African violets (Saintpaulia) are a genus of six to 20 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Tanzania and adjacent southeastern Kenya in east Africa. They are distant cousins of the Gesneriads of South America, such as Gloxinia and Streptocarpus. They were discovered in 1892 by Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire and named after his wife, the African Violet Society of America notes. They grow 6 to 18 inches tall and wide, with leaves that are 2 to 4 inches long, the society adds. The plants produce flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, red or white.
No, African violets are not annuals.
Do African violets come back every year?
African violets are a type of plant that can bloom nearly year-round. If you are able to provide the correct conditions, expect your African violets to bloom 10-12 months each year. Each bloom lasts for about 2-3 weeks.
African violets need to be repotted every one to two years to keep them healthy and blooming. “The number one reason to repot an African violet is because the plant has outgrown its pot,” McEnaney says. “You’ll know it’s time to repot when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes of the pot.”
Do violets come back year after year
These little flowers are a welcome sight in springtime, when they dot the landscape with their cheerful purple blooms. Wild violets are relatively easy to care for, and make a lovely addition to any garden.
If you want your African Violet to thrive during the winter months, you’ll need to provide it with warmth and humidity. Keep it away from drafty windows or outside doors, and maintain temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees. Avoid fertilizing too much, and keep the air moist by clustering your plants or using a humidifier.
Do African violets go dormant in the winter?
African violets are beautiful flowers that bloom all year round with proper care. They do not have a natural dormancy period, so they need to be kept warm and well-lit to continue growing and blooming. With proper care, African violets can bring beauty and life to any home all year long!
If your African violet is not blooming, the most common reason is that it is not getting enough light. African violets need indirect sunlight; direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Choose a north- or east-facing window for best results. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light.
Do African violets need bigger pots?
African violets typically do best when they are slightly pot-bound, so it is generally advisable to choose a pot that is on the smaller side. As a general rule of thumb, if you have a standard African violet plant, your starter pot should be about 3-4 inches in diameter.
A wicking system is a great way to make sure your African violets are never over watered. Simply water the plant once a week and allow the plant to completely dry between waterings. The wicking system will constantly keep the soil moist, but not too wet, and your violets will thrived.
What kills African violets
If you’re looking to get rid of violets without harming your grass, you should use a broadleaf killer that contains 2,4-D or Dicamba. Drive (quinclorac) is another great option for selectively killing violets without damaging other plants.
The best time for fertilizing African violets is in spring when the plant is actively growing. Avoid feeding African violets in winter to prevent the plant from becoming dormant.
What do violets look like in winter?
Violets are one of the few flowers that bloom in the winter, adding a splash of color to an otherwise dreary landscape. In the summer, they are mostly leaves, with a few stray violets here and there.
Be sure to deadhead spent blooms on your African Violet to encourage the plant to continue putting energy into creating more buds/blooms and beautiful foliage.
How cold is too cold for African violets
African violets are sensitive to temperature changes and cold drafts. Keep them at a consistent temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and out of drafts to ensure they stay healthy.
If you want your plants to have vibrant colors and blooms, it’s best to grow them in bright, indirect light. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location. Plants will still grow when situated right beside north- or east-facing windows, but leaves will be thin and spindly, and plants less likely to bloom.
What do African violets symbolize?
African violets are a symbol of devotion, commitment, and faithfulness. No matter what the cause is, these flowers represent someone who is devoted to their goals and willing to put in the work to achieve them. This can be seen as a positive trait, as it shows that the person is dedicated and determined. However, it can also be seen as a negative trait, as it can indicate that the person is stubborn and inflexible.
Cut a leaf from the plant, making sure to get a good portion of the stem. Dip the stem in rooting hormone, then stick it in the pot of soil. Water the soil and keep it moist but not soggy. The leaf should start to produce roots within a few weeks, at which point you can transplant it to its own pot.
Final Words
The answer is no. African violets are not annuals.
African violets are actually not annuals, but they are short-lived perennials. They typically live for two to three years, but with proper care, they can live much longer. African violets are not very tolerant of changes in their environment, so it is important to keep them in a consistent setting.
