About African Violets
African Violets are the world's most popular indoor flowering plant, with their botanical origins going back to 19th century Africa. Most varieties now available are hybridised to produce thousands of different colours and varieties. All Jane's plants are registered named varieties.
Available in every colour and shade, most African Violet flowers have 5 petals (single), 5-9 petals (semi-double), or multiple rows of 5 (double). The flowers may be single-colour, striped, edged or patterned and may have simple, clearly defined petals or may be frilled or fringed. Types include standards, miniatures, semi-miniatures and tailers.
(Christening Gown, Angel's Reflection, Nemanthus 'Freckles', Rob's Whimsical)
In their natural habitat they enjoy filtered light, even temperatures, high humidity, ample moisture and well drained soil. Jane's African Violets use a semi-hydroponic method of growing - by using "wick watering", your African Violets can be fed and watered automatically as they require.
Conditions and care
By providing your African Violets with a suitable position and conditions your violets will thrive and give you beautiful flowers all year round.
Good lighting is an essential element for African Violets. They prefer filtered sunlight from East or North windows. Too much sun may cause the leaves to become long and lanky, as well as loss of flowers.
(Optimara Trinadad, Okie Easter Bunny)
Even temperatures are prefered, ranging between 18 and 27 degrees (C) with nights not below 15 degrees. They like humidity and fresh air, but not draughts. Move them away from cold windows in winter.African Violets are comfortable and happy in temperatures we are comfortable in. Don't leave them in a cold room in winter.
Feeding. Jane's African Violets use a balanced nutrient added to all waterings to promote optimal leaf and flower production.
An early sign of attack by mites is shrivelling of the blossom. The stems become short and thicker and the crown hard and brittle. Spraying is essential to prevent the mites from spreading. Use a miticide as directed by the manufacturer.
(Star City, Ness' Moody Blues)
Propogation
African Violets grow from a leaf. From one "mother" leaf approximately 6-16 "babies" will grow. These can be divided when they are large enough to support themselves with an adequate root system. They can then be divided into individual pots to grow.
Janes African Violets have a mail order leaf service. Leaves are priced at $2.50 ($3.00 after 1st January 2010) each for a minimum order of 6 leaves, maximum 30 leaves per order. See ordering for more information. All orders include propogation and growing hints to help you enjoy your beautiful plants.
African Violets are part of the Gesneriad family. Jane has other Gesneriads available during the year. These include some Streptocarpus, Nemanthus, Chiritas and Episcias.
(Irish Blue Eyes sport 2, Spinner, Yoon, Elsie's Dream)