african violets
DESCRIPTION
My presentation on African violets, a wonderful house plant. Learn how to grow African violets, how to propagate African violets and more. Free from Seven Oaks (www.homegardenjoy.com) and Jeanne Grunert.TRANSCRIPT
Jeanne Grunert Heart of Virginia Master Gardener
What do you know about African violets…?
What we’ll talk about today
How to Grow Encourage Blooms Propagation Problems & Solutions Coaxing Them to Bloom
Growing African Violets: LIGHT BRIGHT indirect light is best East or West window Sunny South or West window
in winter 6 to 8 hours a day of light Fluorescent lights encourage
even growth (trick used by professionals)
Growing African Violets: TEMPERATURE
Ideal is a night time temperature of 65 to 70 F
Day temperature of 70 to 90 F Common household
temperatures are usually fine but humidity is often too low indoors OR plants too close to heat source/windows with drafts.
Growing African Violets: SOIL and FERTILIZER SOIL
Well-drained, sterile potting soil
Choose brands with vermiculite or perlite added
Commercial African violet mix is good but not required
FERTILIZER Liquid, water soluble best 20-20-20 every month or a
light 10-10-10 weekly/every 2 weeks
Growing African Violets: WATER Water when soil is dry Let the water run through
(use dishes underneath – see my picture at right)
Add pebbles to dishes to increase humidity
Cold water (55 degrees F) splashed on leaves causes spots
Growing African Violets: PROBLEMS INSECTS! – check with the
Cooperative Extension office Spider mites Aphids Mealy bugs
ROT! – too much water, poor air circulation Crown rot Root rot Botrytis blight
Coaxing Them to Bloom
I need more light!
I freeze in winter and boil in summer!
I sooo hate the way this pot
looks on me…
Pinch me!
When was the last time she
fed me?
Propagation Water Method Soil & Rooting Hormone
Virginia Cooperative Extension - http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/HORT/HORT-2/HORT-2.html Growing African Violets – University of Georgia http://www.caes.uga.edu/applications/publications/files/pdf/C%20660_2.PDF Why Won’t My African Violets Bloom? By Pat Addison, Alaska Cooperative Extension http://www.alaskabg.org/Education-Learn/HowTo/africanviolets.pdf Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners http://hovmg.org/
My gardening website and blog –
homegardenjoy.com