Romancing the African Violet
A newly discovered friend learned I have a measure of expertise in cultivating (and enjoying!) African Violets. In fact, I've grown hundreds of them. So my friend wanted to know about her violets.
On talking with her, I learned she suffers from "all of the usual suspects". That is, a huge twisted crown and a violet with two crowns. In addition, she had all the notions most home growers have. I say notions , because they are all wrong.
- You should always water from the bottom.
- You should never water the leaves of your African Violet.
- They should be kept pretty much pot-bound.
So, rather than just telling her about what she needs to do, I wrote three articles and will print them out for her to have on hand. If you care to read them, here are the articles:
Growing African Violets - Common Misconceptions
Give that Old African Violet a 'Facelift'
Chimera African Violets - What are They? How Do I Cultivate Them?
Image Credit » Pinwheel - Image by Vincent Summers
Comments
MegL wrote on February 5, 2019, 2:03 AM
I think it's too cold in our house to grow these successfully.
VinceSummers wrote on February 5, 2019, 4:36 AM
If the temperature in your house never falls below the 60s, it's probably OK. As long as you remain above the 50s pretty much continually, you should be alright.
MegL wrote on February 5, 2019, 8:10 AM
It would fall as low as that at night, we don't keep the heat on continuously.
1VinceSummers wrote on February 5, 2019, 8:46 AM
You must have better circulation than I do! Covers, of course, help. However, I keep the bedroom around 70 or just a smidgen under.
MegL wrote on February 5, 2019, 11:59 AM
We do not have heat in our bedroom at all, unless someone is very sick!
1VinceSummers wrote on February 5, 2019, 12:30 PM
Meg,
Are you native Irish? If so, I presume you have an Irish accent? Do you speak Gaelic?
MegL wrote on February 5, 2019, 2:13 PM
No. My husband is Belfast born and bred. I am of Welsh origin and have a Welsh accent, which is pretty much overlaid with Northern Irish tones: I speak a little Welsh but not much. My husband does not speak Gaelic.
lookatdesktop wrote on February 6, 2019, 11:34 AM
Nice looking flowers. Don't have to live in Africa to grow them is the good thing about it. I need me some African Violets so I will get some ASAP and start some growing so I can enjoy some of my own.
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