Plant Selection
When purchasing an African violet, select a plant which has a single crown. The leaves should be growing symmetrically, like the spokes of a wheel.
Light
African violets grow best when provided with indirect sunlight. A simple way to measure light intensity is by holding your hand about 4 inches above the plant. If a slight shadow is cast over the specimen, it is probably receiving sufficient light. When leafstalks become elongated the plants bloom sparingly, light intensity is probably too low. If leaves become faded or more flaccid than normal, plants may be receiving too much light. African violets which have dark green foliage and dark colored flowers usually tolerate more light than those with light colored leaves and flowers.
Many growers have great success raising violets under fluorescent lights. Plants are usually placed 6 to 12 inches beneath a 2 or 4 tube fixture, 4 feet long, which is fitted with 40 watt tubes. There are several excellent books available on light gardening which describe this method of raising African violets in detail.
Humidity
African violets grow best when the relative humidity is from 50 to 60%. Most homes are far drier than this. To increase humidity set plants on water-tight trays filled with small pebbles. Pour water over the pebbles until it rises to the bottom of the top layer. The water will evaporate and moisten the air surrounding the plants. Misting with lukewarm water also helps to increase humidity and may result in the production of more blossoms. In addition, misting helps keep leaves clean. Misted plants should not be placed in a sunny window until the leaves have dried completely or foliage burn may result.
Growing Medium
Most garden centers sell soil mixes especially recommended for African violets. These packaged mixes are easy to use since nothing needs to be added they are often expensive. To prepare a mix which is less expensive and is used with equal success, combine equal parts of peat moss, packaged potting soil, and perlite.
Water
African violets should be watered from above when the top layer of soil in the container feels decidedly dry to the touch. Always water thoroughly, until water runs through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container. Then wait l5 minutes and empty the drip plates beneath the pots: plants should never be allowed to sit in standing water. Many growers find that it is best to water in the morning with tepid water.
Temperature
African violets grow best when night temperatures are from 60 to 70 degrees F. and day temperatures are 5 to 10 degrees higher. If temperatures are too low, plants may grow slowly and the leaves will hug the pot. If they are too high, plants may become leggy and will bloom sparingly. Never place plants where there will be sudden variations in temperature or drafts.
Fertilizer
A balanced water soluble chemical fertilizer recommended for house plants should be used regularly. The labels on these products explain how often to apply and at what strength. Be sure to follow the directions precisely. To avoid burn, do not splash fertilizer on the foliage and always pour fertilizer into already moist soil.
Propagation
African violets are easily propagated by leaf cuttings which should include the leaf blade and about 2 inches of stalk. Cuttings should be taken with a sharp knife or razor blade and allowed to dry for about 2 hours. Cuttings can be rooted in water or a solid medium.
Rooting Cuttings in Water
Fill a small glass with water, cover the top of the glass with aluminum foil, make a hole in the foil with a pencil, and insert the leafstalk in a hole, as illustrated below. Check the water every few days. If it becomes cloudy replace with fresh water. Cuttings will root in approximately 3 to 6 weeks.
Rooting Cuttings in a Solid Medium
Fill a clear plastic shoe or sweater box about half way to the top with evenly moistened vermiculite or perelite (Both are available in plant shops and garden centers.) Insert the cuttings and firm the medium well around the base of the newly cut leaf stalks. Provide air holes in the lid of the box with a nail or screwdriver. The medium will probably stay moist until the cuttings root, in approximately 3 to 6 weeks.
Potting Newly Rooted Cuttings
Once rooted, cuttings can be potted individually. Clay or plastic pots, 2 and a half to 3 inches in diameter, are recommended. If clay pots are used, cover the rim with scotch tape or dip into shellac to avoid rotting the leafstalks which rest on the pot.
Grooming
Often more than one plant grows from a single leaf cutting or tiny plants grow around the base of the well established specimens. This prevents plants from growing symmetrically. Competing plantlets should be cut off at the soil line with a pair if manicure scissors as soon as they appear. Faded flowers and yellow leaves should be carefully removed as soon as they are noticed.
Repotting
It is time to repot African violets when roots are seen growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container and the soil dries out very quickly between waterings. When repotting use new containers which are made of the same material as the old . For example, plants growing in plastic pots should re repotted into plastic. The new pots should be 1 inch larger in diameter than the old containers.
Leaf cuttings being rooted in water Leaf cuttings being rooted in a solid medium inside a clear plastic box Young plant developing around the base of a newly potted cutting
Plant culture sheet 09a Prepared by the U.S. Botanic Garden Staff
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1986-63-778
Happy Gardening!
Bloomin Garden Centre & Landscaping
8793 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati OH 45242
Garden Store: 513-891-9035
Landscaping: 513-984-TREE
Fax: 513-891-9276
© MM, Bloomin Garden Centre, All rights Reserved
