is too “mean” for the white races. European races wear clothing, varying in weight 
according to the season, to preserve a favorable temperature, rather than for reasons of 
modesty, at least in the beginning. In the low elevations in the tropics they do not. They 
are mostly ‘‘clothed in perspiration” and that cools them somewhat altho evaporation 1s 
slow because of the high humidity. 
There are points of similarity between Saintpaulias and men. Neither like sudden 
changes of temperature. Saintpaulias need an even temperature with only about 10° 
variation. They do not like strong currents of air but should have good ventilation. The 
leaves are hairy and collect moisture. Perhaps that may be analogous to perspiration, 
but most amateur growers fear to spray or syringe the foliage on account of spotting 
the foliage. The foliage should be sprayed or syringed about once a week and if the 
water is the same temperature as the room no spotting results. If it is even 10° cooler 
spotted foliage results. It is better therefore to spray, or water Saintpaulias in the 
morning, never in the evening. 
Saintpaulias need shade with no direct sun. A night temperature of 60°, the year 
around, is favorable to constant bloom. The day temperature should be only about 12° 
higher. That presents a difficulty in small greenhouses in So. Calif. so we set ours on 
the cement floor, which is kept wet. Solar heat near the glass becomes nearly 100° 
but on the benches, where we are growing Cattleya orchids the temperature is only 
about 80° as we frequently spray the foliage of the orchids. The foliage may become 
a little lighter in color but we have found no damage results. 
Plants kept at 60° to 75° have flowered continuously for several years. 
Probably all successful growers agree on the factors so far presented. The temperature 
and shade requirements are rather simple and easily complied with, but they are 
necessary conditions of growth. On many other factors there is much variation in the 
culture directions sent out by growers and in books and articles. From this we assume 
that Saintpaulias are tolerant to considerable variation in the type of soil and the amount 
of water given. One grower advises growing on the dry side. Another stands the pots 
in a saucer of water, giving a constant supply. The latter appears to be more favorable 
to me. We use a very friable sandy loam soil as it permits drainage. To this we add 
considerable humus such as leaf mould, peat and sphagnum. 
Saintpaulias may be propagated from seed or from leaf cuttings. Seedlings are not 
likely to be of outstanding quality unless cross pollinated from high quality parents. 
The method is described in Miss Wilson’s book, The African Violet. Propagation by 
leaves may be effected by leaving about 2” of the leaf petiole with the leaf. The 
petiole is inserted in the sandy moist soil and not allowed to dry out. Some sorts are 
very easy to propagate by this method while others are more difficult. A glass cover 
over the propagating pot or box will help. Our plastic pots are excellent for growing 
seed or cuttings of Saintpaulias, Gloxinias, etc. 
The New Look for Saintpaulias 
The daintiest of flowering plants deserves a dainty setting. One can scarcely add to 
their beauty but one can avoid detracting from it. We have therefore established a 
portion of our plants in beautiful, colored plastic pots. These pots are as useful in 
simplifying the culture as they are attractive in appearance as around the bottom and 
firmly attached to the pot is a cup nearly 1” deep to hold water. Between the soil and 
the pot we place a layer of sphagnum which acts as a wick to draw the moisture up. 
In the following price list two prices are given. The lower price is for plants out of 
the pot. The higher price is for plants established in the plastic pots. 
The African Violet, by Helen Van Pelt Wilson, is a book of great interest and 
value. It contains much more culture information than can be given here. Most varieties 
are named and described. It is a useful as well as a charming book. We will mail the 
book postpaid for $2.50. 
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