Contents
Description
Saintpaulia Ionantha, commonly known as African violet, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Tanzania, East Africa. It belongs to the family Gesneriaceae and is popularly grown as an indoor houseplant for its attractive flowers and foliage. The plant has a compact, rosette growth habit and can grow up to 6-8 inches in height and 6-12 inches in width. The leaves are oval-shaped, hairy, and dark green in color. The flowers are typically 1-2 inches in diameter and come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, blue, white, and bi-colored.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Gesneriaceae |
| Genus | Saintpaulia |
Appearance
Saintpaulia Ionantha has a compact growth habit with oval-shaped, dark green leaves that are hairy to the touch. The leaves are typically 1-3 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The flowers are typically 1-2 inches in diameter and come in shades of pink, purple, blue, white, and bi-colored. The flowers have five petals and a central stamen with yellow pollen.
Care Guide
Water
African violets prefer to be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Watering should be done from the bottom of the pot to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can cause damage. It is recommended to use room temperature water.
Fertilization
African violets should be fertilized once a month with a balanced fertilizer or a fertilizer specifically formulated for African violets. Over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can cause damage to the plant.
Soil
African violets prefer a well-draining soil mix that is high in organic matter. The soil should be kept slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Sunlight
African violets prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause damage to the leaves and flowers.
Hardiness Zones
African violets are typically grown as indoor houseplants, but can be grown outdoors in hardiness zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Common pests that can affect African violets include spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Diseases that can affect African violets include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Proper care, including regular cleaning of the plant and monitoring for pests and diseases, can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
Saintpaulia Ionantha is native to Tanzania, East Africa, where it grows in shaded areas with high humidity.
Questions and Answers
Q: How often should I water my African violet?
A: African violets prefer to be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. It is recommended to water the plant from the bottom of the pot once a week.
Q: Can African violets be grown outdoors?
A: African violets are typically grown as indoor houseplants, but can be grown outdoors in hardiness zones 10-11.
Q: How do I propagate African violets?
A: African violets can be propagated by leaf cuttings or division. Leaf cuttings should be taken from healthy leaves and placed in moist soil. Division should be done when the plant has outgrown its container and can be divided into smaller plants.
Q: How do I prevent pests and diseases on my African violet?
A: Regular cleaning of the plant, monitoring for pests and diseases, and proper care can help prevent issues on African violets.
Related Plants
- Saintpaulia Shumensis
- Saintpaulia Confusa
- Saintpaulia Teitensis
References
- Encyclopedia of House Plants. (n.d.). African Violet. Retrieved from https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/african-violet
- National Gardening Association. (n.d.). African Violet. Retrieved from https://garden.org/plants/view/2175/African-Violet-Saintpaulia-ionantha/
- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). African Violet. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10136/i-saintpaulia-ionantha-i/details
