Saintpaulia

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Gesneriaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Saintpaulia

Species

ionantha

Description

Small evergreen herbaceous perennial with fleshy rosette-like leaves and a velvety appearance. It is used in pots and planters mainly as an indoor plant, depending on the climatic conditions, to add elegance and colour with its continuous flowering with wide colour variability. It requires a suitable ambient humidity and bright but sheltered exposure to direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.

Variety description

Ornamental herbaceous plant, mainly used as an indoor plant in pots or tubs for its elegant and colourful flowers rising from the basal leaves. It requires watering free of stagnation and high ambient humidity.

Curiosities and special features

The classification of the African violet was made possible by the German Baron W. Von Saint Paul who, in 1892 in Tanga, present-day Tanzania, collected some seeds that he sent to his father, Baron Ulrich, in Germany, who in turn shared them with the botanist Hermann Wendland; the latter scientifically described the plant and gave it the name Saintpaulia, in honour of father and son, as well as the scientific epithet ionantha (from the Greek íon meaning violet and ánthos meaning flower) in reference to its similarity to violet flowers.

Origin and distribution

A species native to eastern and south-western Tanzania. Genetic improvement, carried out in Europe since the 20th century, has led to a wide assortment of varieties distinguished by foliage size, flower shape and colour.

Flower size

The flower is medium in size, giving refinement to the inflorescence in which it is grouped.

Leaf

The succulent, rounded leaves have a cordate-reniform base.

Flowering period

It flowers over a long period of the year. from early spring to mid-autumn for a duration of 200 to 240 days from early spring to late winter for a duration of 120 to 160 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence compound umbrella.

Leaf colour

It has solid-coloured leaves, dark green on the upper side and reddish on the lower side.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.2 m, ideal for ornamenting bowls and indoor pots.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen herb.

Where to plant

It is mainly used as a pot plant , small pots, indoor tubs.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a gamopetalous corolla. The petals are single-coloured and variegated. It is arranged in small, compound umbel inflorescences. It flowers from early spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 200 and 240 days, and from early spring to late winter, with a flowering period of between 120 and 160 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Plant with compact growth delineated by the flowers rising from the basal leaves arranged in a rosette.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is globular.

PH

For the African Violet the ideal substrate pH is between 5.8 and 6.5. Pay attention to the acidity level of the irrigation water, which must not fall below the indicated levels in order not to jeopardise growth and flowering.

Sun exposure

Saintpaulia requires a suitable light intensity, protected from direct sunlight. The following exposures are recommended: light source indoors, light shade.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 20 and 25 °C. The recommended average daily temperature is 20 °C, with 23 °C during the day and 18 °C during the night.

Use

It is one of the most widespread flowering herbaceous plants in:

Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

A plant of medium hardiness.

Soil

Use a substrate for green or spring plants containing peat. The choice of a high-quality substrate is of primary importance for a healthy plant with an excellent flowering.

Difficulty

It is fairly easy to cultivate, paying attention to water stagnation as well as room temperature and humidity.

Growing tips

Some useful cultivation tips for proper vegetative development and lush flowering:

Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Balanced fertilisation Prefers shady locations in summer to avoid dry spells and high afternoon temperatures Prefers slightly calcareous water Requires little but regular fertilisation

Pruning

.

Propagation

Propagation is by leaf cuttings.

Watering

Saintpaulia requires constant substrate moisture. It is advisable to irrigate/water until the drained soil is completely moistened and without stagnation on the surface. Do not water the leaves directly, in order to prevent the development of fungal diseases, but provide temperate water directly to the substrate. Also do not water the vegetation with cold water so as not to cause yellow spots to appear on the leaves. In order to allow the roots to be gradually absorbed by uptake, water can be added to the saucer.

Fertilising

A soluble, balanced fertiliser for flowering ornamental plants should be regularly added to the moist substrate, diluted in the irrigation water according to the needs of the plant, as Saintpaulia fears over-fertilisation, especially during water stress.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Choose bright exposures but away from direct sunlight and draughts. Do not water the leaves but give temperate water to the substrate. Cold water should not be given on the vegetation as it causes yellow spots on the leaves.