The National Garden Bureau has announced the African violet as the houseplant of 2024, reflecting its charm and ease of cultivation. A native of Tanzania, discovered in 1892, the African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) has been commercially hybridized since 1927. It boasts a rich diversity of colors, leaf types, and flower forms, making it a versatile addition to any indoor garden.
The Holtkamp family in Germany has played a significant role in shaping the African violet’s distinctive traits since 1935. Their efforts have led to the development of non-dropping flowers and the semper florens varieties, which are a testament to the plant’s adaptability and continuous evolution.
Cultivation and Care To stimulate blooming, especially during winter, the African violet requires specific conditions. These include filtered sunlight, moderate room temperature. water for moist but not saturated soil, temperature ranges of 70 degrees, and at least 50% humidity. Grow lights are recommended as they can significantly enhance the plant’s growth.
How to Care for Your African Violet African violets have been among the world’s most popular houseplants for more than a century. Here’s how to take care of these exotic tropical beauties.
Keep soil moist but well drained. You want moist, not soggy.
Water from the bottom, not the top. To do this, set the potted violet in a dish filled with water as long as it takes for the soil to become fully moist. Watering from the top with water that’s too hot or cold can cause leaf spots.
PRO TIP: Let tap water sit for two days so chlorine evaporates from it before watering violets with it. They’re sensitive to chemicals in tap water and prefer water at room temperature, not chilled. You can also catch rainwater and use that to give your violets a drink.
Violets love high humidity. Give it to them by placing the violets’ pot in a saucer filled with pebbles and a bit of water. You want the bottom of the pot out of the water so the soil doesn’t get sodden, hence the pebbles. You can also use a special violet pot that comes with its own well you can keep filled with water.
Fertilize them every two weeks during spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer formulated for African violets. Skip bloom boosters; they’re hard on the plants.
African violets prefer being root-bound and should be repotted each year in light and porous soil for optimal blooming. Regular grooming, which includes removing wilted leaves and spent flowers, along with avoiding overwatering, can help maintain the plant’s health.
Propagation and Significance Propagation of the African violet can be done from seeds or by separating and repotting the crowns of mature plants. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the African violet can serve as a poignant reminder of loved ones.
