Caring for African Violets

When you are caring for African Violets or Saintpaulia, to give them their full name, it is important to follow these simple instructions to keep them looking at their best.

Make sure that the soil you use is top quality. Ideally it should be soil that is specifically formulated for African Violets - they're fussy plants and demand the best from their soil.

You also need to make sure that they have sufficient drainage. If you clog them up with too much water, they will show you their disgust.

As if that wasn't enough, African Violets are also very selective in their taste for sun. Too much direct sunlight is a definite no. So is keeping them in the dark. Generally speaking, an African Violet is at its happiest when it is getting indirect sunlight. But if it gets a taste of, say, early morning sun then that is usually OK.

If you're not sure whether or not your African Violets are happy in their current environment, give them a quick check up. They should be symmetrical in shape. If they are tilting to one side, that's a sign that you should consider changing their location. The leaves will also give you an excellent indication of the healthiness or otherwise of your new plant.

Finally, be careful when you water your African Violets. They don't care to be watered directly on their leaves.

The upshot of all this tender care and attention that you are lavishing on this house plant is that you will be rewarded with a radiant pink and purple flowering plant which is a complement to the rest of your house.

By Carl Walker | This article was posted on 2007-07-19 23:36:10

About The Author:

Find more detailed instructions about looking after your African Violets as well as many other useful gardening tips - http://learnaboutgardens.com/index.php/2007/06/07/african-violets-growing-and-care-instructions/

Definition:

Saintpaulia is a genus of 20 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Tanzania and adjacent southeastern Kenya in eastern tropical Africa, with a concentration of species in the Nguru mountains of Tanzania. The genus is most closely related to Streptocarpus, with recent phylogenetic studies suggesting it has evolved directly from subgenus Streptocarpella. Common names include Saintpaulia, African-violet or African Violet, the latter somewhat confusing name given due to its superficial resemblance to true violets (Viola, family Violaceae).

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