AFRICAN VIOLET (SAINTPAULIA) GUIDE
Available in a multitude of colors and leaf forms, African violets are one of the most popular houseplants. While they are known to have some quirks, understanding their care will reward you with beautiful bouquets of vibrant blooms all year-round.
LIGHT: African violets need 11-14 hours of bright, indirect sunlight to flower. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
HUMIDITY: Higher humidity will help these plants to
stay moist and happy. Use a humidifier during the drier winter months.
WATERING: Try to maintain consistently even moisture. Do not let them dry out completely. African violets prefer to be watered with room temperature water from the bottom since water droplets can cause damage to the leaves. Set the pot in a tray of water until the top soil is wet or use an African violet pot that will keep the soil consistently moist.
PROPAGATION: African violets can be propagated from leaf cuttings or offsets. To propagate from leaves, cut a leaf that is 2-3” long near the base of the plant. Dip the end in rooting hormone and plant in African violet soil or a similar media. Water the cutting thoroughly. Offsets (new plant shoots that grow up from the mother plant) can be cut off and potted independently. This will also help the mother plant produce more blooms.
ADDITIONAL CARE:
- Blooming can be triggered by ensuring your African violet several hours of darkness at night. Make sure your plant is in a place where there are no lights at night.
- Fertilize with an African violet specific fertilizer every other week. You can also use a fertilizer higher in phosphorus at 1⁄4 strength.
- African violets prefer temperatures between 65°F-80°F. Do not let temperatures get below 60°F.
- Pinch off spent blooms to encourage further blooming.
- African violet specific soil, pots and fertilizer are encouraged for best plant health.