Questions We Are Often Asked: African Violets

Today, the named hybrids of Saintpaulia ionantha run into thousands, including miniatures. Yet little more than a century ago the plant was unknown in cultivation, lurking on the forest floor at 2,000 to 3,000 feet elevation in what is today Tanzania. But in the final years of the 19th-century that was the German colony of Tanganyika. There, in Tanga province in 1892, it was discovered by district commissioner Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire (1860-1910). He sent seeds back to his father, an amateur botanist in Germany.

Since that time, collectors have claimed to discover many other species of African violets but most of these are now considered subspecies of the original S. ionantha. Given modest attention, African violets will bloom almost continuously. Firstly, ‘African’ does not imply torrid temperatures. Those that most people flourish in are amenable for the Saintpaulia: They thrive at 23ºC (70ºF), but dislike dropping below 16ºC (60ºF). Position in bright light but out of direct sun. Many fanciers use artificial plant lights.

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Pay some attention to watering – do so with care using that at room temperature. The soil should be kept just moist at all times but without being soaking. Never ever allow the pots to stand in water and avoid splashing the leaves when watering. African violets hate cold water and this, coupled with careless watering, is probably the most common reason for their failure. Remove dead flowers and leaves to discourage rot. Since African violets are in almost constant bloom, they need ample nutrients. The usual recommendation is to fertilize monthly with fish emulsion or specifically formulated African violet food. Some keen fanciers, however, have suggested fertilizing at one-quarter strength at each watering, year-round, which seems a trifle excessive to say the least. This appears as controversial as the soil, or growing medium, in which to raise the little plants. One thing keen hobbyists all are agreed upon though: those common commercial blends claimed for the purpose would be better used for repairing holes in drives and patios. Perhaps utilize as a base, adding extra compost to create a high-organic mix to imitate their natural forest floor. When it comes to pots, grow tight – that is, allow the plants to become virtually root bound in their plastic pots. Do not re-pot until the roots have entirely filled the container: usually six months to a year from time of purchase. African violets are not so difficult to grow as some claim. The usual reasons for not flowering or actual demise are soaking with cold water, incorrect light, and too high or low temperatures.