No, African Violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are not in the succulent family. African Violets are a species of flowering perennials in the Gesneriaceae family, which consists of mostly tropical plants.
Succulents are plants that store water in their fleshy stems, leaves and/or roots, such as cacti, aloe vera, Sedums, and more. African Violets have soft fuzzy leaves and produce small five-petaled flowers in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white during the winter months.
They are grown indoors as houseplants and do best when their soil is evenly moist, so they need to be watered frequently.
Can I use African violet soil for succulents?
No, you should not use African violet soil for succulents because it is not suitable for succulents. African violet soil is specifically formulated for growing African violets, which are a very different type of plant and require different needs than succulents.
African violets need a soil that is loose and airy, contains plenty of organic matter, and retains moisture. On the other hand, succulents prefer a soil that is fast draining and contains little or no organic matter.
Succulents thrive in soil that drains quickly and retains little water, while African violets thrive in soil that holds more moisture and has more organic matter. Therefore, using African violet soil for succulents is not recommended, as it is likely to cause root rot and other problems in your succulents.
Are African violets a cactus?
No, African violets are not cacti. African violets are a type of small flowering plant from the Saintpaulia genus, which is typically found in east tropical Africa. The plants require warm temperatures, high humidity, and bright but indirect sunlight to thrive.
They feature characteristic soft fuzzy leaves with vibrant purple, pink, white, or yellow flowers. In contrast, cacti are plants of the family Cactaceae, which are native to the Americas. Cacti are typically adapted to dry and arid climates, and have distinct features such as succulent stems which store water, thorns which provide protection against herbivores, and bright flowers to attract pollinators.
What plant family is the African violet in?
The African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) is a species of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae. It is native to Tanzania, but also commonly cultivated as a houseplant and landscape plant. African violets are small perennial plants composed of hairy, oblong leaves and typically have showy five-petaled flowers that span from white to magenta to dark purple in color.
African violets are most often propagated from leaf cuttings, but may also be reproduced from seed. They thrive in warm and humid climates, preferring temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). African violets require bright, indirect sunlight and need to be watered from the bottom, never from the top.
With proper care and fertilization, they can bloom at any time of the year.
Where is the place to put an African violet?
The best place to put an African violet is in a spot with bright, indirect light, such as a north-facing windowsill or a lightly shaded east-facing window. African violets need plenty of light to bloom, but direct light from a sunny window can be too intense and cause scorching with its intense rays.
The ideal temperature for African Violets is between 65°F and 75°F (18°C – 24°C), with a drop at night of about 10°F (5°C). Humidity is important and should be kept between 55-70%. A room humidifier or placing the pot on a humidity tray will help to achieve the right level.
Water African Violets with room temperature water, in moderation, when the surface soil is dry to the touch. Ideal soils are light, porous and well-draining. There are special African Violet soils available, or you can create your own soil mix by combining two parts peat moss, one part perlite and one part vermiculite.
Can I put my African violet outside?
No, you shouldn’t put your African violet outside. African violets are considered to be strictly an indoor houseplant. They prefer bright, filtered, artificial light and temperatures that range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you put your African violet outside, it is likely to be exposed to both too much direct sunlight and temperatures that are too low or too high, which can cause the plant to become stressed or weakened and lead to possible death.
Furthermore, outside, your African violet would be at risk of attacks from insects, pests and diseases. African violets can still benefit from an occasional outdoor adventure, but should not be left out in the elements for any significant amount of time.
It is best to slowly acclimate them to outdoor conditions in small increments, to avoid the possibility of sunscald or sunburn – 10 minutes the first day, 20 minutes the next day and so on. Eventually, you can increase the time outside up to a few hours, but should always be sure to bring your African violet back inside at night.
How often should African violets be watered?
African violets should be watered once every 7-10 days, depending on the environment and potting mix used. It is important to ensure that the soil stays moist, but not overly wet. When watering, use lukewarm water that is either distilled or has had chlorine and fluoride removed.
Ideally, water should be poured into the soil so that it runs out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Another option is to stand the plant in a bowl of lukewarm water for a few minutes and allow the soil to absorb the water from the bottom.
When watering from the top, try not to directly get the foliage wet as this may cause the leaves to rot. Be sure to only water from the soil, as this will help to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Lastly, let the excess water run out of the pot after watering.
Are there pink African violets?
Yes, there are pink African violets! African violets are a genus of plants in the Saintpaulia family, and they come in a variety of shapes and colors, including pink. Pink African violets may have rich pink or pale pink flowers, depending on the particular variety.
They require specific growing conditions in order to stay healthy, such as bright indirect light and warm temperatures, consistently moist soil, and high humidity. With the right care, pink African violets can thrive and become a beautiful addition to any home or garden.
Are begonias tropical plants?
Yes, begonias are definitely tropical plants! They originate in tropical and subtropical climates and thrive in warm, humid conditions. As they naturally grow in high humidity, they are a popular choice for many greenhouses and year-round gardeners in temperate climates.
Including wax begonias, tuberous begonias, and rex begonias, that can be found in a variety of colors and shapes. They are a great choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens as they add a beautiful pop of color.
In addition to their beauty and ease of growing, begonias are also generally pest- and drought-resistant, making them a great addition to any garden.
How do you grow tropical begonias?
Tropical begonias are a beautiful addition to any garden, thanks to their brightly-colored flowers and lush foliage. Growing tropical begonias is relatively easy, as long as you provide them with the right conditions.
When growing tropical begonias, you should start by choosing a well-draining potting soil, as begonias don’t like wet feet. The potting soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Next, indirect but bright sunlight is important to help tropical begonias thrive. They should be placed in a spot that gets several hours of indirect sunlight per day, such as in a partially shady area near a window or on a covered patio.
Begonias need regular watering to flourish. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. It’s best to water when the top inch of soil starts to feel dry.
Tropical begonias can benefit from a fertilizer once in awhile to encourage blooming. Use a balanced fertilizer that’s labeled for flowering plants and dilute it according to the instructions on the packaging.
To ensure your begonias stay healthy, you might want to practice good garden hygiene. This means removing any dead or wilted leaves or flowers as soon as you see them. You should also check for any signs of pests or diseases, such as yellowing leaves or unusual spots, and treat them quickly if needed.
By following these steps, you can easily grow tropical begonias and enjoy their beautiful flowers for many years to come.
What is the soil mix for begonias?
The optimum soil mix for begonias is one that is light, porous and well-draining. A mix of 1 part peat moss and 1 part perlite is often used, allowing for plenty of air circulation and draining for the begonias’ delicate root systems.
Additional components such as compost, aged manure, and coarse sand can also be added to increase fertility and moisture retention. This soil mix should also be slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5), so adding an acid-based fertilizer such as cottonseed meal or an acid-based fertilizer will help.
It is also important to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, as begonias are susceptible to root rot and other diseases caused by overly wet conditions.
Is Miracle Grow good for begonias?
Yes, Miracle Grow is a good fertilizer for Begonias. Begonias are relatively easy to care for and require regular fertilization for best growth. Miracle Grow for flowers and vegetables contains a balanced blend of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements.
These nutrients feed the begonia and stimulate strong, healthy root and leaf growth. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply the fertilizer on a regular schedule. Miracle Grow contains an all-purpose formula, so you don’t need to buy separate fertilizers for different parts of the begonia’s life cycle.
Finally, it’s important to water your begonia regularly so it can take advantage of the nutrients in Miracle Grow.
Do begonias need deep pots?
Begonias generally do not like to be root bound and can benefit from being planted in deep pots that allow plenty of space for their roots to grow. Depending on the type of Begonia, they can require pots that are 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep.
Shallow pots should generally be avoided as they can dry out the soil too quickly and can restrict root growth. Beginner gardeners should consider using at least 6 inch (15 cm) deep plastic or ceramic pots for growing Begonias.
However, experienced gardeners may opt for deeper pots (up to 8 inches/20 cm) for larger Begonia varieties, as this can help promote better root growth. In either case, it is important to consider the type of Begonia to be grown when choosing a pot size.