AFRICAN VIOLETS Saintpaulia
African Violets were found growing in the leaf mulch of rocky crevices and the forest floor in a small area of East Africa. Hence the importance of a light and porous SOIL FREE Potting Mix.
After extensive research we have developed a system that allows these plants to grow without continual feeding and fungal rooot rot that often occurs some months after purchase. African Violets should flower throughout the year given the correct growing conditions. To encourage flowering just remove a few of the newer leaves.
Lighting:
The light source is one of the most essential elements of African Violet Culture. African violets thrive in plentiful filtered light (about 50% shade plus or minus a bit). Early morning or late afternoon sunlight is fine near a window.
Temperature:
African violets prefer a humid environment with an even temperature and grow best between 18C and 27C, with night temperatures not below 15C . Fortunately this is what we find inside most homes but not on an outside verandah. African violets enjoy humidity and fresh air, but are adversely affected by drafts.
Watering:
Place your violet in a tray or container and only water from the base sufficiently so that the water comes up to a maximum of 10 mm from the base of the pot. Leaves can be damaged if they get wet.
If the potting mixture becomes dry; just place water in your container so that the pot can take it up by capillary action. For very dry pots it may be necessary to place the pot in a container with sufficient tepid water so that water gradually rises through the soil to the top.
Avoid getting leaves or flowers wet, as this can damage them.
Feeding:
After about three months the plant can be fed with ½ teaspoon of a slow release fertiliser such as Osmocote Native which should last nearly a year without further feeding.
