The most beautiful African violet in the world?
4blossoms
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I know this question is extremely subjective and there will never be a consensus :) But, in your opinion which is the most beautiful standard African violet and which is the most beautiful semi-miniature/miniature African violet today and why? I'm curious about what everyone considers to be beautiful or exceptional in a plant.
Here are my picks (along with photos):
Standard: King's Ransom
The flowers are huge (size of two quarters) with two distinct borders--white and dark pink--and pink interior with dark pink speckles. It has a somewhat unusual shape and is beautiful to look at. There doesn't seem to be too many flowers out there that look like it.
Runner up: LE Julia (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/35/6e/8c/356e8cd15ec92a42d3c57174be6bbecd.jpg)
Semi-miniature: Blue Confetti
I think the picture speaks for itself! A white double chimera with streaks of blue and has sold for hundreds of dollars on eBay :)
Runner up: Rob's Mad Cat (because it can also sport into Rob's Blue Cat--two for one is a good deal!)
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8 years agoRelated Discussions
10 ways to kill an African violet dead
Comments (15)Perhaps number 11 is to be sure and place them where small children and pets can easily stop and admire them. That way they are sure to be nibbled on regularly and knocked down often, ensuring their leaves are snapped, and the roots knocked about. Especially helpful when combined with Numbers 1 and 3 above. :-) Best, Judy...See Moreadvice on growing this beautiful african violet?
Comments (3)Patrick, I'm certainly no expert - and am a newbie here, too boot! - but I think I can give a little insight into how I care for my african violets. Maybe it will help you, too! :) I used to be horrible with these plants, never being able to keep one for very long, but now I seem to do great and I just can't stop buying them! I've noticed the African violets don't like to be soggy wet, so don't over-water them.. I've had problems in the past with leaf rot and mold, and I'm sure over-watering was the culprit. They do, however, like to stay a bit moist in the soil. To keep mine from becoming soggy, I have planted all my AV's in unglazed clay pots, and give them a "sip" (by this I mean I pour just enough water until the visible dirt under the leaves is covered) about every two days). Mine seem to like this. I also poke my finger in the soil between waterings to make sure it is slightly damp, but not wet and not too dry, and I make adjustments in the watering according to what the dirt feels like and how the plant looks. From experience, I've found these plants DO NOT like water on their leaves. I can cause them to get brown or grey spots where the water drops, and can even make the leaves rot if the water doesn't evaporate for a long time! Water them carefully, and pour the water under the leaves and into the dirt, preferably with a watering container that has a long spout so you can control where the flow goes. I use a drinking pitcher that has a pointed groove for watering my plants and it works great. Oh, and it's a good idea not to water it if the sun is shining full-strength on it, etc., as the magnified rays - both through the window glass and any water droplets that are catching the light - can easily burn any parts of the plant that are exposed to this scorching light. Also, I've had a lot of success in different types of light conditions, too. I have some that sit in full sun, and others that just get partial sun, and still more that get a lot of light but no direct sun, and they all seem to do good. I would keep your's in a moderate area, just to try first, where it gets plenty of light but no burning sun directly on it for long periods of the day. See how that works, and just move it around if your plant is looking a little lackluster. It will tell you what it wants, you just have to 'listen'. I often groom my AV's, both to keep them looking their best, and to get the maximum blooms that I can. I often cut leaves off that have any discoloring or brown crisping on the edges, as well as ones that have been cut or nicked inadvertently; your plant uses vital energy to keep even these not-so-nice leaves alive, so I've found it best just to clip them off close to the main 'core' of the plant with a pair of sharp scissors. Also, when your blooms die, the plant can get to looking quite ugly with a bunch of dead, dry flowers cluttering the top, as well as blocking light from other leaves, so I would also recommend gently trimming away those dead blossoms and flower stalks... they are so delicate that I even just lightly pull them off. It makes a world of difference in the appearence, and I would say my plants grow even better when I keep them groomed in such a way. As I mentioned before, I used to have no luck growing this type of plant at all. Seriously, it was so very sad. But I became determined to keep one and I've not had any poor luck since. These are very hardy and long-living plants, they just need a bit of attention. I overly attend mine, but they just seem to get better and better and I enjoy it! Just keep an eye on your AV and it will grow nicely. The way you water it is absolutely VITAL though! Good luck and I hope some of this helps!...See MoreAfrican Violets in Canada?
Comments (12)Thank you all for the welcome and the tips! I searched on the forum and found an old thread about Canadian growers. Sounds like Bloomlovers is an approved place to order from. I checked out the Canadian AV Society and they have a list of commercial growers. I'm glad as there are societies that do not have growers that will sell to the public. I like begonias too for instance, and while we have a Canadian Society, no actual commercial growers (at least not as of a couple of years ago). As the society is in Eastern Canada, and I'm on Vancouver Island, that prevents me from actually getting to meetings/show so I can buy plants. I always get a hankering to start a new plant hobby about now. Frustrating as nobody ships now, but plenty of time to think about where to start... Thanks again everyone... Kelly in Victoria ps. It all started about 3 weeks ago when I was wandering past some AV's and saw a miniature with small white tinged pink blooms like little roses. That wee girl came home with me and has been cheerfully opening up buds ever since....See MoreAfrican Violets in Terrarium?
Comments (35)Aside from the mini sinningias, most other gesneriads prefer to dry out between waterings, so they aren't very good candidates for a terrarium. I have seen streptocarpus in terrs. in pics, but who knows how long they lasted (the pic could have been taken right after they put the strep. in). I'm going to try them in mine, because I just love them, but not until my soil dries out more. It's waaaaaaayyyyyyy too wet in there right now. Also, I wouldn't worry about the mould. It really only goes on dead stuff, so your plants will be fine, and you may get some really cool things growing. I've got all these tiny plants that look like some kind of fern popping up all over my terr. The seeds must have been in the soil or something. I rather like them, as they are a nice golden green, and they are very low-growing, almost like a moss. The leaves resemble ginkgo leaves, if anyone happens to know the plant I am describing. The largest are about 1 cm wide and tall....See More
terrilou
8 years agoI couldn't choose one violet for that honor. Somedays, I like the simple beauty of a species flower, another day I may prefer something more colorful. This one catches my eye today: Okie Easter Bunny
Rosie1949
8 years ago
aegis1000
8 years ago4blossoms
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoRosie1949
8 years ago4blossoms
8 years agoRosie1949
8 years agoJulia (1meanmop)
8 years agoRosie1949
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8 years agoRosie1949
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8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoRosie1949
8 years ago
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