LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT AFRICAN VIOLETS

HORTICULTURE TOPIC: Little-Known Facts About African Violets

Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall shared little-known facts about African violets and a poem she wrote. 

• African violets are IMPOSTERS and aren't really violets. African violet flowers get their name from their resemblance to true violets (Violaceae), but they are actually a different genus – Saintpaulia.​
• African violets have been POPULAR since their discovery in the late 1800s because of an impressive array of colors. With the right care, they will bloom nearly all year round.
• African violets need our HELP because they are teetering on extinction in the wild. Endemic to a very small bio-diverse region in Tanzania, the beloved houseplants are facing a major threat: deforestation. 
• African violets are a SYMBOL OF DEVOTION.
• African violets are EVERLASTING. While most indoor plants flourish only two to five years, the African violet flower has serious staying power. With the right care, they can live up to 50 years! 
• African violets are TOUGH and really aren't that delicate. 
• African violet flowers are PET-FRIENDLY. ​

If you aren't seeing blooms on your African violet, try the following:

• Repot – Make sure your violet has at least 12 leaves before repotting. They like to have their roots aerated, and your soil might be too heavy.
• Fertilize – You can use a 20/20/20 like Miracle Grow or a violet specific food, which is lower in nitrogen.
• Water – Violets prefer to be watered from below. The leaves do not like to get wet. Allow the roots to dry out now and then.
• Tidy – Pluck dead leaves and spent flowers. Pinch leaves from the middle.
• Light – Indirect light from a south window is preferred. Don’t forget to rotate!