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The African violet, Saintpaulia is an evergreen plant
originally from tropical East Africa and can height 6
inches. Every flower form and color in the African Violet
family is represented in this mix, bicolors, doubles, and
more. African violets develop abundant flowers and
beautiful foliage and are also tough and durable. This is
a very popular houseplant.
You'll get single, semi-double, and double-flowered
blooms of 2 inches in early Spring to late Winter. Blooms
of deep purple, lilac, pink, red, and white, all with a
tiny buttery center. The flowers have 5 unequal corolla
lobes. These 1 1/2 to 2 inch blooms arise in clusters
above handsome, heavily textured dark green foliage.
Blooming just 5 to 6 months from sowing. The most
essential thing for blooms is bright, indirect light.
Hardiness zone 11, (4°C/40°F) in Winter. African
violets grow best with night temperatures around 55°F,
and day temperatures of 60 to 80°F. Under prolonged high
temperatures, growth and flowering are affected. They
will stop growing when the thermometer dips below 55°F.
The temperature of the average home is well suited to
growing most African violets.
Do not expose plants to direct sunlight. An important
characteristic of this plant is its ability to grow and
flower under low light intensities, like those found in
the average home, which makes them excellent house plants.
They prefer indirect sunlight most of the day, but since
most homes do not possess enough natural light to support
proper growth, supplemental light is usually required. If
light is too low, the leaves become thinner and deeper in
color than those receiving high levels of light.
Excessive light levels will make the leaves look pale or
light green, and growth is reduced.
Commercially prepared packaged soil mixtures are
available for African violets. Soil mixtures should have
a pH of about 6.0 to 6.5 for best results. A soil mixture
can be prepared by mixing equal volumes of soil, peat
moss, and horticultural perlite. Good drainage is very
important for African violets. There are several
fertilizers on the market made especially for African
violets.
As a general rule, water should be applied when the soil
surface feels dry to the touch, but before it becomes
hard. Avoid wetting the leaves since it will promote
fungal diseases.
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