African Violet

Question 1

Latin name

Answer 1

Streptocarpus ionantha

Question 2

Propogation

Answer 2

Leaf cuttings in summer.
Choose healthy, younger leaves from the centre of the plant.
Clumps of older plants can be divided when repotting in spring.
Free draining potting compost mixed with perlite or grit.

Question 3

Environment

Answer 3

Place on an easy or west facing window, or grow in a temperate greenhouse in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun.
Ideally around 21 degrees in daytime and 11 at night.
Direct light can burn the leaves.
Water sparingly in winter and freely in growing season
Water from below and don’t allow to sit in water. Use lukewarm water. Wait until nearly dry before watering again.

Question 4

Growing on

Answer 4

Report if necessary in spring
A wide shallow pot is better than a deep one
Use pit only slightly bigger
Use a houseplant or multipurpose compost mixed with coir.
Only resume feeding once the roots have filled the pot.
High phosphate fertiliser.
18-24 degrees daytime with minimum nightime temp of 16.

Question 5

Pests and disease

Answer 5

Aphids, mealy bugs, glasshouse leafhopper, thrips and vine weevils.