African Violet ( Saintpaulia )

Botanical Classification :

Saintpaulia is a genus within the Gesneriaceae phratry , known for its vibrant , often velvety flowers and its popularity as a houseplant . However , recent taxonomical revisions have reckon many traditional Saintpaulia species reclassify under Streptocarpus or related genera , but for common usage , they ’re still bear on to as African Violets .

The first African Violets were get wind in Tanzania ( formerly German East Africa ) in 1892 by Baron Walter von Saint Paul - Illaire , from whom the genus gets its name . He sent specimen back to Europe , where they promptly became pop for their lush , colorful prime and ease of indoor cultivation .

African Violets became a symbol of domesticity and were widely adopted in homes across the westerly world during the twentieth one C , especially in the U.S. They ’ve been breed extensively for a variety of colors , forms , and sizing , lead to thousands of cultivars . breed programs have also led to an regalia of African Violet type , from miniature to large - flowered variety , with blossom in nearly every color except true blue angel , and with dissimilar leaf shapes and textures .

African violet are not suited to outdoor refinement in most USDA Hardiness Zones due to their origin in the tropical understory . They are primarily houseplants in all geographical zone , thriving best in environments that mime their lifelike home ground : They do well in zone 1 - 13 when grown indoors , where conditions can be operate to maintain fondness , humidness , and collateral light . In their native habitat or in standardised tropical conditions ( like zone 10 - 11 ) , they might be grown out of doors in shaded , humid area , but this is not common due to their popularity as indoor works .

Naturally fall out in the East African countries of Tanzania and Kenya , African violet acquire in the humid , shaded undergrowth of forests , often on rocky outcropping or in stain rich with organic matter . Their range as cultivated plants is global , found in homes , offices , and greenhouses across the world where indoor horticulture is pop . They are one of the most wide produce houseplants due to their simpleness of care , continuous blooming under the right conditions , and the vast telephone number of potpourri useable .

They are highly adaptable to indoor conditions , favor bright , indirect light , high humidity , and logical temperatures between 65 - 75 ° F ( 18 - 24 ° C ) . They do not tolerate moth-eaten drafts , water on their leaves ( which can make spotting ) , or lineal sun which can scorch their leaves . In their aboriginal mountain chain , they are part of the understory flora , contributing to biodiversity and providing ambrosia for pollinators . However , due to their specific habitat requirements , they are not considered invasive outside of their aboriginal range when cultivated indoors .

Characteristics

Cultivation

Propagation

Growing African Violets Indoors

Potting Mix :

Watering :

Fertilization :

Pruning and Grooming :

African Violet (Saintpaulia) Cultivars

1. Flower Color Varieties

a. Blue / Purple Cultivars :

b. Pink Cultivars :

c. Red / Orange Cultivars :

d. White Cultivars :

e. Bicolor / Multicolored cultivar :

2. Leaf Shape Varieties

a. Standard Leaf Shapes :

b. Ruffled / Serrated Leaf Shapes :

c. Variegated Leaf Shapes :

d. Spoon - mold Leaf Shapes :

3. Growth Habit Varieties

a. Miniature Cultivars :

b. Semi - Miniature Cultivars :

c. Standard Size Cultivars :

d. Trailing Cultivars :

4. Special Trait Cultivars

a. Double - Flowered cultivar :

b. Frilled / Crested Flowers :

c. Fragrant Cultivars :

a. Optimara Series :

b. Rob ’s Series :

c. Cape Cod Series :