May 2024 - 45

HOUSEPLANTS
and popular again over time, and the African violet
certainly fits that category. Do a search on Pinterest,
Google or even YouTube and you'll see how today's
consumer is rediscovering the appeal of African violets.
Every year, we choose our " Year of the " plants
partly because of new breeding work, and this year's
houseplant is no different. We know there are new forms,
leaf colors, bloom colors, etc., that are being introduced
and, of course, that generates more interest.
Chris Brooks and Mary Corondan: The November/
December edition of African Violet Magazine mentioned
the National Garden Bureau had chosen the African violet
for recognition as the " Year of the " houseplant. This plant
was most likely selected for a variety of reasons - violets
can bloom year-round with occasional periods of rest, they
can be grown indoors and prefer the same temperatures
as people and a fluorescent light garden grows them
beautifully indoors, as does a north or east-facing
window. Furthermore, violets are available in a variety
of colors and sizes and are easily propagated by leaf
cuttings or a sucker.
Marta Maria Garcia: We were really excited to see
African violets selected for the " Year of the " program.
This houseplant has increased in popularity over
the years because it is a classic houseplant
that brings back a nostalgic touch for
many new gardeners; many of
them refer to it as a
" granny plant. "
We've been seeing a resurgence in popularity as new
gardeners try their hand at growing these beauties.
African violets are a rewarding houseplant that, with
proper care, can thrive for years due to their ease of
maintenance. Requiring little water once a week and
minimal nutrition, they are pretty resilient. African violets
are just elegant flowering beauties.
What are your personal favorite attributes of African
violet? What makes it special?
Blazek: They are so easy to grow, and they remind me of
my mom's houseplant collection. Not that it was huge -
and she definitely was not a snobbish collector - but it
was a comfort for her to have some plants that she could
keep in bloom year-round. And, of course, the broad range
of colors, bloom types, leaf types, etc., give even more
reasons to appreciate them.
Brooks and Corondan: The variety of sizes of African
violets, colors of blossoms and types of foliage, shape
and variegation make them very special. They are also
easy to care for. A timer can be used on a fluorescent or
LED garden light to control the number of hours of light
violets receive daily. Many successful violet enthusiasts
grow their plants on a windowsill.
If African violets are watered when the soil becomes
just dry on the surface (about once a week) and are not
left sitting in water, they will thrive. Never wait for a violet
to wilt to water and avoid letting water dry on the leaves.
They like evenly moist but not wet soil. " Weakly, weekly "
is the quick way to remember how to water and fertilize
for plant health and blooming.
Half-to-quarter-strength balanced water-soluble
houseplant fertilizer every time you water is a good
recommendation. With this setup of light, water and
feeding in a controlled environment, the violet will thrive.
James Flynn: I think the bright blooms attract
people to African violets. Also, the small size
of the plants is intriguing, and they make
great gifts.
Garcia: African violets have beautiful, vibrant
and varied colors, are easy to care for, offer longlasting
blooms and have the ability to thrive indoors.
It's the perfect combination for anyone that wants
to start owning a plant. It also lends itself to start
a collection because of the many types of different
colors and flower forms it offers. Lastly, the nostalgic
connection to gardening traditions adds to their appeal.
Dümmen Orange's 'Maxi Bicolor Catherina', 'Maxi Jessica' and 'Maxi Double Rococo Pink' have curly
leaves and double flowers, providing visual interest. Photos courtesy of Dümmen Orange.
GREENHOUSE PRODUCT NEWS 45

May 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May 2024