Pink Peppercorn Press

African Violet Plant Stand

Faux Violet. Not really a violet, but resembling one, the African violet, saintpaulia, is a favorite houseplant all over the world. Brought to the attention of people in Europe in the late 1800s, when it was “discovered” growing in the wilds of Tanganyika (Kenya), this exotic perennial has become quite a homey favorite, especially in cooler climes. To find out all about African violets, check out this very informative and entertaining website: http://www.gardenguides.com/675-african-violets.html. Although they are thought of as easy to grow, African violets I’ve known have been rather fussy and difficult to please. At the mentioned site, you will find helpful guidelines on how to avoid common pitfalls, such as overwatering, under-lighting, and over-lighting. If your lighting is just right from the east, the roots a bit bound up in a pot too small, and the water sucked up from a dish, then you may just get those coveted blooms that you’re after. I recommend Schultz’s Liquid Fertilizer for African Violets with each watering.

British Passion. Those lovely five-petal blossoms that are longed for come in deep shades, like violet, purple, blue, pink, and white-edged crimson. The leaves, if healthy, are thick, a little hairy, and dark green. The stem, if you happen to break one, seems like it’s composed of all water. My dear, departed friend of many years was very attached to her British roots. She loved all things British. She had the knack for keeping her African violets blooming. Nestled in a rather large, round, plastic-lined, and moss-covered wicker basket, her beautiful, potted specimens flowered in all their glory. She was careful not to let any plant touch another plant and took special care not to get any water on their leaves. When their soil was dry, she would take them to the sink to drink water from a saucer, pour out the excess, and then return them to their cozy bed.

Plant Stand. The plant stand in the photograph is especially designed for African violets. I believe it is a British invention. I think of violets displayed on this kind of stand in a British solarium, along with lush Boston ferns and parlor palms, all looking quintessentially Victorian. A tall plant stand topped with assorted African violets on a mossy bed is another romantic way to display this showy plant. Great aunts and grandmothers are known for their African violets. My mother maintains 3 or 4 pots of them in her kitchen garden window no matter how she feels.

Apartment Garden. African violets do not have to be relegated to cold climes and octogenarians, however! They are a beautiful way to bring nature into a home not graced with a little plot of dirt nor an owner with the time or inclination to be an avid gardener. A house without living plants is like a room where the windows are never opened: it’s rather stale. It’s amazing what a bit of green does to the lift one’s spirit. It’s not much to tend, but it does reward attention. You can check in on your little friend daily. Say hello.

Plants as Friends. My friend who loved African violets loved all kinds of flowers. She did have a little balcony with potted roses, azaleas, camellias, ferns, palms, and geraniums. They were her “babies.” When she was hospitalized for weeks, her heart broke because her plants would suffer without her. They did perish, as her life came to an end. I lived too far away to save them or her. Whenever I see African violets, roses, ferns, and potted palms, I think of her. She loved her plants, and they loved her back. I miss her still and always will. We called her Aunt Susan Bunny.

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