Saintpaulia, plant care and growing guide

Saintpaulia is native to Central Africa, being used in other countries as a houseplant. It decorates the room with its small, simple, or compound flowers, pendant, colored variously from dark purple to pale pink and white. The leaves are cordiform, fleshy, and pubescent, with a long petiole. It is a plant that can bloom all year round if it has the necessary environmental conditions, but the maximum flowering periods are spring and autumn. Among these, it is recommended that the plant be allowed a slight dormancy period, without it losing its leaves.

Environmental conditions

Light. It prefers being placed in bright places, but not in direct sunlight.

Temperature. The optimum temperature for the plant to grow and the bloom is 20-22° C.

Humidity. It needs moderate humidity, both in the substrate and at the atmospheric level.

Substrate. It must be slightly acidic with a pH of 6-6.5 and have a good drainage capacity.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Watering

It should be done regularly so that the substrate is maintained damp. It is recommended that the water is at room temperature, since cold water affects the roots, leading to their rot. Pour the water into the plate or on the edge of the pot, so that the leaves are not touched by the water. After 30 minutes the excess water has to be removed.
Atmospheric humidity should be maintained by placing the pot on a layer of damp gravel. It must be protected from direct sunlight since it leads to the discoloration of the leaves.

Fertilization

It should be done once every two weeks during flowering and once a month in winter, with fertilizers for flowering plants.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

It is recommended to remove the leaves and dried flowers, to favor a new flowering.

Propagation

Saintpaulia is most easily propagated through leaf cuttings, rooted in glasses of water or directly in the substrate, or it can be propagated by dividing the bush.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Diseases and pests

The most common is gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), caused by excessive watering and cold water. Among the pests, the most common are aphids and mites.

In addition:
  • watering or spraying the leaves with water causes whitish spots to appear on their surface.
  • low atmospheric humidity or insufficient watering can cause the yellowing and crinkling of the leaves.
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