Plant of the Week: African Violet

 

African Violets are available in many colors

African Violets, Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia are native to Tanzania and parts of Kenya in southeastern tropical Africa. For many years, Saintpaulia, which is how I've always known this plant, showed in various studies to be within the genus Streptocarpus. 

Enough about all of that. 

Mini violets are very popular, here in 2" pots

African Violets are among the most commonly found houseplants. I can't help but think of my mom and grandmothers everywhere that grew this plant on a windowsill in their home. Clusters of purple, blue, pink and white blooms grew atop soft, velvety leaves of green. Most seem to grow in round 4" pots where I've seen them. A few bigger plants may thrive in 6" pots and miniature varieties reside in 2-3" planters. In the right conditions, African Violets bloom all year. 

Light is a top priority for these flowers; many hobbyists grow them under lights for that reason. Sixteen hours of bright light is ideal under grow lights. Keep them protected from direct sunlight as it will burn the soft leaves.  An east window may be enough to provide natural light. They like humidity as their native habitat is tropical.

African Violets require moist, well-drained soil. African Violet specialty soils and fertilizers are available in garden shops like ours. 

Maintain the plants by dead-heading old blooms and tired foliage. 

African Violets can be watered from above or below. Do not allow water to sit in a saucer or pot for too long; empty once the soil is moist to the touch. African Violet pots, self-watering through the porous inner pot, is an excellent way to take the guessing away. 

Look for African Violet pots in our greenhouse

Fertilize African violets monthly with a food made just for them. I like the liquid fertilizer that mixes easily with water. Don't have African Violet food? Use any bloom booster fertilizer. 

Like so many plants in the plant world that have made a comeback of sorts, I expect that African Violets are due another moment of time in the spotlight. 

Tillandsia

Tillandsia is a fascinating genus of bromeliads that have become popular due to their ease of growth, unique plant form and the crafting possibilities they encourage. These air plants are epiphytic in nature, meaning that, like many orchids and some ferns, they are able to take in moisture and nutrients from surrounding air and humidity directly onto their leaves. They may be found growing on another plant, like a tree, but are not parasitic in nature.

We maintain a nice assortment of tillandsias all year

Spanish Moss, Tillandsia usenoides, is one variety that many of us are aware of as we have seen them in the humid south growing on live oaks and other trees.

Tillandsia can grow without soil, so are ideal for creating wall art, growing on rock and wood  or displaying in all sorts of fun vessels, including seashells.

Provide bright light and sufficient water to be rewarded by a durable plant with unforgettable shapes, colors and blooms. Plants grow from an offset at the base of the "mother" plant. Pups will reach maturity relatively fast. Once they bloom, expect another offset. Tillandsia can grow in clumps or be divided into individual specimens.

Ionantha Ball

Under watering tillandsia is the most common problem for the plant. Be sure to water them once a week. They will survive longer, but the leaves will dry out and begin to curl. I soak mine in water if it has been mounted on a frame, a shell or piece of driftwood. A larger plant could also be misted, but would need almost daily misting to keep the tillandsia healthy.

Here are varieties of tillandsia to consider for growing indoors

Aeranthos 

Araujei

Ionantha

Funkinana

Xerographica

Capitata Maroon Hybrid

Bulbosa Hybrid

Brachycaulos Abdita

Ionantha Fuego

 These and many more varieties, large and small, are now available in our greenhouse. We will be hosting a seminar on how to grow tillandsia and will offer a frame project to interested attendees on Saturday, February 17 at 9:00 am. Visit our website for information on this and other upcoming classes.

Thanks to Russell's Bromeliads for many of these wonderful photos. 

Many forms and sizes are available now.