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I won't even pretend to know all I should about African violets, even though they are one of my favorite house plants. I still remember the beautiful African violets my mother raised year after year. I am envious when I go to my neighbors and see how easy it is for her to get them to bloom continuously and how she can take a slip from one and it turns into another beautiful plant.

African violets (Saintpaulias) are not true violets. They belong in the plant family Gesneriaceae that also includes gloxinias and cape primroses. Due to hybrid breeding world wide there are three general sizes, a variety of blossom types, and a multitude of colors from which to choose.

They were discovered by the Imperial District Governor in East Africa. He sent seeds or plants to his father in Germany about 1890. Although Saintpaulias were widely grown by European gardeners, it was not until about 1926 when some varieties came to California.

Most plants are sold in shallow plastic pots called tubs, especially suited to shallow-rooted plants. The size of the pot is determined by the type of plant. Most purchased plants have been potted into a soil- less medium with one-third to one-half perlite and vermiculite. Some buy a fertilizer just for African violets, rather than mixing it themselves. Plus, the directions are on the label to guide them.

As stated earlier, my mother raised beautiful African violets. I remember her saying, "never water from the top of the plant." Now they say it doesn't matter as long as the leaves don't get wet. Water spots on the leaves can discolor them and also attract dust on the leaves. Also, as the plant grows and the crown gets larger, it will become more difficult to water around the plant. Water from the bottom and let it soak up from beneath. They like the soil moist but not soggy.

Violets grow best with 12-14 hours of light, but not direct sunlight. An eastern or northern exposure is best, but a southern or western window will do if a curtain filters the light. They like daytime temperatures of 68 to 75 degrees with night temperatures of 8 to 10 degrees cooler.

Maybe one of the reasons African violets don't do well in our house could be because of our house itself. We have an old farmhouse that was built in 1903. To get the temperature up to 70 degrees on cold days would mean that the furnace would have to run continuously. Since the humidity should be between 40 and 60 percent, it could be another problem since our house has forced air.

African violets are no different than many other houseplants. They can attract insects like aphids, thrips, cyclamen mites, and mealy bugs. The best line of defense is keeping the plants and the area clean. Also, keep African violets away from other kinds of houseplants. Mealy bugs seem to be the insect that affects African violets the most. Some use Q-tips dipped in rubbing alcohol and rub it along the stem and leaf vein.

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VOICE MAIL: You can leave a question for a volunteer Master Gardener at 651-674-4417. Depending on the volume of calls, they try to respond within a couple of days. During office hours ask for the Master Gardener voicemail, after hours, select ext. 18. You can also get your question answered on the web at: www.extension.umn. edu/askmg

The Chisago County Extension Office will be moving sometime in early December, and our phone number will be changing. Stay tuned to this column or check our website for more information as plans are firmed up.

www.extension.umn.edu/county/chisago/mg

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