African violets are one of the most popular houseplants in the world. These compact, low-growing plants bloom several times a year. They have a multitude of shapes and colors. African violets are distinguished by a rosette of thick, hairy leaves and flowers that bloom just above the evergreen foliage.
My wife loves African Violets. She started her collection with a single variety, and the hobby has extended to a group of plants of unusual colors. I enjoy their beautiful colors, but I must admit that it takes work to keep them beautiful and flowery. My wife’s passion has grown into becoming an expert in caring for these plants, but I wouldn’t dare to water them. Instead, I’d remain away from them and walk over to check if they’re tossing and photographing flowers.
When we visit the grocery store to pick up some food, we pass by these plants to check whether they have a variety we need. I asked my wife whether we have that specific kind. She can tell me immediately whether we have it just by looking at it.
Although their maintenance is complex, reproduction is simple. I duplicate them by removing a leaf and soaking it in water for a few days before replanting them in a container with suitable soil.
With some experience, it’s possible to keep these slow-growing plants flowering year-round.
African violets will thrive in bright, warm, and humid conditions. You must avoid letting the water touch its leaves, or it will leave brown spots. Remove dead flowers and leaves as soon as you see them to encourage a healthier plant. Regularly check the soil for excess moisture.
Growing these houseplants is a matter of balance; One must ensure that the distinct factors that go into their cultivation are all present. These plants should be kept in moist conditions so they don’t dry out too much and exposed to indirect sunlight to not damage the leaf tips.
Types of African Violets
The original plants, S. ionantha, were introduced to Germany in 1893. Soon after, S. confusions were introduced when a nursery grower noticed subtle differences between some plants. Since then, thousands of varieties have been produced. Today, African violets are available in single and double flowers, frilly flowers, and flowers of different shapes.
- Persian Prince is a miniature-sized plant with medium green scalloped leaves and dark purple semi-double flowers.
Lyon Lavender Magic is standard size, with medium green foliage and white with light purple star-shaped flowers, which can be single, semi-double, and frilly.
- Hawaiian Pearles is a standard-sized plant with dark green foliage, a semi-double star-shaped flower, and ivory with a lavender, dark pink band.
- Summer Twilight has variegated leaves with frilly purple lilac flowers with a white-edged border.
- Lonestar Snowstorm has variegated leaves with white flowers.
- Little Maya has dark green foliage with deep crimson-red flowers.
Pruning of violets:
The only trimming that African violets require is the removal of dead leaves. Once the blooms have faded, they should be clipped to enable the plant to stay healthy and bloom again.
How to Make African Violets Bloom:
These plants love to display their beautiful blooms; with proper care, they can bloom year-round. Provide them with the right light, water, moisture, fertilizer, and soil, as well as keep them free of pests and diseases, and you’ll have a happy, healthy plant. African violets like to feel comfortable and tight in their pots, but not to the point of being root-bound. That’s when they bloom for extended periods; you’ll see new blooms in about six weeks.
Common problems with African violets:
The plant does not flower:
If your African violets aren’t producing flowers, they’re not getting enough light, and the temperature and humidity need to be correct. Place the plant in bright, indirect lighting or fluorescent lighting and ensure the room temperature is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 21 °C). I wish you the best of success with your new African Violets.
