My Creative Workbook

Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman

Saintpaulia - African violet

Saintpaulia

African Violets in my Bubbly New Year's Sparklers design

Common name

African violet

Origin

South-eastern Africa

Varieties

Up to 20 species that are now cultivated as houseplants

Colors

Violet, dark purple, pale blue, red, green or white. Some species have a different coloured "border" around the petals or harlequin stripes . New species are also ruffled, quilted, toothed or lobed

Vase life

Last up to 7 days as cut flower in water and will flower year long as a house plant

Scent

Uses

Beautiful houseplant and great in spring designs. It is a traditional gift plant for Mothers Day or new mothers. Snip the flowers or leaves from the plant to add to designs

Conditioning

The plant requires bright light but not direct sun. If the plant is not flowering or the leaves are growing long it is due to insufficient light. A densely compact plant with burned or bleached out leaves indicate too much sunlight. Do not wet the foliage when watering. Rather water the plant from below to let it soak up the water it requires. Remove any faded leaves and turn the plant periodically to make sure it grows evenly.

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Related Designs

29 May 2013 The day came

Weave a tiny rattan basket

22 September 2012 Turning of the leaves

An Autumn Equinox design that captures the moment before the spectacular colour burst of autumn floats around again

28 December 2011 Bubbly New Year’s Sparklers

Delicate glass bubbles filled with the midnight blue African violet flowers, purple ornamental capsicum and spilling down the design are a few stems of rosary vine

26 October 2011 Trick a levitating Treat

A fun Halloween ghost pumpkin design