Saintpaulia 'African Violet'

Botanical: Saintpaulia ionantha

Common: African Violet, Saintpaulia Violet, Cape Marigold, Usambara Violet

• Light: Bright Indirect
• Ideal Temperature: 65-75°F
• Humidity: Medium
• Water: When the top inch of soil is dry
• Fertilize: Every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength
• Preferred Soil: Well-Draining Potting Mix

• African violets need about 8-12 hours of light per day. They can tolerate some direct morning sunlight but should be protected from harsh midday sun.
• Water from the bottom. African violet leaves are sensitive to water. If water sits on the leaves for too long, it can cause spotting, which appears as discolored or damaged areas.
• Avoid temperatures below 60°F (15°C) and protect the plant from cold drafts.

• Member of the Gesneriaceae family, also known as the African Violet family, which is a large family flowering plants that includes over 3,200 species.
• Native to the eastern tropical rainforests of Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya.

• African violets can be easily propagated through leaf cuttings. Simply cut a healthy leaf with a small portion of the stem, plant it in soil or water, and wait for roots and new plantlets to form.
• The genus name "Saintpaulia" honors Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, who discovered the plant in Tanzania in the late 19th century.