The Guide to Caring For Your:
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
African Violets are small, compact plants that typically grow to about 6-8 inches tall. They have velvety leaves and come in a range of colors including pink, blue, purple, and white. They prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Did you know... African Lilies have been used for medicinal purposes in their native South Africa for centuries? In traditional medicine, a decoction of the leaves was used to treat various ailments such as headaches and eye infections.
Watering:
African Violets should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Use room temperature water and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent leaf rot.
Lighting:
African Violets need bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so place them near a window with filtered light or use a sheer curtain.
Humidity:
African Violets prefer high humidity levels, so it's helpful to place a humidity tray or use a humidifier. If the air is too dry, the tips of the leaves may turn brown and become crispy.
Feeding:
African Violets benefit from regular feeding with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
Pests & Deficiencies:
Common pests that affect African Violets include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To prevent infestations, inspect the plant regularly and treat any pests with a gentle insecticidal soap. Common deficiencies include yellowing leaves (nitrogen), stunted growth (potassium), and pale leaves (iron). These can be corrected by using a balanced fertilizer.
