African violets are mostly subshrubs or perennials, one of the most famous blooming plants in the world. The plants are a genus of the Gesneriad (Gesneriaceae) family and mainly from the eastern parts of tropical Africa. African violets are characterised by their clusters of flowers which can be violet, purple, pale blue or white, and are commonly grown as indoor plants to add a cheerful aura to any space.
The leaves of the African violet plants are frilly and fuzzy, but they complement the purplish flowers and make an elegant plant. Bloom time varies, and their flowers can grow to about 2 cm wide with velvety petals. The petals appear on slim stalks known as the peduncle. African violets are simple, fast-growing houseplants that spread their sweetness wherever they are kept. They are often considered old fashioned plant. They are named Saintpaulia after their discoverer, Baron von St Paul.
- Other names: African violet is also known as Saintpaulia (now called Streprocarpus), or America’s favourite houseplant – can be used in home and office.
- Planting environment: They are ideal indoor plants that require the right light to bloom, so keep near a bright window.
- Sunlight: The plants delight in bright filtered sun rays. You can also provide them with artificial lights. They bloom better when exposed to about indirect sunlight daily.
- Watering/Soaking: Soak the moss ball once in two weeks or when you feel the moss ball is dry and light in weight. Do not water the foliage/leaves.
- Soaking Method: Soak 3/4th of the moss ball in a bowl of water for 5 minutes. Place the kokedama inside the tub/bowl and then pour the water from sides. Ensure you hold the kokedama so that it does not float. After 3-5 minutes, take the kokedama out, squeeze a little, and place it out for the extra water to drip. Once you feel no more water dripping, place it back to its original place.
- Misting: Avoid misting the leaves to prevent them from rotting.
- Fertilisation: They grow better with diluted liquid fertiliser applied every two weeks during the growing period.
- Temperature: The plants prefer the same temperatures as humans, so moderate liveable temperature is excellent.
Special care: Dust the leaves with a soft brush often to remove dust and keep it shiny.
Information about flowering: Bloom time varies, and their flowers can grow to about 2 cm wide with velvety petals. Once the flowers shed, be patient and don’t give up even if all the flowers disappear. These little plants are dormant for few months and produce no flowers. Follow the above watering/soaking method and the flowers will reappear.
Info: The most common reason African violets don’t bloom is because they aren’t getting enough light. African violets need indirect sunlight, direct can burn the leaves.
Related tags: Fen Shui, Indoor, Home, Office
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