The African violet, a plant from Tanzania that arrived in the U.S. in the late 1800s and was introduced by botanist David Fairchild, has been given special recognition by the National Garden Bureau (NGB). The organization named 2024 "The Year of the African Violet" to honor this popular houseplant.
Other notable plants, flowers, and vegetables for 2024 include squash, Angelonia, lilies, buddleia, and hostas. In the past years, other popular choices included amaryllis, orchids, and broccoli.
Jessica Damiano is the garden writer for the Associated Press news service and recently wrote about the African violet. Although it's one of the most popular houseplants in the U.S. since its arrival, Damiano noted that the plant is actually not a violet but is instead called an African violet due to its colorful purple and white leaves. This naming convention only applies to this specific type of plant and not to all violets.
Despite this distinction, the African violet continues to be a beloved addition to many homes and gardens around the world. Its vibrant colors and low maintenance make it an ideal choice for those who want to bring a touch of nature into their living spaces without having to spend hours tending to it. As the NGB's special honor demonstrates, the African violet has made a significant impact on the gardening community and will likely continue to be celebrated for many years to come.
In fact, they are related to the Saintpaulia genus, which is a family of plants commonly called African violets. They are named for German Walter Von Saint Paul, who was a botanist and naturalist known for his work on plant classification.
The popularity of the plant is one reason why the NGB chose the violet as the "houseplant" of the year. The organization's director, Diane M. Blazek, said that this is because people are drawn to its bright colors and easy care requirements.
She added that the plant's name has appeared over 300,000 times on social media, further highlighting its appeal. Beyond popularity, Blazek noted that the violets are easy to grow and people who breed flowers are working on creating new varieties. She said: "They are coming through the pipeline."
Blazek also pointed out that people once thought of the violets as "Grandma's plants" or that they were no longer popular. However, she stressed that the violet "has not gone out of favor at all".
In conclusion, the relationship between the African violet and the Saintpaulia genus makes them closely related. The popularity of the plant is due to its vibrant colors and ease of care, while its continued appeal is being recognized by organizations like the NGB. Despite past misconceptions about their popularity, the African violet remains a beloved and versatile houseplant.
The NGB, which stands for National Gardening Bureau, was founded in 1920 with the aim of providing reliable gardening information to Americans. At the time, many of them had only recently started growing plants at home. The organization's founder was James Burdett, who helped develop the concept of "victory gardens." These gardens began during World War I as a way for Americans to grow some of their own food. Today, the NGB continues to work towards this goal and recommends plants, flowers, and vegetables each year. One of these recommendations is the African violet, which many people like because it is easy to grow. Unlike other plants that require direct sunlight or a lot of water and fertilizer, the African violet does not need much of these things. It can even tolerate low humidity levels in its environment. However, it must receive special care to do extremely well. According to Blazek, the plant likes moisture in the air. So if you want your African violet to thrive, make sure it has access to enough moisture. With its easy-to-care-for nature, the African violet is a great option for anyone looking to start growing their own plants at home.
When it comes to African violets, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First of all, they do not do well in very dry places. If you live in such an environment, it may be difficult for them to thrive. However, if you bring them inside during the winter months, it is important to run a device that adds moisture to the air—such as a humidifier—before you take them back outside. This will help ensure that they have the proper growing conditions once you return them to their original location.
It is also important to consider your climate when planting African violets. They need warmth but do not do well in high heat. In the spring and summer, if the plants are indoors, place them near a window that faces north or east. This way, they will not receive too much direct sunlight. When it gets colder, the plants may be placed closer to windows since the sun's intensity is not as strong during this time for people who live in mid-northern climates.
Feeding African violets only every two to three months is recommended. It is important to use a fertilizer specifically designed for African violets to ensure that they receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow African violets in your home and enjoy their beauty for years to come.
And with good care, African Violets can show their vibrant colors all year long. So make sure to feed them regularly, but don't worry about their roots getting crowded by other plants - they like cozy pots. These lovely little bloomers can brighten up any room in your home!
I'm Dan Friedell, and this is your daily dose of plant care tips.
