By the way, the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants page states that African violets are non-toxic to curious cats, dogs, and horses. This knowledge ought to bring some solace to the worried parents of intrepid cats who enjoy the taste of this attractive houseplant.
Can dogs eat violets?
Haworthia is a small, low-growing plant that belongs to the succulent family and has recognizable white bands with studs on its leaves. These plants thrive in direct sunlight, humidity, and good soil drainage. Aloe-like in size and shape, Haworthias are safe for cats and dogs in contrast to aloe.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Depending on the type, African violets bloom in a range of lavenders, blues, pinks, reds, and whites with their fluffy green leaves and magnificent year-round flowers. For those looking for a low-maintenance, blooming plant, the plant and flowers are ideal because neither the plant nor the blooms are poisonous to cats or dogs.
How may African violets be protected from cats?
Keeping your cat away from your houseplants is one of the easiest methods to safeguard him. You ask, what is that? Do cats dislike obeying orders? Try a handful of these age-old techniques, then.
Elevate and Separate
Keep your African violet on a high shelf or cabinet to avoid unwelcome nibbles. Make careful to look around for any furniture that your cat could use to access it, and choose a bright area to keep your plant happy.
Distract! Distract! Distract!
Your cat might occasionally just be eating your houseplant out of boredom or curiosity. Use a cat toy (metal springs with feathers attached work excellent) or a scratch pad with catnip to divert his attention.
No-Worry Nibbles
Give your cat something more nutritious to eat if it is craving plants. You can also give your pet catnip, silver vine, or cat thyme as alternatives because they are all secure and beneficial.
Divide and Conquer
We understand that cats are tenacious. The best you can do in such situations is to keep your cat out of areas with plants. Create a houseplant retreat in a sunroom or well-lit bedroom, and keep the cat on the other side.
Call On “Foul Play
Because cats have extremely sensitive noses, a few scents will cause your cat to give up on his endeavor to eat plants. Try cayenne pepper, diluted citrus oil, or citrus peels. Citrus extracts should not be given to your cat.
Do African violets enjoy being handled?
The velvety, fuzzy leaves and delicate, colorful blossoms of African violets are loved, but many people also want to touch the leaves and petals. Researchers in Oklahoma wanted to see how this attention affected the plants. Throughout the trial, plants underwent five brushing treatments. The findings “indicate that repetitive brushing diminishes plant size and quality of African violets, especially when done with a bare palm that has been lotioned.”
Share:
African violets have a tumultuous history. They are a favorite among home gardeners and growers due to their beautiful, vibrant flowers and hairy, silky leaves. The striking plants, however, are frequently thought of as temperamental since they require a specific combination of sunshine, moisture, warm temperatures, high humidity, and fertilizer in order to flourish.
Scientists Julia C. Brotton and Janet C. Cole from Oklahoma State University’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture recently published a study that could offer lovers of african violets crucial care advice for the temperamental flower.
People are drawn to african violets and frequently desire to touch the leaves and blossoms due to its brilliantly colored flowers and hairy leaves. But how are the plants affected by all this attention? The goal of the study was to find out how “brushing” african violet leaves affected the quality and growth of the plants. Cole said, “Many farmers of (african violets) utilize body lotions to relax and moisturize their dry skin because they work in environments that can lead to the development of dry, irritated skin. These goods are used by plenty of users. In particular, we looked into whether handling or “brushing” african violet leaves after applying body lotion or other skin care items to the hands could harm the plants.”
This was the first published study of the effects of plant response to tactile mechanical stress, or “thigmomorphogenesis,” on african violets. Previous studies have examined the effect of various methods of mechanical conditioning, including brushing, on the growth and quality of vegetable and bedding plants.
During the study, plants of the Saint Paulia ionantha (Saintpaulia ionantha) cultivars “Michigan” and “Gisela” were subjected to five brushing treatments: no brushing, brushing for 30 seconds with a latex-gloved hand, brushing for 90 seconds with a latex-gloved hand, brushing for 30 seconds after applying lotion to a nongloved hand, and brushing for 90
Plants were gathered after five weeks. Plants were graded on a scale of 1 to 5 (no damage—death/near dead) at harvest. Compared to plants that were brushed by a non-gloved hand that had been applied lotion, plants that were brushed by a gloved hand had lower damage ratings, larger leaf areas, and more leaves. The cultivars responded differently, with “Michigan” showing greater brush damage than “Gisela.”
Cole summarized the findings and said “According to the study, repeated brushing of african violet plants decreases their size and quality, especially when done with bare hands that have lotion on them. African violet leaves shouldn’t be brushed because persistent brushing can reduce plant quality and size.”
Keep your hands off the gorgeous african violet in your kitchen window the next time you’re tempted to do so for the sake of the plant’s health.
Story Origin:
The American Society for Horticultural Science provided the materials. There may be length and style edits to the content.
Journal citation
- African violet plants lose quality and size when brushed with a hand covered in body lotion or while wearing a latex glove, according to research by Julia C. Brotton and Janet C. Cole. 613-616. HortTechnology, 2009. [abstract]
I need to know where to put my African violet.
African violets should be planted in an area with strong, indirect light. A excellent position is frequently one that is next to an east or north window. (Avoid putting African violets in the sun.) African violets can be planted beneath a fluorescent light fixture with two 40-watt fluorescent tubes if a window isn’t accessible. Leave the lights on for 12 to 16 hours per day and suspend the fixture 8 to 10 inches above the plants. African violets prefer temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep African violets away from heat sources and chilly drafts during the winter.
What plant is poisonous to dogs?
The following plants should never be made available to dogs under any circumstances since they are the most harmful to them: Castor oil or castor bean (Ricinus communis) Cyclamen (Cylamen spp.) Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia)
Do African violets grow indoors?
Because they require dry leaves, African violets are only grown indoors in North America. If you want the finest color and flowers, grow your plants in bright, indirect light. The optimal location for a plant stand is three feet away from a window that faces west or south. When placed directly next to north or east-facing windows, plants will still grow, but their leaves will be thin and spindly, and they will be less likely to flower. African violets can be grown indoors, 12 to 15 inches above the ground, under 40-watt fluorescent lights (also known as grow lights), if you don’t have a nice location near a window.
Are African violets a favorite food of cats?
For all kinds of gardeners, African violets are quite alluring. Despite having the name “violet,” they have a range of colors, including blue, white, and pink, as well as different petal arrangements. These lovely blooms are simple to grow, so inexperienced gardeners who are careful to offer enough sunlight and appropriate watering can have excellent success with them. House cats frequently pay violets more care than other plants. Although cats are less attracted to African violets than they are to catnip, many felines nevertheless love gnawing on the leaves, blossoms, or stems—much to the chagrin of gardeners.
How old are African violets on average?
Because of their lengthy lives, repotting these flowers is crucial. Ryan McEnaney, public relations and communications specialist for Bailey Nurseries, advises consumers to keep in mind that African violets can live for up to 50 years. To avoid becoming overly root-bound, plants can be repotted into larger pots as they mature. It’s probably time to relocate your African violet when it has doubled or quadrupled the size of your container and the leaves are beginning to wilt, according to McEnaney.
However, you don’t have to repot your plants right away. If your African violet appears to have outgrown its container, don’t rush to relocate it, advises Brian Parker, senior merchant for Live Goods at Home Depot. “African violets are best when their roots are in a little bound condition,” he adds. “They will produce and perform for years and years with just a simple routine of the right light and food,” the speaker said.
How frequently should an African violet be watered?
Consider fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lighting is the solution if you lack bright window light. I make use of four-foot lights that each have two cool white bulbs. I’ve successfully used one warm white and one cool white bulb in a fixture. unique plant bulbs, known as “A beautiful plant is also produced under grow lights. 8 to 12 inches is the ideal distance between the pot and the light.
How frequently should African violets be watered? “The most frequently asked question regarding African violets is how frequently they should be watered. The greatest indicator is to touch the surface of the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. For best results, African violets should be given time to completely dry out in between waterings. An overwatered plant can die. A soggy, moist soil mass prevents air from penetrating the fine roots of an African violet, which they need. Half of your work is finished once you have learned the art of watering African violets.
Do African violets need to be watered from the top or bottom? Both are acceptable. It’s crucial to avoid using cold water; lukewarm or warm water is recommended. To prevent leaf spots, if you water from the top, take cautious not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun. If you water from the bottom, you should dump any extra water once the plant has absorbed all that it requires. An African violet shouldn’t be left submerged in water for too long.
How long must it be light for African violets?
To grow and blossom healthily, African violets require the right quantity of light. Lack of light causes plants to develop thin, blue-green leaves with long petioles. They don’t blossom properly either. Too much light causes plants to become stunted and produce little, crinkled, yellow leaves on short petioles. African violets thrive best in locations close to windows facing the north or east. African violets can be effectively cultivated under fluorescent lights if these locations are not accessible. African violets should have enough light from a fluorescent light fixture that is suspended 8 to 10 inches above the plants and is on for 12 to 16 hours a day.
Are African violets harmful to people?
Even in minute amounts, oleander (Nerium oleander) is exceedingly poisonous. It is an evergreen flowering shrub that may be planted inside or outdoors and produces pink, red, purple, or white blooms. The tall, slender, and pointed leaves are covered with leather. On the stem, they are frequently grouped in whorls or pairs.
What Makes Oleanders Poisonous?
Oleandrin, oleondroside, neriin, and digitoxigenin are some of the known oleander toxins. Every portion of the plant contains the poisons. Even the oleander flower nectar and the honey that bees produce from it are dangerously poisonous.
Although the list of symptoms brought on by oleander consumption is extensive, it can be divided into groups according to the systems impacted. Keep in mind that not all of the symptoms may manifest and that they may be brought on by a separate issue. However, because oleander poisoning can be highly deadly, it is important to seek medical assistance straight away.
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fuzzy vision
- haloes in the field of vision
- a rash
- hives
- a sluggish or erratic heartbeat
- reduced blood pressure
- headache
- dizziness
- confusion
- drowsiness
- seizures
- consciousness is lost
Poisoning by oleander is a medical emergency. It’s crucial to receive medical attention.
What’s a Non-Toxic Alternative to Oleander?
The Barberton Daisy, African Violet, Moth Orchid, and Wax Plant all offer lovely, non-toxic flowers that are secure for both people and animals.