I'm a big listener of WFUV and have been steeped in their "Thursday Throwback" theme all day. Inspired by my favorite radio station, I figured FlowerCrates would go retro as well today by talking violets. Violets are a good topic as they allow me to give the official, albeit belated, nod to February's flower (um, where did February go???). But violets also give me a lead into the next few weeks where I'll dish a little on the old school topic of dish gardens and their younger hipster sister, the Victorian terrarium. So, on to violets - African violets to be exact - what can we say about them? They are indeed retro in a near too ancient kind of way since they've got some serious roots that apparently span the globe and its history. But their popularity as a house plant feels more familiar to me, in sort of a "grandma's windowsill" kinda fashion. I love how Amanda Gutterman, contributing editor at Gardenista.com, phrased violet nostalgia in a piece she did a few months ago. Her word-smithing nailed it perfectly by putting the image of the African violet in context with "[f]ormica countertops, next to olive green kitchen appliances, and behind the boxy, black and white television with the silly antenna sticking out on top." concluding "[l]ike Pop Tarts and Spam, for better or worse, African violets make us feel nostalgic." Great, right? Her imagery seems personal to most of us, I'm sure, because hey, they were indeed popular in the last century. So much so that hundreds of publications, growing clubs and whole organized societies like the AVSA (um, that's uh, the African Violet Society of America - who knew?) sprung up and continue still today in their passion and dedication to educating all on the virtues of the African violet. I give these enthusiasts a lot of credit. As someone whose African violets have managed to withstand the perils of my own less than green thumbs, I am indebted to them for the knowledge and very helpful tips in keeping these lil' beauties alive. Because, hey, I readily admit, it just ain't easy! In fact, its awful! What I've learned is that African violets like warm, consistent temperatures with very VERY little variation. They like it sunny, but, hey, not too sunny. So, please, be sure the light is "filtered". Also, though they're certainly cheery to look at, they aren't the friendliest of plants. In fact, they're just plain moody and really don't like to be disturbed. So, please, don't touch them. If you have to handle them at all, you must be ever so gentle. Lets see, what else? Oh, yes, they prefer the soil to be consistently damp but just not too damp. So water and fertilize often, but again, not too often. And whatever you do, when watering, absolutely do DO NOT get their leaves wet. They're not the gremlin of the plant world, but their leaves are sensitive. And they'll be quick to advertise your callous abuse with sad bruised leaves. Oh, and remember that, though their leaves must stay dry, they thrive best in humidity. Ahhhhh, the African Violet, a botanical paradox. Sure, she's high maintenance and kinda bitchy (sigh), but as the blue ribboners attest "if you follow the basics [with painstaking tedium], its a plant that will thrive and reward you with healthy, long lasting blooms." Yeah, the African violet - a manic house plant that, in this gal's opinion, can be very finicky and kinda labor intensive - almost too much so. But, if you love them, as I actually do, there is some hope. With the re-emergence in popularity of container gardens, comes the chance to alleviate some of the burden and, for the most part, makes this plant's care a little less exacting. Terrariums, for one, can be an optimal way to grow the African violet, freeing its owner from most of its crazy diva demands. Their self contained growing environments lessen the need for constant watering and monitoring. Under the glass, the violet respirates its own humidity and can do quite well with less interaction required. With the terrarium, and all its cool, current, chic trending, this plant can live happy and healthy. Absent a super grandma's green thumb (or maybe a prescription for lithium ;D ), a terrarium can be the answer to managing the highs and lows of the African violet. Which is good news because it sure is a pretty flower!
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Winter stalls Valentine's Day???
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