Sabrina Hahn: How to grow African violets

For me, walking to the checkout at a nursery and seeing a range of African violets on the bench is akin to kids seeing all the lollies at a supermarket checkout. My problem is that I can’t just have one, I have to have three — and there are so many to choose from. African violets are botanically known as Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia and come in shades of purple, white, pink and blue, and collectors will have bi-coloured. They originate in Tanzania and East Africa in humid warm conditions. Just little tackers, African violets grow to just 15cm in height and 20cm wide, making them ideal to place indoors in a sunny aspect. They do, however, require bright, indirect light and warmth, but not direct sunlight or they burn. A north or east-facing window that receives soft morning light is ideal. The potting medium is just as important and must be free-draining to prevent root rot. Buy African violet potting mix and plant them up into a pot only just one size up as they like being slightly root-bound. Never move African violets outside during WA’s summer, even if they are in the shade, as it’s too dry and hot. These plants need consistent growing conditions. Placing pots on a saucer with pebbles will help increase the humidity. Fertilising is important every four to six weeks using a weak solution that has good levels of potassium and phosphorus. Manutek makes a specific African violet soluble fertiliser that’s N18: P3:K13, encouraging long-term flowering. The leaves of African violets have small hairs that hold water. It’s best to either water from the base up or use a very small watering can that fits in between the leaves. Many growers use a wicking system where the wick sits in the saucer and is fed up through the pot. Propagating is fun and easy, something kids quite like to do and watch how a new plant develops. Simply select a healthy leaf, cutting it off from the parent plant with 2-3cm of the stem attached. Plant the leaf in vermiculite spray with water and keep it in a warm, dry area. Each leaf will sprout up to 12 plantlets within six weeks and these can be individually potted up into African violet mix. During establishment, liquid-fertilise with a half-strength fertiliser around week four. Tip For gardeners keen on growing and collecting African violets, go to the African Violet Society of WA website (waavsinc.com) — they have regular meetings, a Facebook page and exhibitions and plant sales. Three jobs to do 1. Select Geraldton wax plants while they are in bud. There are many to choose from of varying heights and flower colour. 2. Plant lilium bulbs into well-drained, compost-rich soil in a spot that only receives morning sun in summer. 3. Waterlilies will be dying back with the cold weather, but you should still refresh the water every week to prevent mosquitoes breeding.