First aid

The most common problem you may encounter includes brown spots. If these appeared due to burning by direct sunlight you are lucky, but it may be sign of a viral disease. If that is the case you need to dispose of infected plants. If you keep air humidity high, you may soon see the dreaded powdery mildew or gray mould on leaves and even on flowers. If that is the case, you need to get rid of all affected parts, limit watering, fertilizing and increase ventilation. In case of severe infestation, you may need chemical sprays.

Preview photo: Pixabay

Source: https://www.ceskestavby.cz/rostliny/africka-fialka-saintpaulia-ionantha.html