The scientific name of African Violet is Saintpaulia. African Violet plants, although very well known to most people and probably one of the most popular flowering houseplants, are for some reason considered very difficult to grow.
This is not true at all. African Violet care is actually fairly simple. Follow the guidelines below and you are sure to be very proud of yourself and you will have a great tabletop plant that will provide beautiful flowers all year.
African Violet Scientific Name – Saintpaulia
Now let’s talk about temperature and humidity. These beautiful plants love warm temperatures. Daytime temperature 75F or more and nighttime not lower than 65F. Do not place these plants where they may get a cold draft. A chill will definitely kill the African Violet. They prefer high humidity but the average should be fine provided you follow the watering schedule. Do not mist these plants – this is true for all plants with fuzzy or hairy leaves. You may place an African Violet pot in a shallow dish filled with pebbles to increase humidity.
As we said, the African Violet scientific name is Saintpaulia, also it’s known as Saintpaulia ionantha. Now let’s check some useful information about the lighting. Bright indirect light is best – which means place it near an east or west-facing window. If you must place it near a north-facing window or nowhere near a window, use artificial light for about 16 hours a day. If you have no choice but to place it near a southern-facing window, shelter it with some lacy curtains. Not providing sufficient light will result in the leaves reaching up instead of out horizontally as they are meant to, If this happens react quickly and move the pot. You can still save it.
The correct approach to watering is key to a healthy African Violet. The soil must never dry out and you must never use cold water. Coldwater will cause permanent ugly white spots on the leaves. Water at least four times a week or every other day. You can bottom water but leave the water in the saucer for under 8 hours.
Fertilize once a month with a diluted house plant or African Violet fertilizer. You can clean the plant using the techniques for small plant cleaning.
Saintpaulia will flower all year long and give you the added color accent in your room if you just give it this simple care. This plant does have growth spurts where it will be covered with flowers but during other times it may have only a few. Don’t fret this is normal. But if you see no flowers for a period of time, chances are insufficient light or a cold draft are the culprit.
So remember African Violet care is not so difficult and any nursery that has African Violets for sale will have experts on plant care. So be sure to get all your specific questions answered right there.
