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African Violets

One of the best known and recognized of all the common houseplants, African Violets are grown in the windowsills of many kitchens. Questions here include topics such as lighting, watering, proper soil, fertilizing, popularity, and propagation, as well as showing African Violets as a hobby, how to get started and finding shows.

164 Questions

When do wood violets bloom?

Wood violets typically bloom in early spring, usually from March to May, depending on the specific species and local climate conditions. They thrive in wooded areas and can often be found in moist, shaded environments. Their delicate purple flowers are among the first to appear as the weather warms, signaling the onset of spring.

Why choose an African violet?

African violets are popular houseplants due to their vibrant, colorful blooms and lush foliage, making them a delightful addition to any home. They are relatively easy to care for, thriving in moderate light and requiring minimal maintenance. Their ability to bloom year-round adds to their appeal, providing ongoing beauty and a touch of nature indoors. Additionally, they come in various sizes and colors, allowing for personalization in any space.

Do violets have purple seeds?

Violet plants produce seeds that are typically not purple; instead, they are usually brown or black. The color of the seeds can vary depending on the species, but they do not generally match the vibrant purple of the flowers. Violets are more known for their colorful blooms than for the appearance of their seeds.

What causes the leaves of an African Violet plant to turn brown?

Brown leaves on an African Violet can be caused by several factors, including improper watering, such as overwatering or underwatering, which leads to root rot or dehydration. Exposure to direct sunlight can also scorch the leaves, causing browning. Additionally, low humidity levels or nutrient deficiencies may contribute to this issue, as African Violets thrive in humid environments and require balanced fertilization. It's important to monitor these conditions to maintain the health of the plant.

What does African violet symbolize?

African violets symbolize love, loyalty, and devotion. Their delicate blooms and vibrant colors often represent the beauty of nurturing relationships and the importance of emotional connections. Additionally, they are associated with the idea of bringing joy and positivity into one’s home, making them popular houseplants.

Should you re pot the African violet from a 4 inch pot?

Yes, repotting an African violet from a 4-inch pot is advisable if the plant has outgrown its container or if the soil has degraded. Signs that it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes or if the plant appears top-heavy. Use a pot that is only slightly larger, around 5-6 inches, and ensure you use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for African violets. Repotting can help promote healthier growth and flowering.

What kind of environment does a violet grow in?

Violets typically thrive in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost. They prefer partial shade, often growing under the canopy of trees, where they receive dappled sunlight. These plants are commonly found in woodland areas, meadows, and along the edges of forests, enjoying cool temperatures and high humidity. Regular watering is essential to maintain their vibrant blooms and lush foliage.

Does african violet reproduce asexually?

Yes, African violets can reproduce asexually through methods like leaf cuttings and division. Leaf cuttings involve cutting a healthy leaf from the plant and propagating it to grow new plants. Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections with roots to create new plants.

Where can African violets grow?

African Violets need a lot of attention. They are particular about their environment and handling. Being indoor plants, they thrive on a constant temperature, not too hot nor too cold. They need bright, indirect sunlight in order to grow and produce flowers. Direct sunlight will burn their delicate leaves. For watering, they should be watered from a bottom tray, never from the top of the pot. Especially don't get the leaves wet as this will cause molds and kill them. Watering should be done once a week, from the tray, and more frequent during the warmer summer months. If they begin to wilt, water them and they should revive, but don't let them go too long without water.A water-soluble fertilizer can be used during the flowering months. My African Violets bloom late summer through early spring. Pruning of the plants help them to grow. Brown and dead leaves, as well as spent flowers, should be clipped with sharp scissors. This will encourage new growth. Occasionally, these violets will fall prey to insect pests, mealy bugs, aphids, spider mites. It is difficult to eradicate them as the leaves of the violets should not get wet with pesticides. If possible, through the infected plant away and start over, or cut a leave and propagate it to begin a new plant. Propagation of a leaf will take 3-4 weeks before roots will begin to grow. At this point it may be planted in the appropriate substrate, one that holds water but has good drainage.

What temperature should you grow African violets?

African violets thrive inside with temperatures between 68 and 85 but can survive hotter temps if there is a fan blowing or air conditioning, please note: they cannot survive direct sun they will burn up.

Where do wild violets grow?

Wild violets grow well in full to partial shade. They will spread nicely.

Which kind of biologist studies cactus plants and African violets?

Botanists and Horticulturists are biologists who study cactus plants [Cactaceae family] and African violets [Saintpaulia spp].

How large do African violets grow?

A traditional basket of African violets costs between $50.00 and $60.00. try and Google it yourself they are really expensive.

You can find African violets online and on eBay as little as .99 cents but you really need to be careful when purchasing them. Certain varieties can bring a pretty penny. Anywhere from .99 to $100.00

Is African violet a bisexual flower?

Yes, A hibiscus flower is a bisexual & complete flower as it has all 4 whorls present [calyx, corrola, stamen & carpel]

What is a miniature African violet?

The African violet's botanical name is Saintpaulia and it originated from Africa where it is very tropical. African violets grow as single stemmed multiple stemmed plants. Some trailing varities trail over the pot. Flowers come in an array of colors of: yellow, peach, rose, pink, fushia, purple, plum, lavender, blue, white and many colors en between. Blossoms come in single, semi doub, double, wasp (looks like an insect), Chimera or pinwheel, multicolored blossoms. Its very interesting to grow African violets.

What does a African violet look like?

To put it simply a violet looks like a purplish blue color with square, triangle shaped leaves.

What is the amount of sunlight needed to grow African violets?

African violets do not like direct sunlight because the leaves will be burned and unsightly spots will appear. They do need good light from the north or east window. They require 8 to 10 hours a day to bloom well. You can also grow violets using flourescent lighting. Give enough water to keep violets moist (not soaking wet) all the time.

Where are violets grown?

If your asking about African violets they can be found in some plant nursuries or in your local hardware store. They can be found online also. African violets are sold pretty much all over the world. I have shipped to different countries when I had my business.

Can an African violet clone itself?

African Violets have seeds just like many flowers. The seeds are so small they almost look like 1/4 of an Ant.

The seeds need moist and warm conditions. When planted the germination times vary by cross and by cultural conditions, but most seeds will germinate within 9 to 60 days, some may take longer.

The best things about African violets is that they bloom over and over. A real special flower for sure.

How many different colors of African violets are there?

Now days there's a rainbow of colors and varieties; Purple, light purple to blue, all shades of pink, including fantasy (darker speckles on flowers) there are even yellow flowers now, white, pink and white, purple and white, very dark purple/black almost.

How do you re-pot an African violet?

An African violet likes moist soil with no direct sun and plenty of fertilizer. When watering, blot off any access water on plant. Keep your African violet in a room between 62˚F and 72˚F. Fertilize everytime you water. Violets need at least six to eight hours of daylight a day.

How do you get seeds out of an African violet?

To produce seeds, the African violet must be pollinated, either by itself (rarely happens), by insects (happens sometimes) or by human intervention.

African violets have both male and female attributes so they can be "self-crossed" or pollinated with pollen of any other African violet.

When pollination works, a seed pod will appear at the base of the flower. You have to wait until the pod grows, and dries (it turns brown). The whole process can take up to 9-10 months.

When the seed pod is mature, you only have to gently open it with a sharp knife and get the seeds. One seed pod usually produce at least 500 seeds (seeds are almost as small as dust).

How long does it take for the native violet to grow?

From seed it takes about 7 to 9 months until it flowers.