care

the african violet (saintpaulia) grows best if located on a bright place the year round. some morning, evening or winter sun will be tolerated. during the warm summer months it shouldn’t be placed directly behind the window.

a light shaded place is also welcome. for showing its colorful fooliage the variegated cultivars need to be placed in bright light. otherwise the leaves will become green.

during summer it can be placed in the garden or on the balcony. but make sure that rainwater can easily flow out of the pot. because sitting in water will cause rot.

the african violet can be grown in a regular potting or cacti mix. i’m using a mixture of potting soil, coarse sand and pumice (3:1:1).

keep it evenly moist but not wet. sitting in water can cause rot. allow to moderately dry between the waterings. but it shouldn’t dry completely.

from spring to fall a half diluted water soluble fertilzer can be given monthly and if placed at above 20 °c/68 °f in winter every eight weeks. recently repotted or new bought plants don’t need to be fed for the first six to eight weeks.

alternatively you can use time release pellets or sticks (half concentrated).

saintpaulia ionantha needs a winter minimum of approx. 12 °c/53.6 °f for the standard cultivars and 15 °c/59 °f for the variegated ones. at this temperature range, watering can be reduced and there is no need to feed. but the soil should not dry out completely.

but it does best if located warm (>20 °c/68 °f) throughout the year.