Sexy songstress Shakira was born February 9, 1977, during the month of the violet. But, if you're at all familiar with her hip shaking moves, you know she's no shrinking violet. However, she certainly has one thing in common with the violet - her popularity. The African violet has long been one of the most popular flowering potted plants.
The African violet is known for its soft, fuzzy leaves that are shaped like hearts. The leaves may have smooth, ruffled, or serrated edges and are light green or red-violet on the underside. Some of them even have variegated leaves. While most people recognize them for their unique leaves, they also grow beautiful flowers in deep purple, lavendar, pink, yellow, white, red, and bicolors.
Although very popular, the African violet also has a reputation for being a finicky plant that's difficult to keep. They do, indeed, have special care requirements, but none of them is really that hard to follow. To keep your African violet healthy, follow these easy rules:
* Place your plant in an area that receives 14 to 16 hours of bright light each day. This can be artificial light or sunlight, but should never be direct sunlight. If you're using a fluorescent light, be sure to keep it at least ten inches from the top of the plant. Yellow leaves are an indication that your plant isn't getting enough light.
* Water the plants often enough to keep the soil moist, but not wet. In general, you should avoid getting the leaves wet. But, should the leaves get wet or need a gentle washing to remove dust, place the plant out of the light until it is completely dry. Don't use water that has been filtered through a water softener or that has a great deal of chlorine in it. Instead, purchase spring water from the store or leave tap water out overnight before watering. Use room temperature water.
* Remove leaves as they become yellow or brown. Blooms should also be clipped off when they begin to brown around the edges.
* Grow violets in small pots. A 4-inch pot is usually sufficient. Make sure you place the pot away from drafts. Plastic pots are usually best as the violet's leaves may actually begin to react to clay pots after a time.
African violets make an excellent gift. They're a lovely plant that most people appreciate receiving, but if you're making a gift to an inexperienced violet grower, make sure you include a bit of information about their care. Your florist may have a booklet or care card to provide the information. If not, you could include a small hand-written or typed note to let the recipient know how they can keep their new plant happy.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Wesley Berry is the President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar business that was established in 1946. He is also the Headmaster of the Professional Florists' Institute, a floral design school located in Michigan. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the web at http://www.800wesleys.com.
