African Violets: The Complete Guide

The African Violet continues to increase in popularity, having developed over the past 50 years from its few hundred varieties to the thousands that exist today in an ever-increasing range of color and type. This complete guide includes chapters on the plant's history, development, and classification, and a wealth of practical information and advice on propagation, general care, hybridization, and the prevention and treatment of pests and diseases. Written in a non-technical and readable style, it explodes the myth that African Violets are difficult to grow and provides the grower with the know-how to make the most of this delightful and popular plant.

This informative book, with eight pages of color photographs and 28 line drawings, begins with a brief history of this popular houseplant and continues with a chapter explaining the three main types of African violets, their sizes, and the shapes of their flowers and leaves. There's a list describing 167 hybrids and instructions on their cultivation (light, temperature, compost, watering, humidity, and feeding); propagation; rejuvenation; hybridization; and pests, diseases, and disorders. There's also advice on exchanging hybrids with other growers and on exhibiting plants. George Cohen