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False African Violet Care

Streptocarpus saxorum

False African Violet main
False African Violet 0
False African Violet 1
What is the plant

Native to Kenya and Tanzania, Streptocarpus saxorum is a mesmerizing flowering plant that can enchant with its deep blue blooms. This lush greenie is sure to fill any space with summer vibes.

Commonly known as ​​False African Violet, Streptocarpus saxorum is a perennial evergreen member belonging to the Gesneriaceae family. Native to Africa, this flowering plant can thrive in humid tropical and subtropical climates. It usually grows to a height of 8-12 in (20-30 cm) and spreads 24-30 in (60-76 cm) wide. The plant has a trailing growing habit, with branches covered with thick hair. The elongated foliage is deep green in color and has a glossy texture. It’s marked with veins. False African Violet is long-blooming and produces violet, trumpet-shaped, 5-petalled blooms with white throat throughout Spring and Summer. It can bloom up to winter in favorable conditions.

lighting

lighting

Part sun and part shade

temperature

temperature

25°C - 29°C

hardiness zone

hardiness zone

9 - 10

difficulty

difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

  • Water

    Water

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    Give your greenie a drink when the top 2 in (5 cm) of soil feel dry to the touch. It’s important not to waterlog the Violet, as excessive moisture leads to root rot.

  • Pruning

    Pruning

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    Early spring is the best time for pruning to maintain the plant’s health and shape. Remove yellowed foliage and debris with sterile scissors.

  • Fertilizer

    Fertilizer

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    Adding some all-purpose fertilizer is a good way to give the plant extra feeding. Dilute a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer to the half-recommended dose and feed the Violet monthly during the spring-summer growing season.

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  • Sunlight

    Sunlight

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    False African Violet feels best in a bright place under indirect light. An east-facing window would be the most comfortable for this plant.

  • Soil

    Soil

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    It’s best to plant False African Violet in a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with 5.8-6.2 pH. Adding some perlite or vermiculite to the soil mix can help improve drainage.

  • Propagation

    Propagation

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    Stem cutting is the most popular way to propagate False African Violet. Take a 4 in (10 cm) healthy cut from the current year’s growth and remove the lower leaves. It’s important to cut under the node. Put the cutting in a well-draining soil mix to let it enroot.

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  • Temperature

    Temperature

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    False African Violet feels best at 75-82°F (24-28°C) temperature range. It can tolerate as low as 54°F (12°C); however, it’s better to keep the plant away from cold drafts and temperature fluctuations.

  • Container

    Container

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    Growing False African Violet in a pot, choose a bit bigger container than the plant’s current root ball. It’s important to use a pot with at least one drainage hole to avoid waterlogging. It’s not recommended to plant this greenie in a deep pot, as it’s not rootbound. It’s better to use a semi-shallow container.

  • Fun fact

    Fun fact

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    In its natural habitat, False African Violet grows on rocky slopes in full sun. It can also be found in the 700-1700 m rifts above sea level.

What's wrong with your plant?
  • Popularity

    Popularity

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    822 people already have this plant 43 people have added this plant to their wishlists

  • Common pests

    Common pests

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  • Frequent diseases

    Frequent diseases

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  • Botanist’s tips

    Botanist’s tips

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