Family: Gesneriaceae
Common Name: African Violet

Although there are some 20 species in this genus of perennial, herbaceous plants, only one is generally cultivated, either as a greenhouse or indoor plant. It has broad, dark green leaves covered with fine, downy hairs and delicate, five-lobed, semi-succulent flowers with yellow anthers.

Species

S. ionantha, the species most commonly called African violet, has dark green, heart-shaped leaves and violet flowers. Cultivars are many and varied, with flower colours ranging from pale violet through to pink, white and bi-colours, and foliage that is smaller and paler, or in fancy forms. They now also include single and double flowers with plain or ruffled petals. Increasingly popular is a great range of miniature forms with the same colours as the standard types.

Cultivation

African violets should be grown in a warm greenhouse or conservatory or as house plants. They need warm, shady, moist conditions and a light, soilless potting compost. Temperatures should be no cooler than 13°C (55°F). The ideal temperature range is 18°-25°C (64°-77°F) Water should be room temperature and should not touch the leaves. Place pot in a dish filled with pebbles and cover the pebbles with water so that, while the pot is not actually standing in the water, humidity constantly surrounds it. Direct sunlight or sudden changes of temperature will damage this tender plant. Established plants require regular feeding, with weak, liquid fertilizer, in spring and summer. Propagate from leaf cuttings placed in wet sand, or suspended over water.

Climate

Tropical.