African Violets

Window sill gardeners the world over derive pleasure from these plants, Saintpaulias (or African Violets). Here are a few handy hints on how to grow them successfully.

Position

Keep in a warm humid position out of direct sun. They do well where they get reflected heat from glass but not direct sun or only a little very early in the morning. If the atmosphere is dry, try putting the plant on pebbles in a saucer filled with water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity.

Watering And Feeding

Keep them moist all year and feed them with liquid fertiliser or specific African Violet fertiliser. Remember to water with lukewarm water during the cold months of the year. Avoid water on foliage – water from the base.

Repotting

This is best done in spring using African Violet Mix. Be careful not to over pot them into a container too large.

Problems

• African violets may produce lots of little plants which start as small leaves at the base of the original plant. This stops them flowering. Gently twist out these leaves as they appear, this will encourage more flowers.

• If the plants become too wet they will rot so be careful not to over water them.

• If the position is too humid with no air circulation sometimes the flowers rot. To control this, ensure reasonable air circulation particularly in very humid weather.

• If the position is too dark African violets will grow lots of leaves and no flowers.

• African violets usually stop flowering and growing during winter. They mostly start again in September.

• Occasionally cyclamen mite may be a problem. The centre leaves of the plant become twisted and distorted. This is very hard to control. Sometimes it is best to throw away affected plants rather than risk this pest spreading to other African violets.

Click here to return to the list of garden factsheets.