African Violets

African Violets are fabulous houseplants that boast small fuzzy leaves and dainty blooms.

Some believe that it is difficult to get the flowers to bloom. However, if you simply place them in indirect sunlight (or under artificial light) that's bright for about 14 hours daily, keep them away from drafts and maintain humid surroundings, their splendid blooms are sure to burst forth in their array of dazzling colours. Avoid overwatering or pouring water on the leaves and blooms - the soil should be dry to the touch before soaking with tepid water.

Like every other plant African Violet carry along special problems. There are many different ways of treating the plant, however, special problems requires particular treatment.

Straw color patches on leaves: This is usually caused by too much sunlight usually in the summer.The heat directly causes the leaves of the plant to develop holes and to change its natural color. Brown spots on leaves:African Violet requires moderately warm water.

Yellowing Leaves: Over feeding can result in yellowing leaves. The dominant cause of yellowing leaves is dry air or overheating that is too much sun light.

Pale Green Stalks; Leaves edges curled: The plant survives short period at 50- 60 degree if the manure if fairly dry. However sometimes we tend to leave plants at areas that are chilled for example, windows, doors etc. Such exposure to chill causes the plant to have pale green stalks, leaves edges usually curls.

Limp leaves; Center crown rotten: This disease is difficult to control and infectious, the best way of treating the plant is to remove and destroy the plant as soon as possible. The disease is usually caused by over watering together with frequent changes in the temperature.

No flowers:No flowers is a common problem in most plants, this usually occurs when the plant does not have sufficient sunlight, exposed to dry air or cold air. Relocating the pot can cause the plant to bloom for sometime.

Moldy leaves and flowers: This is a powdery mildew disease.Pick off the infected part of the plants and treat with systemic fungicide. Add moderately warm water and avoid sun until the spray deposit has dried.

Insects- Dealing with insects is common in all cases, the plant may attract mealy bugs and cyclamen.