A huge number of varieties and hybrids of Saintpaulia, or indoor violet, can be found on the shelves of flower shops. These cute indoor flowers attract a variety of shapes and rich colors. Terry, semi-double, miniature, large, with veins and without - all these are indoor violets! Caring for them requires certain knowledge and skills. But first things first.
Types of indoor violets
Lovers-gardeners growing Saintpaulia probably know that there are about 1,500 species of this plant! Therefore, it is impossible to cover all the diversity in one article. But in order to navigate when choosing a "modest beauty", it is enough to know the main varieties and subspecies. According to the size of the inflorescences, violets are divided into: small, medium, large, extra large. In the shape of the petal: simple, terry and semi-double. By the type of flower: classical, bell-shaped, star-shaped, chimeras, fantasy and limb.
Each species individually is demanding on air temperature and growing conditions. For example, chimeras have pronounced veins that add up to unique patterns that can disappear if they are not propagated correctly. Bordered room violets behave interestingly . Care for them is to maintain a cool temperature (from +16 to +18 degrees). Otherwise, the decorative border around the edge of the flower disappears. Indoor violets, the photo of which is presented below, are fantasy. They are distinguished by original colored dots on the petals. Such specimens are sensitive to lighting and humidity. Lack of sunlight can cause the plant to no longer bloom. And excessive watering will provoke the decay of the lower leaves first, and then the entire outlet.
Indoor violets: care for them before flowering
Experienced gardeners know how important the temperature difference is during the day and night. This is often one of the very first conditions for lush and regular flowering. Senpolis are no exception. During the day they need a temperature within +20 degrees, and at night it needs to be reduced by 2-3 degrees. This is easy to do if you place the flowers on the windowsill. Natural light helps maintain the right temperature. Avoid windows on the south side or shade plants. Watering before flowering is carried out with warm water, preferably in the pan.
Another rule for gardeners - rare varieties of Saintpaulias are not recommended for spraying. Maintaining the necessary humidity can be done in another way: pour water into empty cups and place them between the pots. As soon as the first inflorescences appear, fertilizing should be carried out with a special complex fertilizer. To form a uniform lush bush, do not forget to turn the pot in different directions towards the sun. Otherwise, the outlet is deformed and stretched in one direction. Sick and old leaves are regularly removed.
Note to flower growers
Many are familiar with the picture of dusty leaves. It's time to redeem your indoor violets. Care for them, and especially bathing, is carried out with caution. To clean the leaves of accumulated dirt and dust, take a damp cloth and wipe each leaf. You can not put a pot of senpolia in the shower. To give moisture to the soil, you can pour the settled water into the basin and place the pot with violet in such a way that the water reaches the middle of the pot.