African violets are a purple fuzzy leaf houseplant. Scientifically known as the Saintpaulia, these are a popular flowering house plant, native to Tanzania, southeastern Kenya and eastern tropical Africa.avsa.org: African Violets FAQ The scientific name Saintpaulia was given by the Germans after discovery in 1892 of the plant by Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire.http://www.avsc.ca/specieshistory.pdf

They have fleshy and sometimes hairy leaves and the blue to violet flowers, but each variation will have some differences. Mainly in the colors but some types will have smoother leaves. Each types comes from it's own distinct area in Africa and they are only indigenous to that country.

Over 20 species have been found and they all have the blue to violet color range. The African violet was first sent to America in 1926 when the seeds were imported from Germany and England by Armacost and Royston.

African violets can be the perfect plant for growing indoors because they need a limited amount of direct sunlight and require little watering.Garden Guides: African Violets

Always work with sterile equipment and soil to prevent fungal disease from occurring with your violets. When looking for the right soil; mix equal parts of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite for the violets health.

The African violet does not like direct hot sunlight. an East facing window is the best light to have shining on the Saintpaulia. Place your hand between the window and the plant and if your hand becomes warmed by the sun it is too much. If the shadow crosses over the plant but your hand remains cool, then it is the perfect spot for the plant.

Over watering can be the death of your Saintpaulia. It is best to water from the bottom, and this is best done by putting room temperature water in the saucer beneath the African Violet. Water on the leaves will cause a blemish on the leaf. The same is true for too much sunlight directly on the plant. Both will cause the blemish to appear and it never goes away.

The African Violet enjoys being inside due to the temperature. They thrive in the same temperatures that make human's feel comfortable. No warmer than 85 degrees and no cooler than 60 degrees at night is the perfect climate for the Saintpaulia.

• Saintpaulia inconspicua
• Saintpaulia goetzeana
• Saintpaulia ionantha
• Saintpaulia pusilla
• Saintpaulia shumensis
• Saintpaulia teitensis

• • Mahalo's Guide to Gardening

• • Mahalo's Guide to Online Florists

• FTD.com: African Violet Arrangements
• Teleflora African Violet Arrangements
• Dave's Flowers: African Violet Arrangements

• Google Book Search: African Violets

• AuthorHouse: African Violets Back to the Basics: Your Questions Answered

• Amazon.com: African Violets: The Complete Guide

• Amazon.com: The African Violet Handbook