How did the African violet become a common plant?

How did the African violet become a common plant?

African Violets became popular again with the commercial availability of the fluorescent light bulbs in 1938. Under these favorable light conditions, African Violets were able to bloom with a wide variety of flower, foliage, and flower-type characteristics.

Is African Violet invasive?

While pretty, these iconic wild violets are also an aggressive and invasive weed. They've been known to take over yards and flower beds with no concern for whatever landscaping plans the homeowner originally had in mind. ... They're great for pollinators and can add a pop of color to your yard.

Why are African violets called African?

The African Violet, of the genus Saintpaulia, originates in eastern tropical Africa, in Tanzania and Kenya. ... It received its common name of African violet as a result of the location in which it naturally grows, but also because the flower itself bears a striking resemblance to the true violet.

Can you eat African violets?

So, can you eat violets? Indeed, you can! Violets, both the leaves and flowers, contain high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A. The edible violet plant can be used to make syrups, brew teas, and in baked desserts.

Are African violets hard to kill?

One of the main reasons that takes the African Violet into the hard to kill category is that it has both a low requirement for water and low requirements for sunlight. ... As for sunlight, it doesn't require direct sunlight and can thrive in lower light levels.

Where does the African violet plant come from?

Saintpaulia, commonly known as African violet, is a genus of 6–20 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Tanzania and adjacent southeastern Kenya in eastern tropical Africa. Typically the African violet is a common household indoor plant but can also be an outdoor plant.

Do you need to repot an African violet plant?

Yes! You absolutely should repot your African Violet to ensure it lives a long, happy life. It's not healthy to keep your plant in the same mix it has been in for years. Mold, decay, and bugs can start to destroy the once healthy living environment your African Violet thrived in.

How long do African violets usually live for?

Not only are they beautiful, they are usually inexpensive as well. How long do African Violets typically live? Theoretically, African Violets can live indefinitely. In practice, if well cared for, African Violets can easily live for decades. It all depends on how well they are taken care of.

Can a African violet be propagated by a sucker?

These are quite unusual, genetically more rare, and can be propagated only by suckers. “Leaf” chimeras are varieties whose foliage can only be reproduced by sucker propagation. Variegation on leaf chimeras is very rare and is completely immune to changes in temperature, environment and age. Care is identical to that of other African violets.