What plants are related to African violets?

Gloxinia. Closely related to African violets, gloxinias (Sinningia speciosa) are tuberous plants with broad, downy medium green leaves. Popular in florist shops at Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day, gloxinias in full bloom are spectacular.

Are African violets house plants?

African violets are strictly indoor plants in North America, largely because their leaves need to stay dry. Grow plants in bright, indirect light for the best color and blooms. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location.

Is African Violet a lucky plant?

African Violet plants are believed to bring good luck because their flowers are usually of a positive and cheerful color. The African Violet can bring prosperity as the flower is thought to be lucky when it comes in shades that promote positivity and remove negative energy, such as lavender or purple.

What flowers are related to violets?

Both pansies and violets are in the genus Viola. Some are perennials and some are annuals but all sport the sunny, uplifted face-like flowers characteristic of the family Violaceae. While both are technically violets, each has a slightly different characteristic and genesis.

Is gloxinia and African Violet the same?

Gloxinia are similar in appearance to African Violets. False African violet (Streptocarpella) is from East Africa. This plant forms a shrubby, spreading mound to six inches high and two feet wide and performs well in a hanging basket. The fuzzy, fleshy green leaves are 1½ inches long.

Where did African violets originate from?

Tanzania
Bright indirect light is a must. African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are native to rainforests in the mountains of eastern African countries like Tanzania. They are low-growing plants, thriving in the shade of other vegetation. In their native environments, direct light never touches their leaves.

What do violets symbolize?

Violets symbolize modesty. The violet also has roots in Christianity and represents the modesty of the Virgin Mary. The violet also represents spiritual wisdom, faithfulness and humility which are meanings that can be seen depicted in religious works of art.

Do African violets need sun?

African violets need indirect sunlight, direct 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. Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.

What is the difference between African violets and violets?

The main differences between African Violets and True violets are: African violets have fleshy downy leaves and produce throughout the summer, five-petalled flowers, usually with a distinct eye while true violets have large to small heart shaped leaves, sometimes smooth, sometimes with varying degrees of hairiness.

Are gloxinia and Primrose related?

These tender plants are related to gloxinia (Sinningia) and African violet (Saintpaulia) and look something like a cross between the two. They have fleshy, sometimes velvety leaves, and their trumpet-shaped flowers appear over a long season; some kinds flower intermittently all year.

How to grow African violets from the leaves?

Plant your leaves either 1 or 2 to a pot and wait for new young leaves to appear. Cut a healthy leaf from an African violet plant. For best results, use a mature leaf.

Is the African violet plant a good investment?

Some varieties are teacup-sized while others are larger, and some varieties have a trailing habit. African violets are very good value, especially if you buy them as plug plants. They’re very collectable and look good grouped together. They have a reputation for being a little tricky to grow, but with the right care and conditions they will thrive.

Why are the leaves on my African Violet turning brown?

Overhead watering methods damage African violet foliage. When water droplets fall on the fuzzy leaves, they often leave behind ugly brown spots. Instead of watering from above, place pots in a shallow dish filled with about an inch of water.

How often should I repot my African violets?

Potting African Violet. It’s time to repot African violets when you notice excessive loss of lower leaves and lengthening of the central growing point. Generally African violets grow and bloom best if you repot them about once a year. Choose a low, shallow planting pot that is slightly wider than the previous container.