It is impossible not to be enchanted by African violets. Unlike most plants ideal for growing at home, flowers are the protagonists in this species. Easily found all year round in flower shops and supermarkets, African violets attract not only for their delicate beauty, but also for their affordable cost.
It was originally discovered in the rainforests of Tanzania and Kenya by German researcher and Baron Walter Von Saint Paul-Illaire, from which it received the scientific name Saintpaulia ionantha. There are only six to twenty true species of the genus, but hundreds of subspecies and hybrids of different colors have been bred by collectors and botanists.
According to NASA, the species causes a small stimulus for the release of adrenaline in our body, which increases energy levels and oxygenation, helping us to relax. Furthermore, African violets are non-toxic to dogs and cats, so they can be safely grown by pet owners. Although they have a reputation for being difficult to care for, just follow a few basic rules and they will flourish year-round. Check out:
where to cultivate
African violets need indirect lighting as direct sunlight can burn their leaves. The ideal windows are those facing east or west, where African violets will receive sunlight at dawn or dusk. They like mild temperatures better, between 18 and 24°C and can survive up to 32°C, they will die if they are exposed to less than 10°C. A humid environment is ideal for them, but the leaves and flowers should not be wet directly as they can rot. To get moist air, place the pot on a plate of wet pebbles.
care and planting
The best soil is one that stays moist but isn’t too dense, allowing air to circulate around the roots. You can create your own soil with one part sphagnum moss, one part vermiculite, and one part perlite. If you prefer to buy a ready-made mixture, look for a light and fluffy one, with low density and high porosity materials, which retain moisture without excess and allow good aeration.
watering
Like orchids, African violets like moisture in the air more than moisture in the soil. A safe way to provide the necessary water for your violets without running the risk of soaking the soil is to put water in a container where the vase of the violets will fit and let it rest for about 15 minutes so that the plant absorbs the water through the roots through the holes in the base of the vase. The only caveat with this watering technique is that harmful salts can eventually build up in the soil, so you should occasionally water the soil thoroughly from the top until the water runs out the bottom of the pot.
Fertilization and replanting
Once or twice a month it is recommended to fertilize or compost your African violet so that it grows stronger. One of the great secrets to keeping them healthy for decades is to transplant them once or twice a year, changing the potting mix. No need to put it in a bigger pot. You will know the right time to replant when the African violet loses its lower leaves. If you want to have more African violet plants, in addition to using seeds, you can reproduce them with cuttings.
blooming
Sprinkling on some old flowers helps encourage the growth of new ones. A plant that doesn’t flower is probably not getting enough light. If your windows don’t provide adequate light, you can supplement with fluorescent grow lights 12 to 18 inches above the plant.
Source: Apartment Therapy
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