Description

African Violet is one of the most popular indoor plants and there are many cultivars interested in who have a real collection of it in their places. We admit that it’s no way of no loving it, because Violet seems like an invasion of color and tenderness. And of course it’s hard to grow, we agree with that too. African Violet is a special plant and it requires a bit of special care. But nothing compares to the impatience of waiting Violet to flower and the happiness of seeing its blooms in different colors and combination. And with a good care, your violet can flower all over the year.

Light

African violet loves to stay on the windowsill, towards east even north-east, in semi light or full light, but never directly sunshine.

Temperature

This plant will resist well with a temperature between 16-26 degrees centigrade, but the appropriate temperature for it to flower is approximately 20 degrees.

Water

How do you water the African Violet? Number one rule is: very carefully. Don’t you forget: the biggest reason for your Violet’s death is over watering. Although is a plant that loves moisture and warmth, don’t over moisture it, especially in winter when that associated with cold isn’t appropriate for the violet. On the other hand you can water the plant following one of the two methods: put the water into the saucer so the plant will absorb how much “food” it needs; water directly the soil without reaching the leaves. After 2 hours since the watering, clear away the water supply from the saucer, because it will keep the roots wet and violet doesn’t like that. One of the most important factor of you to enjoy the beautiful Violet is the water’s quality. Use only purified water. You’ll obtain such of water by letting it to decant for a few days or by boiling it and then cooling. Anyway the water temperature has to be not cold, but not too warm. Don’t over water the plant. During the summer, water it once in 4 days and in winter once in two weeks.

Potting soil

First of all, we recommend you to disinfect the pot using purchased special substances. And if you use ordinary soil from your garden, is good to disinfect it too, by baking. For doing this, put the soil in a plateau which goes into oven. Keep the soil in till makes kind a vapor. Soil has to be porous for letting to flow the water supply. So use a special potting mix, containing peaty, leaves soil and pearl stone or sand. The pot or vase is good to be large, but not profound.

Multiplication

Violet’s multiplication seems to be easier than it really is, by cuttings. You’ll obtain a violet from a small cutting in spring as much as in each season. But in winter, for example, it will grow slower. Shorten the cutting and then pot it not too profound in a mix of peaty and sand, for striking roots. It’s important for the little violet to stay in light and warmth. If the soil isn’t appropriate, the potted leaf could rot.

Precautions and diseases

If it happens that violet doesn’t flower, though it seems to be just fine, try a clipping. It could be too screwy in the pot and the centre leaves haven’t the necessary light. So carefully clip the outward leaves. That means to break them from the base so their stem wouldn’t be hurt.
Don’t you clean the dust over the leaves using wet duster, because they’ll become ashen and it’s no good at all. In this case, break the sick leaves. For cleaning use only a soft hairbrush.
The plant can be attacked by flouring disease. It means the apparition of hoary dust alike the flour on the flower. If that happen, break the sick flower so the disease will not expand. Then treat well the plant using appropriate substances.

When you buy an African Violet from the slower shop, pay attention with the entire aspect of the flower: the leaves have to be vivid colored and in a strong shape, with a few flowers and a lot of punks; the soil is good to be moderately wet.

Enjoy your lovely Violet pot and put your energy in growing it!

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