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African Violets - Saint Paulia
No house plant has grown in popularity as rapidly as the African violet. Varieties have multiplied and their collection has become an obsession with some people, but it is only in recent years that they have really started to come into their own.
In their natural home, African violets grow in the woods in limestone regions near streams and waterfalls. The plants grow close to rocks and boulders where they get constant shade and where the rocks act to keep the temperature of the soil at a uniform level.Anyone can grow good, robust African violets by observing a few basic rules regarding proper lighting, temperature, watering, humidity, and fertilizing.
By using a pot, a number of leaves can be rooted at the same time. When leaves have been set position in vermiculite, add water gently under the granular mixture is damp.
As soon as the sprouts show above the soil in the spring (in about three weeks), move them to a lighted window and top-dress with well-rotted manure. They need considerable light, but resent full sunlight except in the early morning and evening. Repot in March or April and put in a greenhouse with a 60F. (15.56 C. ) temperature.
Add water meagerly. Remove suckers as they appear. Feed once a week with liquid organic fertilizer
If the water in your area is chlorinated, draw some off for watering and allow it to stand for 24 hours before using it on your plants. Try to use rain or spring water when available.To feed the plant, choose a clear bright day, water the plant, wait several hours to prevent burning of root hairs, and apply a liquid organic plant food according to the directions of the container. It is well to make a V-shaped hole against the side of the pot and apply fertilizer slowly at this point. Fertilizer should always be applied to the surface of the soil, and the watering following fertilizing should be surface watering; then return to usual method. A three-inch pot will accommodate a plant for a long period of time. It is time to repot when there is a network of root hairs and a 9 to 12-inch spread to the plant.
If plants must develop roots, they will not develop buds at the same time.
Here are a few African violets that are worthy of space in your collection. Strike Me Pink is everything the name implies with its diminutive rose like blossoms and cupped, fluted-edged leaves, which are dark, glossy green with white throats. Double Pink Cheer is a slightly darker pink rosette; the flower rises above oval pink margin leaves supported by longer petioles than Strike Me Pink. The lighter green foliage of the Fringed Snow Prince is topped with tall stems of fringed, dainty white blossoms. This one, coupled with contrasting varieties of deeper colors, adds much pleasure and interest to any collection. Blue Porn, with its lovely double bloom of deep blue and fragile pale green foliage, is also appealing.
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