Self-pollination is when a plant transfers pollen from the male organ or stamen to the female organ or pistil. This usually happens without any help from outside sources like insects or animals. Many flowers are able to self-pollinate, and African violets are one of them.
Yes, African violets can self-pollinate, but they will produce more flowers if they are cross-pollinated with another plant.
How do African violets pollinate?
African violets are adapted for bee pollination because of the shallow cup shaped flower. This gives a bee ready access to the center of the flowers. The attraction for bees is the pollen which is prominently advertised by the large bright yellow anthers against the blue corolla.
African violets are a type of flowering plant that come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are easy to care for and make a beautiful addition to any home.
What can I do with African violet seed pods
The seed pod of the violet should be left on the plant until it has turned brown and is completely dry. The stem that supports it will also require about 3-5 months from the date of cross pollination to the time that the seed pod is mature and can be removed from the plant.
African violets and rex begonias are two of the easiest plants to propagate from leaf cuttings. Simply use a whole leaf or even just a piece of a leaf to propagate either of these plants. Keep in mind that a detached leaf will wilt quickly, so always have your pot of soil ready before taking the cutting.
How do you collect African violet seeds?
Harvesting poppy seeds is a two-month process. After the pod forms, it takes about two months for it to fully mature. After two months, remove the pod from the plant and carefully crack it open to harvest the seeds.
If left untreated, thrips can cause severe damage to African violets. Of those thrips known to feed on African violets, the most common species is Frankliniella occidentalis. Flowers have a light yellow powder on them. This is actually pollen which has spilled from the anthers as thrips feed on the flowers.
What does Epsom salt do for African violets?
Epsom salt is a great way to provide essential magnesium and sulfur to your plants. African violets in particular benefit from this type of treatment, as it helps them produce beautiful blooms and healthy foliage. To use, simply mix one and a half teaspoons of salt in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Then water your plants with the solution once a month.
African violets are a type of flower that can bloom nearly year-round. If the correct conditions are provided, they can bloom 10-12 months out of the year. Each bloom lasts for 2-3 weeks on average.
What is the lifespan of an African violet
It is so important to repot African violets every few years to keep them healthy and blooming for a long time. These flowers have a long lifespan and can last up to 50 years with proper care!
It is important not to use cold water; lukewarm or warm is preferred. If you water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun; this is to avoid leaf spots.
Do African violets like big or small pots?
Choose a pot that is on the smaller side for your African violet. This will allow the plant to be slightly pot-bound, which is what it prefers. A professional tip is to select a starter pot that is 3-4 inches in diameter if you have a standard African violet plant.
If you have success getting your African Violet to bloom, be sure to pinch or deadhead spent blooms. This allows the plant to continue to put energy into creating more buds/blooms and beautiful foliage.
How long does it take for African violets to bloom from seed
African violets are typically grown from seeds. They generally take 6-9 months to bloom. The time it takes for them to bloom depends on the growing conditions. If they have proper amounts of water, light, and temperature, they will bloom sooner.
The main reason African violets don’t bloom is due to a lack of light. They need indirect sunlight; direct sunlight can burn their leaves. For best results, choose a north- or east- facing window. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week to ensure all leaves receive light.
What is the secret to growing African violets?
If you want your plants to have bright colors and blooms, then you should 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 placed next to north- or east-facing windows, but their leaves will be thin and spindly, and they are less likely to bloom.
It is important to not over-water your African violet plant, as this can lead to crown rot. When watering, be sure to mist the foliage instead of soaking the plant, and use room-temperature water.
Conclusion
No, African violets do not self-pollinate. They require another African violet plant to transfer pollen from the male organ or stamen to the female organ or pistil in order to fertilize the plant and produce seeds.
In conclusion, african violets do self pollinate. However, they may need help from bees or other insects in order to do so effectively.
