African violet

(Saintpaulia ionantha)

August 1996

DESCRIPTION:

Roundish, thick, hairy, green to dark green leaves arranged in a rosette.
Bottom of leaves sometimes have reddish tint.
Flower may be single or double. Some may have edges of a contrasting color.

FLOWER COLORS:

Purple, White, Pink, Blue, Violet, Bi-Colored

AFTER FLOWERING:

Continues to flower with adequate light. If it fails to flower, move to brighter light.

AVAILABLE:

Year Round

CONTAINER:

Small container

LIGHT:

Medium. East or west window, about one thousand footcandles.

WATER:

Frequent. Water thoroughly, keep soil evenly moist to touch (not saturated). Don't let sit in water.

TEMPERATURE:

Warm. 71 - 85 (degrees F) days, 66 - 75 nights.

HUMIDITY:

High

FERTILIZER:

Every 2 weeks.

SOIL MIX:

1 to 2 parts sphagnum peat moss, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part sterilized loam, and 1 part clean coarse sand or Perlite.

PROPOGATION:

Leaf cuttings

SELECTION GUIDE:

Select sturdy, shapely plant with healthy foliage and bright, clear colored flowers. New flower buds desirable. Check leaf axils for insects. Avoid plants with disease or insect damage.

CARE:

Moderate. Lives well under average home conditions. Attractive with moderate maintenance.

OTHER CULTIVARS:

Numerous cultivars are registered with the African Violet Society of America, Inc.

PROBLEMS:

Root rot: Don't let plant sit in water.
Mealybugs: Wash with soapy water or wipe off with alcohol using cotton swab.
Spider mites: Wash with soapy water and apply miticide.
Cyclamen mites: Wash, apply miticide. Isolate. Buy only non-infested plants.

COMMENTS:

Insufficient light is the most frequent cause of failure to flower.
Use room temperature water for watering; cold water causes spots on leaves.
Hobby plant. African violets thrive under flourescent light conditions.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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