gesneriaceae lower classifications

1. What plants are in the gesneriad family?
2. Do African violets need sunlight?
3. Where is the African violet from?
4. Are African violets epiphytes?
5. Do African violets like to be misted?
6. Do African violets like to be crowded?
7. Is coffee grounds good for African violets?
8. Are there male and female African violets?
9. Can you eat African Violet?
10. How long do African violets live?
11. What do African violets symbolize?
12. Why are African violets called?
13. Are African violets perennials or annuals?
14. How often does a violet bloom?
15. Do African violets need to be watered from the bottom?
16. Why are my African violets not flowering?
17. Should you cut dead flowers off African Violet?
18. How long should African violets sit in water?
19. What are the best pots for African violets?

What plants are in the gesneriad family?

The Gesneriad Family includes many popular houseplants with a degree of succulence from the genera Aeschynanthus, Columnea, Gloxinia, Nematanthus, Saintpaulia and Streptocarpus. These plants are mostly not xerophytic and require regular watering and frost-free conditions, but most are undemanding.

Do African violets need sunlight?

African violets need bright light to bloom, but cannot tolerate hot, direct sun because their leaves are easily scorched by intense light. Violets bloom best at temperatures from 65 to 75 degrees.

Where is the African violet from?

African violet, (genus Saintpaulia), any of the six species of flowering plants in the genus Saintpaulia (family Gesneriaceae). Native to higher elevations in tropical eastern Africa, African violets are widely grown horticulturally, especially S. ionantha.

Are African violets epiphytes?

While mosses and lichens are technically epiphytes of the temperate world, most epiphytes are found in the tropics. ... The remaining 89 percent are flowering plants with orchids, bromeliads, tropical cacti, gesneriads (the African violet family) and peperomias are common examples.

Do African violets like to be misted?

African violets tolerate average indoor HUMIDITY; 40-60% is best. If your house is very dry, mist your violets lightly with room temperature water on a daily basis, but never late in the day or at night. ... Wash leaves occasionally with slightly warm water, blotting dry.

Do African violets like to be crowded?

Violets need to feel crowded to bloom, but when a plant gets too big for its pot, divide the plant's separate-looking leaf heads. ... Place in potting soil after the roots and leaves become well formed.

Is coffee grounds good for African violets?

Is Coffee Grounds Good for African Violets? Yes, coffee grounds are a great homemade fertilizer for African Violets. Make a mixture of dried coffee grounds and dried egg shells, then work the coffee ground mixture into the top of the soil. Replenish every couple of months.

Are there male and female African violets?

African Violets, or Saintpaulia inanth as they're known in Latin, are one of the easiest house plants to grow and if kept correctly can flower for most of the year. ... They also have completely separate male and female plants.

Can you eat African Violet?

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.

How long do African violets live?

African violets can live a long time, as long as 50 years! To get them there, you need to provide good care which includes repotting African violets. The trick is knowing when to repot an African violet and what soil and container size to use.

What do African violets symbolize?

African violets originally come from Tanzania, in East Africa. Find out more about these dainty flowers here. The violet symbolizes loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness.

Why are African violets called?

Wild species can have violet, purple, pale blue, or white flowers. The plants get their common name "African violet" from their superficial resemblance to true violets (Viola, family Violaceae).

Are African violets perennials or annuals?

African Violet Plants (Saintpaulia) are perennial flowers that are native to eastern Africa. They are winter flowers that grow well indoors. These plants do not survive outside in most climates throughout the United States therefore they should not be planted outdoors.

How often does a violet bloom?

How Often Do African Violets Bloom? One of the reasons African violets are so well-loved is that they can bloom nearly year-round with the right care. Each healthy flower will last two or three weeks. A happy plant can continue producing new blossoms regularly for 10 to 12 months out of the year.

Do African violets need to be watered from the bottom?

Should I water African violets from the top or bottom? Either is fine. It is important not to use cold water; lukewarm or warm is preferred. If you water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun; this is to avoid leaf spots.

Why are my African violets not flowering?

The most common reason African violets don't bloom is because they aren't getting enough light. African violets need indirect sunlight, direct can burn the leaves. Choose a north- or east- facing window for best results. ... Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.

Should you cut dead flowers off African Violet?

You can cut it off or, with some practice, “snap” it off with the flick of the wrist. African violets generally only will bloom once from the same axil so, unlike orchids, for example, there's no need to leave old bloom stems on the plant. ... Don't fee squeamish about removing old or unsightly blooms (or leaves).

How long should African violets sit in water?

Let the water sit for a bit.

Your African violet is finicky about its water. Make sure the water is either tepid or at room temperature before giving it to your plant. It's best to let it sit for 24-48 hours, but if you can't, then let it stand for at least an hour.

What are the best pots for African violets?

For best results, plant African violets in African violet pots, which are small (4- to 5-inch) ceramic or plastic self-watering containers. Growing plants in these pots will provide the proper amount of continuous moisture to the plants.