This beautiful flowering plant is well loved for its colorful blossoms and completely symmetrical form. Previously classified as Saintpaulia, these plants have been renamed as the Saintpaulia section of the Streptocarpus subgenus Streptocarpella after genetic analysis. They are easily grown indoors as a houseplants and bloom almost continuously with appropriate cultural care.

African violets may be propagated by leaf cuttings. Take firm, medium-sized, healthy leaves towards the center of the plant and shorten the stalks to 1½". Place foil wrap around a glass of water and punch holes for the leaves. Place leaves through the foil into the water to develop roots. Alternatively, plant the stalk less than an inch deep in a moistened rooting medium with a clear plastic bag over the top. Keep the cuttings at about 65 to 75 degrees while they develop.

Plants can also easily be divided and transplanted by unpotting the plant and carefully pulling apart portions with sufficient roots attached.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Office