There is no doubt that houseplants enhance a home making it feel lived in and welcoming.
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A plant that would make a colourful addition to an indoor garden is the African violet with its jewel-like flowers and velvety-to-the-touch foliage.
Used as individual specimens or several pots grouped together, they always present a pretty picture.
Easy to grow, they are extremely popular with people living in units or shared houses as they come in small pots so don't take up too much space.
The range of flower shades is vast from white, pink and purple to red and yellow in single, double and bi-coloured forms, some ruffled, some fringed. Some varieties have mottled leaves.
African violets like warm indoor temperatures with a range between 15 and 27 degrees Celsius.
They make healthy growth in moderate light but most varieties need bright, but indirect, light to prolong flowering.
The general rule of thumb is if the plant is getting sufficient light the leaves will lie parallel; if not getting enough light the leaves face upwards and too much light the leaves face downwards.
African violets need to have eight hours of darkness a day.
Position the plants so that they won't be subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Avoid window ledges as these areas leave plants open to severe temperature differences from overheating on sunny days to chilling cold nights.
In dry situations humidity can be increased by placing the pots on trays of wet pebbles.
Turn the pots around regularly for even growth.
Keep plants warm and well watered in summer but on the dry side during winter.
Allow the surface soil to become dry between waterings, but avoid complete drying out.
When watering, it is essential to use warm water as cold water is harmful and when sprinkled into the crown of the plant can cause it to rot. Always water at the base and never on the foliage as it can cause foliar spots or burn them.
Feed when the plants are in active growth or are about to commence growth after their resting period with a fertiliser specific to their needs, and don't overfeed.
Do this by sprinkling the fertiliser on the soil around the rim of the pot.
Water well afterwards.
Plants that fail to flower or have pale leaves suggest they need a feed.
The soil mix needed for African violets should be open, porous and well-draining.
The fine, shallow, fibrous roots also require a soil that is finely textured.
Specific mixes formulated for them are available.
From time to time dust the leaves with a soft paint brush or gently wipe with a damp sponge as dust can clog up the pores and affect growth.
To propagate, remove and pot up plantlets from potbound mother plants.
Another method is to put a leaf with some stem attached in a glass of water.
To stop the leaf rotting cover the top of the glass with foil or glad wrap then make a small hole that only the stem will fit through.
Repot every year to refresh the soil and to maintain good health and vigour.
Some plants can live up to 20 years.
Diary
November 24: Launceston Friends of Clifford Craig Foundation annual garden fete, 2 Sinclair Street, Perth between 10am-4pm. Entertainment, activities for children, stalls, refreshments and more.
November 27: LHS Cacti & Succulent group, Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston, 7.30pm. Contact Pam 0427 637 208.
November 30, December 1: Strathmore at 868 Nile Road, Evandale, Open Garden Weekend, 10am to 5pm both days.