African Violet Chimera

General Culture (Courtesy of Mr. Robert Albro)

ANYONE can grow beautiful African violets ANYWHERE if the proper cultural methods are practiced. These methods are the basis for the successful growing of any houseplant, but African violets should thrive, if the following conditions are met.

NATURAL LIGHT: African violets are the world's most popular houseplant because they are capable of blooming the year round. Adequate light is the most important factor in promoting flowering. Place the plants near any window that has bright, but filtered, light. An east window is good as African violets do very well in the light of the morning sun.

FLUORESCENT LIGHT: If adequate natural light is not available, plants can be grown exclusively under fluorescent lights. Use double tube fixtures, have the lights on 12 to 14 hours a day, and place the plants so the foliage is about eight to 10 inches below the tubes.

WATERING: African violets may be watered from the top, the bottom (adding water to a saucer or tray) or by wicking. However, about once a month, the plants should be watered from the top. Use a generous amount of water so it runs through the pot to flush out accumulated salts, and remove any excess water. Using room temperature water, water only when the top of the soil feels slightly dry to the touch. One of the most common reasons for failure of African violets is over watering.

FEEDING: Either lack of fertilizer or too infrequent fertilizing is one of the reasons for lack of blossoms. Most growers use a potting mix with little nutrient content. This type of mix requires using a dilute fertilizer solution each time the plant is watered. For natural light use 1/8 teaspoon of a water soluble fertilizer to one gallon of water. For fluorescent light growing, use 1/4 teaspoon to one gallon of water since growth is greatly accelerated under fluorescent lights.

ATMOSPHERE: Temperature, humidity and air circulation are important factors. African violets thrive in the same atmosphere in which people are comfortable. Not too hot; not too cold; fresh air but no drafts; and enough humidity (40 to 50%) to maintain tissue moisture.

POTTING: Today, almost all of the commercial potting mixes are the "soilless" type. A mix suitable for African violets should be light and airy to allow easy root penetration. It should also be sterilized to eliminate harmful bacteria. If you don't prepare your own mix, buy a top quality mix that is especially formulated for African violets.

GROOMING: A properly groomed, fresh, clean African violet is a pleasure to behold. Keep dead leaves and faded blossoms removed. With a soft brush, flick away soil particles, lint, animal hairs, etc., or damp-wipe the foliage with a soft wet sponge. About once a month the foliage can be washed under a gentle stream of tepid water or tissue. Allow the plants to dry in a warm draft free place away from direct sunlight. Tilt the pot so water doesn't run into the pot and avoid getting water in the center crown of the plant. Pat excess water with a soft sponge

PROPAGATION: Acquiring extra plants of those you already have is an easy procedure. The most common way is by leaf cuttings. Remove a fresh leaf from plant, cut the stem to about 1-1/2 inches in length, and plant the leaf in a small potful of soil mix or vermiculite (a brownish, lightweight soil additive). In time, many little plantlets will come up through the mix from the base of the leaf. These plantlets can be separated and started in small pots.

PESTS AND DISEASES: Information on African violet pests and diseases can be found in issues of the AFRICAN Violet Magazine. A book on insect and mite pests of African violets by Dr. Charles Cole, Texas A&M entomologist is also available from the AVSA Office, 2375 North, Beaumont, Texas 77702-1722.

©Copyright 1990 The African Violet Society of America, Inc.

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All pictures with the Violets and Such footprint are used with the explicit permission of Robert Albro. These photos may not be copied or reproduced for any reason and are considered copyright material that falls under the property restrictions of AVChimera.com