Even as a tot, I was drawn to all things green and growing; my love for emerald we well met in the home of the McGregors, who lived right across the street. Of the their many plants, the African violets nestled their kitchen window were my absolute favorites. Their vibrant purple hue was absolutely scintillating in my eyes, and their beauty has struck a chord in my memory strong enough to inspire this post. Although I have never grown African violets myself, I have done some research to give homage to and spread the splendor of this species.
General Information
African violets, known scientifically as Saintpaulia, are perennial blossoming species of the Gesneriaceae family. These beautiful blooms hail from the tropical mountain forests of the Eastern Arc in Kenya and Tanzania, where they grown beneath taller foliage in deep shade and warm, humid air. The conditions in which these blooms thrive have made them a popular houseplant in following their original introduction to Britain by English botanists and later the Baron Walter von Saint Paul Illaire. However splendid these flower may be, they face endangerment from deforestation in their native habitat. Multiple organisations (like the Violet Barn) exist to continue the species in face of endangerment and proliferate their presence in the urban jungles of green thumbs all over the world.
- This general information is courtesy of The Violet Barn‘s page on African Violets.
Care Tips
However simple these bright beauties appear, they are a bit finicky in regards to care. Their specialized environment necessitates similarly specialized care in regards to air humidity and temperature, soil type, sunlight reception, and water quality, and many of the sources I have read suggest that they novice jungleists are unfit to care for their peculiar needs.
When grown as a houseplant, African violets should be kept in humid, ventilated conditions 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can tolerate variations of about ten degrees in either direction. As per soil, should be planted in a soilless, porous substrate with a peat moss base; the porosity and care pH balancing-effects of soilless mixtures mimic the forest floor conditions in which the flowers grow in their natural habitat. Given their underbrush location in nature, African violets require medium-bright filtered light in order to fuel their blooms and photosynthetic processes. The flowers are similarly touchy in their water requirements: tepid water should be inserted around the plant’s base, away from all foliage, and all drops of water need be removed from the plant to restrict water damage.
These are merely brief skims of more precise care tactics, and I urge you to follow the link below if you are interested in learning more about African violets and their care.
- African Violets by the Violet Barn
- African Violet Care: Basic Summary by Optimara (This article shares all you need to know!)
- African Violet Plants: How to Grow by Gardening Know How
smr432 says
I love African Violets! We grow them at home, and I must say I miss seeing them everyday. Finicky is right for describing their needs, though it is certainly rewarding to see their delicate foliage and bright flowers. One of our plants is extra special with its light pink variegated leaves and pale blossoms. Good memories.