The Saintpaulia is a houseplant that consists of very pretty flowers. Throughout the year, it offers a wonderful range of colors. Native to Africa, it is very easy to maintain. Want to take advantage of this easy-going plant? Maintenance, watering, specificities, diseases, repotting, here is everything you need to know about the Saintpaulia.
Saintpaulia is a houseplant native to Africa that belongs to the botanical genus Gesneriaceae. The one that is also called African violet or Cape violet can measure between 20 and 30 cm in height. Its foliage is evergreen and the plant can flower throughout the year provided it is well maintained! Saintpaulia is known by the botanical name Saintpaulia ionantha . The houseplant was discovered by Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire in Tanzania.
Here are some of the most common Saintpaulia cultivars:
As we have already specified, the Saintpaulia is an easy plant to live with but also easy to maintain. He appreciates spaces where the light is reduced. Choose semi-shaded places. If you install a Saintpaulia in the light, you will see small burns appear. In summer, it is imperative that the plant is in the shade and in winter, you can place it in a brighter place but avoid direct light.
Although it comes from the tropical forests of Africa, the Saintpaulia appreciates mild temperatures. The indoor plant should be in a heated environment between 15 and 22°C all year round. Vigilance is therefore essential in winter!
To water your Saintpaulia, you must use soft water. Be aware that hard water is harmful to the plant. In addition, it is also advisable to use water at room temperature. The so-called African violet does not like cold water. The watering is done at the level of the soil and therefore of the stem of the plant. Leaves should not be watered. The watering frequency is once a week. Water should never stagnate. Be sure to empty the cups. It is also a good idea to place clay pebbles under the pot to reduce humidity.
First of all, you should know that a Saintpaulia likes to be cramped in its pot. Also, it is important not to rush to repot this flower so that it develops. For the Saintpaulia to flourish, it needs a soil mixture made up of 2/3 leaf mold and 1/3 heather soil. It is also possible to bet on a compost for flowers, quite simply. Repotting should be done every 2 to 3 years in the spring.
Here's how to repot the Saintpaulia.
Like all indoor plants, the Saintpaulia can be affected by diseases. Here are the ones we encounter frequently.
The red spider mite is a mite that likes dry plants and kills plants gradually. To prevent this disease, it is simply necessary to moisten the plant. It is possible to spray mineral oil on the leaves and the areas inhabited by the spiders. On the other hand, it is not recommended to use insecticide.
The cochineal is a parasite that rages throughout the year. It thrives in humid and warm places. She is particularly happy in a Saintpaulia. Dangerous for the plant, the cochineal can be treated with a cloth soaked in alcohol at 90°C or beer.
Like the spider mite, aphids are harmful. They transmit diseases to plants. To treat them, it is necessary to put vegetable or mineral oil. Attention ! If you use commercial products, you must bet on 100% natural formulas.
A plant affected by powdery mildew changes color to become greyish. Leaves may puncture. To cure this disease, it is possible to use baking soda and black soap. You can also use lukewarm milk.
The Saintpaulia is robust but your plant may not be in good shape.
If you have any questions about your Saintpaulia, then don't hesitate to visit a garden center for advice!
