{"product_id":"saintpaulia-african-violet","title":"Saintpaulia - African Violet","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003eIf you’re looking for something that brings a bit of vintage charm to a windowsill, you really can’t go past the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"162\"\u003eSaintpaulia\u003c\/b\u003e—or commonly called the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"217\"\u003eAfrican Violet\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eThey are absolute stalwarts of the indoor gardening world. Despite their reputation for being a bit \"fussy,\" they’re actually quite predictable once you understand their quirks. They offer these velvety, jewel-toned flowers and soft, fuzzy leaves that make them feel more like a pet than a plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHome Turf:\u003c\/b\u003e They were first \"discovered\" in 1892 by Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire (hence the name) in the Tanga region of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"127\"\u003eTanzania\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eNatural Habitat:\u003c\/b\u003e In the wild, they grow in the shaded limestone cliffs and cloud forests of the Usambara Mountains. This is why they love humidity but hate direct, scorching sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIndoor Care Guide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLight:\u003c\/b\u003e They fancy \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"18\"\u003ebright, indirect light\u003c\/b\u003e. An east-facing windowsill is usually spot on. If the leaves start turning yellow, they’re getting too much sun; if they won't bloom, they need a bit more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/b\u003e This is the golden rule—\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"34\"\u003ewater from the bottom\u003c\/b\u003e. Place the pot in a saucer of water for about 20 minutes, then drain the excess. Whatever you do, don't get water on the leaves, or they’ll end up with nasty brown spots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/b\u003e They like to be comfortable, just like us. If you’re feeling a draught, they probably are too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil:\u003c\/b\u003e Use a very airy, peat-free houseplant soil mix. They like their roots to breathe, so standard potting compost can be a bit too heavy and \"cloggy.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/b\u003e Give them a liquid high-potash feed every couple of weeks during the spring and summer to keep those blooms coming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eToxicity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePet \u0026amp; Human Friendly:\u003c\/b\u003e You’ll be pleased to know that Saintpaulia are \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"69\"\u003enon-toxic\u003c\/b\u003e to cats, dogs, and humans. They are a brilliant choice for a household with curious nibblers, though I’d still suggest keeping them out of reach—those fuzzy leaves don't recover well from teeth marks!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSold without a decorative pot, colour and size may vary slightly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocal plant delivery or collection available in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Green East","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57931003789693,"sku":null,"price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/7410\/9627\/files\/AA0FE5BD-D6B2-4E0C-9CA3-4CF9B6086E98.jpg?v=1773825771","url":"https:\/\/thegreeneast.co.uk\/products\/saintpaulia-african-violet","provider":"The Green East","version":"1.0","type":"link"}