Since 1975, we have been expanding and displaying, and since 1985, we have been sending to happy consumers all over the world. Our famed “Rob’s” and “Ma’s” series of African violets and “Bristol’s” series of gesneriads are among the many plants we hybridize (African violet relatives).
Our greenhouse, which was once a barn but has since been refurbished, has a growing house that is attached as well as other structures (many of our personal plants grown in windows). We grow more than 30,000 plants at any given moment. We grow plants because we enjoy doing it. To find out more about us, visit the “about page.
What we do
We don’t purchase plants from other growers and resell them; we hybridize and cultivate every plant we sell. This implies that we have firsthand knowledge of how each plant prefers to thrive. In addition, we gather numerous rare species that have never been cultivated before and grow them, as well as the best and most odd hybrids that other farmers produce. We rarely go on vacation or to a play and leave empty-handed!
What we grow
We are experts in gesneriads, the relatives of African violets, and other plants that thrive indoors. The majority may be grown on a windowsill or light stand and are manageable in size, and many will bloom quickly indoors.
Every plant you need for a terrarium, miniature landscape, or fairy garden is grown by us in addition to a sizable and varied assortment of miniature and terrarium plants. Instead than being simply cuttings from a giant plant that would shortly exceed your pot, our plants are actual miniatures. Use in vivariums is secure. not dangerous to reptiles and frogs. When growing these plants, we solely employ organic, nontoxic materials. View the “what we grow pages, or even better, our online catalog, for a summary of what we grow!
How to grow
Use this website as a resource to learn about the plants you cultivate (or want to grow) or to learn how to grow them better, even though we’d like to sell you plants (or perhaps we already have). Use this “search feature to find the solution to your query for instance, use “African violets should be replanted, if that’s what you need to know. You will be pointed toward pertinent data on this subject or any other. Many helpful details may be found on our “plant care” pages, which also include “how to tutorials and a FAQ (commonly asked questions) library.
We may be reached by phone or email during office hours if you’ve bought a plant from us and are having trouble growing it or simply need more information on its maintenance.
Where to find us
Go to us. The “about pages” include information about hours and directions. Throughout the year, we also participate in (and sell at) a number of shows across the country. The sidebar to the right will include a list of these events’ dates.
Keeping connected
Want to enlighten us or share your knowledge and experiences? This site’s pages enable comments on a lot of them. Those pertinent to the page being remarked on will be posted.
Where should an African violet be placed?
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.
African violets should be purchased when?
African violets grow best throughout the summer since both the plants and their growers are content during this season. Violets are ready to go, as long as you are practicing proper culture.
At this time of year, all the labor you put into caring for your African Violets is well repaid.
If you do not put in the work, do not anticipate getting strong results at the May exhibition.
Clean up your plants and repotte them in new soil if they have been in the same pot and soil for a while. To get rid of accumulated fertilizer salts, the soil can be properly cleansed. Pour enough water out of the pot by submerging it in water until it is saturated, draining it, and then filling it up again from the top. Make use of warm water, ideally rainwater.
In order to help the plant grow better until it reaches a size where it can support a good head of blossoms, little plants shouldn’t be permitted to flower. Leaf growth slows down after letting it blossom.
If you didn’t use much fertilizer throughout the winter, you can now gradually up the dosage. Just be careful not to go overboard. Cut off any unhealthy roots and any leaves that have reached the end of their usefulness. Now is the time to tidy up the plant and give it a decent symmetrical shape.
You could definitely discover that your violets are congested. This is a very frequent occurrence, so you must be firm and make more room or remove the ones you don’t need; otherwise, the vigorous growth you may anticipate over the coming months will make your difficulties worse.
Choose your favorite plants today, and make the commitment to cultivate them for our exhibition in May. Provide them with lots of space, groom them once a week, and keep the leaf symmetry.
Follow the 12-week plan, which calls for a fertilizing regimen and the removal of all blooms and buds up to 6–8 weeks before the performance.
from a Bob Richardson article (African Violet Society of South Australia Inc.)
Where can one find African violets?
For some people, planting African violets is simple. Their violets grow well with minimal additional attention, blooming frequently, and regularly producing new, fuzzy leaves. Some people struggle, never get a bloom, complain about spotted leaves, and ultimately throw their plants away. You don’t need these suggestions if you fall into the first category. Try these suggestions for producing African violets effectively if you fall into the second category.
Light must be bright and indirect. Forests in the mountains of eastern African nations like Tanzania are where African violets, or Saintpaulia ionantha, are found naturally. They are low-growing plants that do best when they are shaded by other plants. In their natural habitats, their leaves are never exposed to direct light. In a setting similar like this, your African violets will thrive. But never expose yourself to direct sunlight. Use a sheer drape in a window that gets plenty of sunlight to shield the plant from the sun. It’s likely that your plant isn’t getting enough light if it isn’t flowering. Try out various settings to determine the ideal light exposure (bright artificial light can be effective too). Take notice of your home’s climate as well. A minimum of 60 degrees Fahrenheit is required for African violets, who also don’t like unexpected temperature swings and drafts.
Wet soil and brittle leaves. African violets thrive in humid settings in the wild. They prefer regularly damp but never soggy soil. If your house is dry, consider placing the pot on top of a shallow dish filled with stones. As the water evaporates, it will fill the dish with dampness. However, never let the roots to sit in water as this could cause them to rot. Since cold water can shock plants, many people prefer to use water that is at normal temperature. If you water from the top, guide the water to the earth by using a watering can with a narrow spout. Spots may develop when water collects on leaves. Setting the pot in the sink first is the simplest approach to let the water drain through and get rid of any extra.
It’s joyful if it’s blooming. Don’t mess with success once you’ve established the ideal lighting and watering regimen for your plant! If the plant has outgrown its pot, you might think about repotting it once a year, but keep in mind that roots in a pot are what allow plants to flower. Similarly, when fertilizing, don’t overfeed your plant. A high-quality fertilizer designed for African violets will have instructions on it. Typically, liquid fertilizers shouldn’t be used more frequently than once per month. Gently removing dead leaves and blossoms and keeping a watch out for pests are two more routine maintenance tasks.
Remove suckers so you can grow new plants. You’ll notice your plant is generating “suckers” if you’ve mastered successfully cultivating African violets. One method that African violets reproduce is by sending out young plants from the main stem. Remove these suckers as soon as you see them to keep your plant healthy. You either throw them away or repot them so you can grow additional African violets for pals. Here is further information about trimming and re-potting suckers.
Do you have a knack for raising African violets? Share your advice in the section below!
Do they sell African violets at Trader Joe’s?
The variety of plants at Trader Joe’s has greatly grown! I appreciate that there are so many affordable and fascinating options available here.
They consistently seem to have a stunning orchid show. Because the blossoms on an orchid plant can linger for weeks, they make wonderful houseplants or gifts for friends. I adore their collection of miniature succulents, which are always in style (and hard to kill).
I adore their collection of forced bulbs in the late winter and early spring. Hyacinth, tulips, daffodils, and other lovely spring bulbs are frequently available where I live.
It’s the happiest way to usher in spring, especially during the gloomy winter months when we all appear to be in desperate need of it. African violets and cheery gerbera daisy plants are also regularly carried by them.
Typically, they have some traditional green house plants that make wonderful gifts or just add a little bit of green to your home. I’ve seen all the traditional tropical plants, including dracaena, pothos, and common ferns.
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.
Can you grow African violets in bathrooms?
Even the most seasoned gardener can be intimidated by African violets for some reason.
Stephen Orr, editor of House & Garden magazine, provided some advice on The Saturday Early Show about how to keep exotic flowers alive for a very long period.
The African violet is a resilient small plant that frequently thrives and lives comfortably for decades. It is also reasonably priced, makes a wonderful present, and is durable.
Stephen Orr was questioned by the Saturday Early Show about how to care for African violets and some frequent misconceptions about the plant:
African violets are said to be challenging to grow. Is that a fact, though?
They are not difficult to cultivate, no. They are actually challenging to kill. Making them content enough to blossom again frequently is the secret.
How many different varieties of African violets are currently available? There are hundreds of different types, and every year, new ones are developed. Standard (variegated, ruffled, etc.), Miniature, Trailing, and Chimeras are a few of the various varieties (with unique color patterns and combinations).
Do African violets resemble common violets? Not at all, no. Tropical plants native to East Africa include African violets. They therefore make suitable indoor plants. In most American climes, they could never thrive outdoors the way a typical violet might.
Almost anywhere, including grocery stores and garden centers, sells these plants. Where can I get African violets the easiest? Yes, they are generally available, but make sure they appear wholesome and well-kept. Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses is a reliable mail-order company that has been specializing in African violets for 50 years.
What interior conditions are necessary for African violets? Simply put, they require both some humidity in the air and strong, filtered sunshine. Any prolonged period of time below 60 degrees F will inhibit their growth. If the temperature is too high, plants will become spindly and sappy, produce an insufficient number of blooms, and drop before maturing. A little coolness is preferable than extreme heat. Best range for humidity is between 40% and 60%. Using a humidifier is an excellent idea if your home is unusually dry. Putting your plants on trays filled with wet stones would be a straightforward fix.
Can you use a grow light if there isn’t enough natural light? Use fluorescent lights continuously if there is poor natural light in your space. You can use cool white, daylight, or tubes made specifically for plant growth alone or in combination. The plant’s variety, light intensity, and tube type all influence how far it should be from the lights. Adjustable light fixtures allow you to raise or lower them to the desired height.
How frequently should an African violet be watered? Depending on the season and how dry your home is, water just when the top of the soil feels just a little bit dry to the touch and every week or so.
Which method of watering is best for them? One of the main causes of African violet failure is improper watering. Use only water that is room temperature. You can water from the top or the bottom. After the earth has absorbed all the water it can contain, never let plants stand in water. Pour out any remaining water in the saucer after 15 to 20 minutes. Wet feet are not good for violets!
When should an African violet be repotted? What is your method? Before switching to the next size pot, a reasonable rule of thumb is that the plant’s diameter should be three times that of the pot. They should be repotted in the same manner as any other plant, however you shouldn’t mix up the pot sizes. Plants should not be jumped from a 2-foot pot into a 4-foot pot. They enjoy being somewhat pot-bound.
What sort of soil is required? They need soil that drains well. If not, they develop root rot.
Do these plants need to be fertilized? One of the causes of the absence of blossoms, the small size of the blooms, and the pale or light-green foliage is the lack of fertilizer or occasional fertilization. Every time you water, use a well-balanced fertilizer, such as 15-30-15, at a rate of 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water. Do not assume that just because they are blooming well with a little fertilizer, more will make them much better! Inadequate fertilizer can scorch the roots and result in brittle, harsh leaves.
What is the most common error individuals make when growing African violets? Since plants prefer moisture and humidity, most people overwater their plants. In their native East African region, the plants frequently flourish next to rivers in rocky nooks. They enjoy this kind of muggy, humid, but well-draining environment.
How long will African violets live? Given the right care and repotting, they can live for many years.
Here is a summary of Orr’s advice on strengthening African violets:
Light: In harsh western or eastern exposures, sheer curtains should be used since strong, filtered light or intense shadow produces the highest bloom. Artificial grow lights work great with the plants as well.
When watering, use tepid, never cold water. You can water from the top or the bottom. The plant will rot if the pot is left in water for too long. After 15 or 20 minutes, drain any extra water that the plant hasn’t absorbed.
An African violet will suffer in any temperature below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant thrives best at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not draft. By setting the plants on moist stones, you may create humidity for the plants. A bright window in the kitchen or bathroom can work well because African violets prefer humid environments.
African violets, when grown properly, can bloom all year. Every time you irrigate, use a balanced fertilizer diluted to one-quarter teaspoon per gallon of water.
Repot: They enjoy being somewhat root-bound. They develop naturally in rocky locations that have little pockets of dirt nearby. Repotting should be done when the plant’s width is three times the pot’s diameter. Take out any dead flowers and foliage.