by R. Renee Bembry

Created on: May 14, 2010

Saintpaulia Ioantha, commonly known as African Violets, are evergreen perennial flowering plants that enjoy great popularity among houseplant enthusiasts. African Violet plants produce leaves that may be fuzzy or smooth as well as heart shaped, oval shaped, or scalloped. Flower clusters are shades of purple, pink, white, or variegated.

The trick to successfully growing African Violets has to do with understanding their drinking habits. As with most plants, over watering or under watering could mean the difference between productive growing plants and limp yellow faltering plants.

African Violets need plenty of light when growing indoors. Bright overhead lights often prove sufficient when left on long enough for the plants to photosynthesize. A better way to provide lighting is to place African Violets in east windows where they can get early morning light. In this case however, growers may need to shield their violets from excessive afternoon to midday sunlight when residing in hot temperature climates.

African Violets prefer temperatures on the lower side - usually from sixty to seventy degrees Fahrenheit. Higher humidity levels aid growth and can be accomplished in dry household environments by placing pots on gravel filled saucers half filled with water.

Speaking of water - herein lies a few tips for watering African Violet plants that will keep them bright and prosperous:

* African Violets are very selective about their soil and need soil that aids their watering needs. Grow in soil that is very acid and rich with sand or vermiculite.

* The best ways to water African Violets are to (1) water from saucers or potting dishes or (2) water from tops of pots taking care not to wet plant crowns or plant leaves. Growers could also opt to use wick-irrigated pots to meet African Violet watering needs.

* Since African Violets grow best in soil mixes tending to be quick draining yet water retaining, a good way to meet their watering needs is to allow them to stand in their saucers of water for a couple of hours. This allows the potting soil to become saturated. After the desired soaking period is up pour remaining water from saucers.

* Allow African Violets to dry between watering. Dirt should feel dry to touch when inserting an index finger half an inch to an inch below plant soil surface.

These tips for watering African Violets should help violet lovers grow and enjoy these beautiful, widely popular houseplants.

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