Sometimes you think about which houseplant is beautiful for the house. your answer is here, African Violet Plants are One Of The Most Beautiful For Houseplant.
Streptocarpus sp. Saintpaulia is a subgenus of Streptocarpus that includes roughly ten kinds of herbaceous evergreen flowering plants in the Gesneriaceae family native to Tanzania and neighboring southeastern Kenya in eastern Antarctica. African violets (that are not closely related to real violets) and saintpaulias are popular names for species and hybrids. They are commonly available. As houseplants.
Some of the section’s species and subspecies are in danger since their native cloud forest environments are destroyed for farming, and many more are threatened. In terms of protection, Streptocarpus dianthus is regarded as near-threatened.
History
African violets were found in Africa by European colonists in 1892. When Baron von Saint Paul found and collected two plants now known as African violets, he was working as the imperial district governor of Tanganyika, a tiny kingdom in East Africa.
African Violet Plants
Some of the section’s types and subtypes are in danger due to the destruction of their natural cloud forest habitats for farming, and many more are affected. Streptocarpus dianthus is considered near-threatened in terms of protection.
African Violet Plants Overview
Plant Type: Houseplant
Family: Gesneriaceae
Genus: Streptocarpus
Species: Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia
Native Region: East Africa
Fully Mature: 9 Months
Hardiness Zone: USDA 11-12
Season: Year round
Exposure: Indirect sun
Height: 6” – 12”
Colors: Purple, White, Blue, Pink, Multi
Maintenance: Moderate
Pests: Spider Mites, Cyclamen Mites
Diseases: Powdery Mildew
Soil Type: Rich & Well-draining
Watering Needs: Moderate
Plant With: Orchids, Begonias
Don’t Plant With: Sun-loving plants
Varieties Of African Violet Plants
African Violet flowers have a variety of shapes. They are below defined:
Cherry Princess: This Is a beautiful plant with lovely pink blooms and rich purple variegation. It looks impressive in pots made of ceramic as a decorative accent.
Persian Prince: Features gorgeous pansy blue blooms and oval green leaves. It thrives in moderate sunshine and can be propagated readily from cuttings.
Aroma Of Summer: Do you like fragrant pink flowers? Bring this lovely African Violet variety into the home! It is effortless to maintain and thrives in partial sunshine with moderate watering.
Crimson Ice: Ruby Icefall is a favorite among houseplants those who are fans due to its stunning ruby-red blossoms and easy-care characteristics. It works well in low light and gives a beautiful touch to modern home design.
Summer Twilight: Summer Twilight is a famous African violet known for its beautiful beauty. It has lovely lilac-purple flowers with a white border and variegated leaves.
Lonestar Snowstorm: Lonestar Twilight stands out from other varieties by its white blooms and golden center. Avoid overwatering and keep it out of direct sunlight if you want to keep it alive inside.
Myakka Trai: This is a one-of-a-kind African Violet plant with a trailing habit, as the name suggests. It features lovely lavender blooms as well as dark green glossy leaves.
Julia: Julia has been decorated with beautiful flowers of various colors and shapes. It is one of the best African Violet varieties with minimum care requirements.
Little Maya: This is a famous African Violet variety with beautiful blood-red blooms. It was released in 1997 and has been a favorite among houseplant lovers ever since.
Ruffled Romance: Has flouncy pink blooms and lovely tricolor foliage. It is one of the most desirable African Violet kinds and grows well with little attention.
Peacock: This lovely species, VaT Pavlin, has stunning blooms with purple-pink petals and a yellow center.
Zephyr: If you’re sick of growing violet and purple African violets, give Zephyr a try. It has delicate pink and white blooms and is a gorgeous flowering plant.
Which Season Can You Grow the African Violet Plants?
They can bloom constantly, even throughout the colder months of the year. Place them about the house to enjoy their vibrant colors and velvety texture all year.
How To Grow African Violet Plants?
African Violets can be planted at any time of year because they are typically grown indoors. Planting in the spring, on the other hand, produces the most rapid development and healthiest plants.
Growing them from seed is simple, with a bit of know-how. To get started, always bring your seeds from a reliable supplier. It is unusual to develop a lovely plant from sources you have grown yourself.
Peat moss is a preferred growth medium for African Violet seeds Rinse the soil and add a layer of peat moss to your chosen container. Then, spread the small seeds evenly around the soil. For peat moss, you may either use coconut coir or purchase a specialized seed starting mix from a nearby nursery.
The primary error made by African Violet gardeners is to cover the seeds with more sand. Instead, leave the seeds exposed since even a trace of dirt can inhibit fertilization. Water the seeds and top layer of peat, then wrap the pot with plastic wrap. Place the pot on a window ledge in direct sunlight or beneath fluorescent lights for the best growth.
Always keep the peat moss hydrated, and never let it dry out. Seeds of African Violet should germinate in one to nine weeks. The germinated seeds are ready to be separated and repotted when the first leaf reaches 12 inches in breadth. Following the transfer of the seeds to their appropriate containers, they will require the following carefully to live.
African Violet Plants care
With a bit of know-how, African Violets can offer bursts of color and delight to an empty room. However, there are several “care factors” that you should be aware of and comprehend before adopting them as an indoor or outdoor houseplant. Let’s take a look at what to expect when caring for these flowers.
Pruning
Only dead leaves should be removed from African violets, and deadhead them once the blooms have gone to help the plant stay healthy and bloom again.
Propagation
With a bit of know-how, African Violets can offer explodes of color and delight to an otherwise empty room. So, whether you’re new to the world of African Violets or simply want to know how to maintain them at their best, here is the best guidance.
It is undoubtedly possible for one to reproduce plants from seed inside. It is not, however, the optimal strategy since you are unlikely to get a plant that is comparable to the parent.
This procedure is also dependent on the current plant producing viable seeds. You’ll need to hand-pollinate your plants to do this. It may be a difficult operation, and the results are not convincing. While it is possible, you must evaluate whether the effort is worthwhile.
Only dead leaves should be removed from African violets, and once blooms have gone, deadhead them to help the plant stay healthy and bloom again.
Soil
The dirt should be fluffy and soft in texture. A unique African Violet soil mix may be purchased online or in your store. You may also make your soil mix through the combination of equal parts peat moss, per lite, and vermiculite. To increase drainage, many people propose combining commercial soil with equal proportions of perlite. Whatever path you use, ensure the ground is well-drained to avoid root rot.
For the most outstanding results, plant the plant deep into the earth, but don’t press it down excessively since air must circulate through the root system.
Water
Watering is the most complex element for most people, mainly because numerous methods are available to water them. The most effective way to water them is from the bottom up, which requires the use of a dish or saucer. Cold water might harm the root system, so use room temperature or warm water.
The general guideline is that the soil should always be moist but never saturated. Never leave this plant in water. Keep the water away from the leaves as well. Otherwise, spotted leaves or fungal areas will appear. A single spray of water can ruin the lovely fuzzy foliage.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is a crucial tool for preserving your African Violet in peak condition. Over fertilization, on the other side, leads to greater issues, so don’t go overboard. Feed just when you see that your plant needs it. When development slows, or the leaves turn yellow, these are signs.
Some commercial potting mixes include fertilizer, so you won’t have to add anything. If not, use a high-phosphorus plant food and fertilize every two to four weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer). Most fertilizers recommend using these once a month, whereas some suggest twice a month, so, follow the instructions provided.
A plant meal with a high phosphorus content will have a higher middle number on the NPK fertilizer ratio, such as 15-30-15. African Violet fertilizer is also available at most outstanding plant stores.
Light
African Violets prefer bright light, however; it must be indirect rather than direct. Otherwise, their leaves would burn, and organisms will become sick or die. In their natural habitat, direct sunlight never reaches them, and they thrive in the shade of neighboring plants. If the leaves get excessively dark, they may need to be exposed to more light.
They make excellent windowsill surfers facing east or west. For best blooming, they need 10 to 14 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. They require 10 to 14 hours of light as well as 8 hours of dark every day. If you wish to place them on the ledge of a sunny window, cover them with a sheer drape to protect them from the sun’s rays. Suppose your plant is not blooming.
Temperature and Humidity
African violets require a temperature of roughly 70oF since that is the temperature at which they flourish. Make certain that they do not get any cooler than 60oF. They are delicate souls who do not tolerate drafts and do not adjust well to continual change.
This plant likes higher levels of moisture, which might be an issue if the surroundings seem dry. Place the pot on a bed of stones and fill the dish with warm water to simulate a humid environment. However, because this only modestly enhances humidity, it is better to invest in a humidifier if your air is too heavily dry.
Pests And Diseases
African violets are vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases. If you observe or suspect that your plant has gotten infested with pests or illnesses, you must isolate it from other plants to prevent transmission. Let’s look at some of the most common warning flags.
Cyclamen Mites
These are the most common pests of African violets. Unfortunately, they are tough to remove altogether, and It is advised that the plant be disposed of. However, you might try killing the mites with insecticide or a matricide. Cyclamen mites are tiny, semi-transparent, glossy insects with eight legs that collect around the buds.
Spider Mites
These may also be annoying since they reside on the bottom of plants. Because they are arachnids related to spiders, a web around the leaves is a telling indicator. As spider mites enter the leaves to suck out the nutrients, little yellow or brown patches will emerge on the leaves. They are reddish. To combat the infestation, use insecticidal oil or a matricide. Just keep in mind that spider mites are chemical resistant.
Powdery Mildew
This is an organism that eats the leaves and stems of plants. It manifests as white, powdery spots that spread, slowing and altering plant development. Simply trim out challenging plant portions as soon as you discover them. Powdery mildew may be avoided by following all the steps mentioned above.
Common Problems With African Violet Plants
If your African violet isn’t blooming, it’s because it isn’t getting enough light, and the temperature and humidity aren’t right. Under a room that is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit, place the plant under strong, indirect lighting or use fluorescent lights. It is advised that the plant be disposed of. However, you might try killing the mites using insecticidal oil or a matricide.
Conclusion
African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are effortless to maintain houseplants that overgrow. When properly managed, they bloom multiple times a year. These popular houseplants are native to Eastern Africa and belong to the same family (Gesneriaceae) as gloxinia and flower.
References
