HOW TO GROW AFRICAN VIOTETS (SAINTPAULTAS) 
By Leo Le MceCo%b 
Rosebud Floral Co, 351 N. Burgess Ave. 
Columbus 4, Onio 
African Viclets, botanically called Saintyaulias, originally came from 
the jungles of hilly east Africa, growing in the shade in the high humidity 
and even temperature of the tropics. In order to grow them successfully 
this same condition should be produced artificially as near as possible. 
Saintpaulias are easy to grow and are abie to withstand the high tempera- 
tures found in our living rooms, end with proper protection can be grown in 
almost any window in the home, but they need a humidity not found in the mo- 
dern home. 
Soil Mixtures--A rich well-drained soil is best, A sood mixture con- 
tains two parts soil; cne part peat or well-rotted manure; one part leaf 
mold; and one part sand. For larger pots omit the sand and add more peat 
or well-rotted manure, Steam sterilized soil should be used, Pots should 
be boiled in water one half hour, in order to kill all discase, before pot— 
ting, 
Temperature -- Should be between 60 and 75 degrees and av no time drop 
below 60 degrees. 
Watering-~- Water with warm water or at room temperature, Violets like 
fairly warm water, and bloom better, but never too hot. If it is too warm 
for your hand it is too warm for the violets, If the water is too cold it 
will spot the leaves. Plunge the pot into a deep saucer of water and remove 
after the surface soil is wet. The soil should te moist but do not keep the 
soil soaked, Sst pot on damp sand or pebvles, You can also water from the 
top. Warm water will not hurt the leaves. Just don't overwater, Watcr 
thoroughly when you do, but don't water again until needed, 
Light Intensity--Many failures of African Violets not blooming can be 
traced to not enough light. They should not be in full sun, uveither in full 
shade. A few hours early morning sunlight each day does not hurt them, there- 
fore an east window in the summer or a south or east wiudow in the winter 
suits them best. The plants grow very well and foliage is davk greem but 
they generally have few flowers in a north window, Ring spcets are formed 
on violets from too intense sunlight--more shading prevents *his, 
Fertilizing--Disscolve a teaspoon of Sacco, Vigere or cther 412-4 plant 
good in a qiart cf water, Fill saucer with this solution anil water in regu- 
lar way, .ilso you can use Liquid Vita or the new Pixco Dians Food according 
to directioms. One feeding every five weeks should be sufficient. Ges 
Fumes--frican Violets can not stand the fumes from a gas heater or stove, 
The flowers will drop almost overnight and the new buas will piast, 

