African violet care

The African Violet, commonly known as the Saintpaulia. Its name is misleading, because it's taxonomically unrelated to true violets. Its flowers only slightly resemble those of violets.

It originates from East Africa, specifically the mountainous forests of Tanzania and Kenya. It was first discovered in 1892 by Walter von Sain Paul-Illaire, after whom the plant received its Latin name. In the wild, it grew in shaded, humid environments, primarily in rock crevices and forest understories.

Introduction to African violet

African Violet is a small, evergreen perennial plant. Its height ranges from 2 - 6 inches (6 - 15 cm). The leaves are oval-shaped, measuring 1 - 3 inches (2.5 - 8 cm) long, and grow at the end of 1 - 4 inch (2 - 10 cm) stems. The leaves are dark green, often velvety to the touch, with finely toothed edges.

It blooms in a wide range of colors. The most common varieties sold are bluish-purple, magenta, pink, and occasionally white. It has a compact growth habit, typically reaching 6 - 8 inches (15 - 20 cm) in width.

African Violet Care

African Violet requires high light levels but only indirect sunlight. Protect it from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature range is 64 - 77 °F (18 - 25 °C), with a minimum of 59 °F (15 °C) in winter. It has moderate water needs and should be watered from the bottom. From spring to autumn, water it every 2-3 weeks with nutrient-enriched water.

Light Requirements for African Violet

Since it is light-demanding, it only develops well in evenly, well-lit areas. However, protect it from direct sunlight, as it can cause dry, brown spots on the leaves. It prefers filtered light.

Insufficient light can cause the plant to become leggy, with elongated leaf stems. The best spot is an east-facing window. If your kitchen window is oriented this way, it will be the perfect location, as it will also receive some humidity if you cook frequently.

Temperature Requirements for African Violet

Due to its tropical origin, African Violet prefers a stable temperature of 64 - 77 °F (18 - 25 °C) and a moderately humid environment with 60% relative humidity. Although it has high humidity requirements, avoid misting the leaves as it can lead to spotting and rotting.

African Violet can tolerate higher temperatures, up to 86 °F (30 °C), as long as its light and humidity needs are adequately met. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations and drafty areas. In winter, the temperature should not drop below 59 °F (15 °C).

Watering needs for African Violet

African Violet has moderate water needs and should only be watered when the top layer of the soil feels dry. Use room temperature, preferably soft, chlorine-free water. Ensure to water it from the bottom.

After 15 minutes, discard any remaining water in the saucer to prevent root and stem rot. If the lower leaves start to wilt, it is often a sign of overwatering or waterlogging.

Avoid misting the leaves, as they can easily rot or become moldy. Bottom watering is crucial to prevent these issues.

Fertilizing African Violet

From spring to autumn, feed your African Violet every 2-3 weeks with a diluted nutrient solution. In winter, reduce feeding or stop it altogether. Use a fertilizer designed for houseplants, ideally one low in nitrogen but higher in phosphorus.

It is recommended to use a slightly more diluted solution than the suggested dose, as over-fertilization can harm the roots.

Planting and Repotting African Violet

For planting African Violet, use a loose, well-draining soil mix. Plant it in a shallow, appropriately sized pot, as its root system is not very deep. Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.

Repotting African Violet should be done once a year, in spring or early summer, or when the roots have filled the pot. Gently remove the plant from the pot, discarding old roots and soil debris.

African Violet prefers a light, well-aerated soil mix. A standard houseplant mix from a garden store is suitable, but it can be enhanced with one-third peat, a small amount of dolomite powder, and some superphosphate.

When repotting, use fresh soil and a slightly larger pot, but avoid planting too deep to prevent leaf damage. Water moderately and keep it in a shaded area for a few days to help it recover.

Further Care for African Violet

When caring for the African Violet, it is important to promptly remove dead leaves, as leaving them on the plant can lead to stem rot. Similarly, remove spent flower stems, preferably cutting them off completely at the base. This way, the plant can conserve more energy and produce new flowers.

If the plant has been overwatered – for example, the leaves appear very wilted – do not give it any more water. Instead, wait until the soil feels completely dry before watering again (without letting it dry out completely).

Another method is to carefully remove the plant from the pot, gently shake off the soil from the roots, and let it dry for half a day to a day. You can also use paper towels to absorb excess moisture from the roots. Afterward, replant it and resume watering only moderately.

Winter Care for African Violet

During winter, ensure the temperature remains between 64 - 75 °F (18 - 24 °C). Below 59 °F (15 °C), the African Violet can suffer damage, as it is not frost-resistant. If the home is darker in winter, place the plant in the brightest possible spot.

Water less frequently in winter, but do not let the soil dry out completely. Aim to maintain a humidity level of 50 - 60%, but avoid misting the leaves. Instead, place the pot on a humidity tray. Fertilizing is not necessary during winter.

Pruning and Maintenance of African Violet

African Violet does not require pruning in the traditional sense, but regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. Remove dried leaves and spent flowers to prevent rotting parts from remaining on the plant.

If the stem becomes elongated and the plant loses its compact form, you can rejuvenate it through propagation. Removing the lower, older leaves will also help keep the plant neat and tidy.

Blooming of African Violet

The flowers of African Violet are small, typically 0.8 - 1.6 inches (2 - 4 cm) in diameter, and come in a variety of colors. The flowers can be single or double and are often symmetrically shaped.

Under optimal conditions, African Violet can bloom year-round, but its peak blooming period is in spring and summer. Flowering may decrease in winter if light conditions are not adequate.

To promote flowering, water with phosphorus-rich fertilizer, as phosphorus supports flower development.

Propagating African Violet

The most effective method for propagating African Violet is leaf cutting. Additionally, it can be propagated by offshoots or seeds. Propagation is best done in spring or summer. Keep the soil slightly moist but never completely soaked.

Propagating African Violet by Leaf Cuttings

To propagate from leaf cuttings, select a few healthy leaves with 1 - 2 inch (3 - 5 cm) stems and place them in water to root. Keep the plant in a warm location, ensuring only the stem is submerged in water.

Change the water every two days. New roots will appear quickly. Once the roots have developed and small leaves have started to form, transplant into nutrient-rich, loose potting soil and continue growing.

Alternatively, you can root the cuttings directly in soil. Plant them 0.4 - 0.8 inches (1 - 2 cm) deep in a peat-rich soil mix. Place in a warm, bright but indirect light area. Within 4-6 weeks, small new shoots will emerge at the base of the leaf.

Propagating African Violet by Offshoots

Over time, African Violet may develop offshoots around the main plant. These can be separated and planted in individual pots for propagation.

Carefully lift the plant from the pot and separate the offshoots, ensuring that each has some roots attached.

Replant the offshoots and maintain high humidity around them. For instance, cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or a glass jar until the new plants become established.

Propagating African Violet from Seeds

Propagating African Violet from seeds is more time-consuming and complex compared to other methods. Obtain quality seeds from a reputable gardening source.

Fill a shallow tray with loose soil. Scatter the seeds over the surface and mist with a spray bottle to moisten the soil and seeds.

Cover the tray with a clear plastic sheet or glass pane to maintain humidity, then place in a warm, bright location.

The seeds will start to germinate in a few weeks. Once they are large enough, transplant them into individual pots.

African Violet Diseases, Pests, and Causes of Decline

African Violet is highly susceptible to fungal diseases. Additionally, overwatering and insufficient or excessive sunlight are common issues. Regularly remove affected leaves to prevent more serious problems from developing.

African Violet Diseases

Gray Mold (Botrytis) appears as a gray, mold-like coating on leaves and flowers. Affected parts turn brown and die. It is caused by high humidity and poor ventilation. Remove affected areas promptly and, if necessary, apply a fungicide.

Powdery Mildew infection is characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves. High humidity or poor ventilation can trigger it. Remove affected areas promptly and apply a fungicide if necessary.

Bacterial Leaf Spot causes water-soaked, translucent spots on the leaves that later turn brown or black. Overwatering or water splashing on the leaves can be the cause. Remove infected leaves and apply a copper-based bactericide/fungicide as recommended.

Symptoms of Mosaic Virus: Irregular, mosaic-like yellow or light green patterns appear on the leaves. The plant's growth slows, and the flowers may become deformed. Unfortunately, viral diseases cannot be cured; the infected plant must be destroyed to prevent the spread.

African Violet Pests

Scale insects, aphids, and mealybugs are most common in winter, especially if the plant is kept in overly warm conditions. Scale insects appear as small, brown, rust-colored bumps on leaves and stems. Aphids are small, green, black, or brown insects that may leave a sticky honeydew residue. Mealybugs look like white, cottony clusters on leaves and stem bases. Infested leaves may turn yellow and dry out. Use insecticidal soap and isolate the affected plant.

Spider mites thrive in warm, dry conditions. Spider mites are hard to detect, but fine webbing on the leaves indicates their presence. If they spread, affected leaves will discolor and fall off. Apply a miticide to control the infestation.

Nematodes are soil-dwelling pests, making them difficult to detect. Nematodes cause cluster-like swellings or galls on the roots. Symptoms include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting flowers. They often spread through infected soil. Apply nematocide as a treatment.

Environmental Factors and Improper Care of African Violet

Overwatering can lead to root rot, causing leaves to become soft and wilted.

Insufficient light results in weak growth, pale leaves, and reduced or absent flowering.

Excessive direct sunlight can burn the leaves, leaving dry, brown-black spots.

Low humidity can cause leaf tips and edges to dry out and turn brown. Increase humidity around the plant, but avoid misting the leaves directly.

Excessive fertilizer can cause leaf edges to brown and stunted growth.

Sudden temperature changes can cause leaf drop as the plant becomes stressed. Avoid cold drafts and rapid temperature shifts, such as placing the plant near air conditioners or heating vents.

Is African Violet Toxic?

African Violet is non-toxic, making it safe for children and pets. However, ingesting any plant material can potentially cause mild digestive irritation.