African Violets the classic indoor plant

formation on the African Violet Society of America (AVSA) website: africanvioletsocietyofamerica. org. I love African Violets so much that I am a member of both clubs. I enjoy attending meetings as it is a great place to socialize, obtain new information, and purchase other member’s plants.

African Violets are available at your local garden center, and often found in the grocery store floral department. African Violets are common houseplants because they flower reliably and are easy to grow. Plants have fuzzy leaves with pink, purple, or white flowers in various shades. Whether fringed and frosted, ruffled and rimmed, each is unique. They grow well in the low humidity and moderate temperature and good circulation of most home and office environments. With good care, plants can live and bloom for decades. Some growers have had their plant for over 50 years.

To keep your African Violet

HELEN GIESELMAN African Violet Gardener

healthy, it should be repotted every three months or so, into a pot that is a little larger than the plant, with the plant growth just above the soil line. Remove any dead or damaged foliage and remove the bottom three leaves each month to encourage new growth.

Several watering methods are described in detail on the AVSA website (Basics for Beginners). Many people use the water-wicking method by running a string from the top of the soil to the pot’s bottom hole to keep their plants healthy and watered. The pot is then placed on a reservoir of water. Be sure to change the water weekly. Take care to use room-temperature water and don’t get water on the leaves, as that can cause spots to form on the leaves.

Lighting is key. African Violets need bright light to bloom, NOT DIRECT SUN, like my kitchen with natural light described above. If your plant develops yellowing leaves, leggy stems and stunted bloom growth, it probably needs more light.

Keep them warm. They perform best in temperatures between 65 and 80°F.

Be sure to sterilize tools after working on your plants.

African Violets and trailing African Violets, one that has more than one crown, are classified by size. Miniature (6 to 8 inches or less in diameter), semi-miniature (6 to 8 inches), standard (8 to 16 inches), and large (over 16 inches).

Sho-Me African Violet Club is holding their annual African Violet show which is open to the public on April 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Jacob L. Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. You will have the chance to not only purchase an African Violet, but also view the many beautiful plants on display being judged.

Join us at a show or in a meeting to learn even more about these classic indoor plants. Visitors are always welcome.

A lifelong gardener whose passion for African Violets began by her grandmother’s example. She has a deep appreciation for the intricate details, and continues to grow in her knowledge and skill by being a member of both Sho-Me African Violet Club and the African Violet Club of Greater Kansas City.

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