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WelcomeWelcome to Grow Violets. This site is the result of my hobby -- growing and propagating African violets. I began taking photos of violets that were in bloom, and thought that others might be able to benefit from my experiences propagating them, as well as my experiences dealing with the diseases that have affected my collection from time to time. Highlighting Some Special African Violets - Arctic Bliss and Harbor Lights
One of the more attractive African violets I own is Arctic Bliss, a hybrid that blooms with a white double ruffled blossom edged with blue. Leaves are large and varigated green and white. I made a trip to Lyndon Lyon greenhouse in Dolgeville, New York for this one and I have been very pleased with its performance. I think it is a very special plant and I am currently trying to propagate it through leaf cuttings.
My Propagation Room . . .Violets I am propagating are set up under shop fluorescent light fixtures in a room that varies between 70 and 75 ºF. I don't allow the temperatures to drop lower because of the higher incidence of powdery mildew at temperatures below 68 ºF. The leaves that are put down are in plastic seed grow containers that can be purchased at many discount stores and garden centers. I find these to be very useful because the leaves are kept in neat rows and the cover retains moisture so I need to do very little watering from the time I cut them until the time they sprout little plantlets. 
Taking Good Care of Your PlantsAll violets need regular care, whether it be removing suckers (growth of new plants that emerge from the stem), or regularly checking for insects and diseases. Violets are very sensitive to temperature, and when they are exposed to temperatures that are either too hot or too cold for a period of time, they are likely to be susceptible to disease (fungus or powdery mildew). In addition, overwatering or underwatering can result in crown or root rot. One of the most important tips I had to learn was not to over-water, and to know when the soil was too dry for their sensitive roots. Buying Healthy PlantsInsects can compromise the health of your plant and hinder its growth. Roots that turn brown and decay, leaves that wilt or turn under, and failure of the plant to grow and to produce blossoms are all signs of possible insect damage. Some pests that effect violets are visible to the eye, but many are not, and their presence can only be known through the effects they have and the overall appearance of the plant. 
Plants purchased at discount chain stores are notorious for having cyclamen or broad mites, thrips or soil mealy bugs. Learning to recognize these pests and using the correct insecticides can do alot to improve the prospects of these plants, but they may never exhibit normal growth patterns. It is best to buy plants from a greemhouse or reputable dealer that specializes in African violets and who prides their business on the success of their plants. You will be much more likely to get a healthy plant to start with. The three plants below were started at the same time, and two thrived. The differences between them are quite noticeable, and I was able to bring the third back to good health by repotting two times at a four week interval. How do you get rid of these pests? Not easily, is the answer. Besides spraying with pesticides designed for indoor plant use, you may consider taking the plant out of its pot, removing all of the potting mix, and spraying the roots gently in the sink using lukewarm water. Repot in fresh soil and keep in a warm, humid environment for a few days for the plant to stabilize. Insect pests are persistent, but if you are diligent, you can be successful at eliminating them. Many times, however, the plant will need to be destroyed to prevent the problem from spreading. If you have destroyed plants, you know that prevention is a far better method of dealing with pests than using sprays after they have been detected. 
The Correct Soil"Light and fluffy" is key to good soil for African violets. I use a mix of Canadian sphagnum peat moss, perlite and vermiculite to create a combination that is light and will not compress the roots when it dries. These three items are usually available at discount chain stores and I find it as easy to mix my own as to buy ready-made African violet mix. Since these three items are bagged very dry, I make sure that it is well-dampened before I put down any leaves. When repotting plantlets into a 2" pot, I do not pack down the mix around the roots, but leave it with plenty of air so the roots can "breathe." |
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