Why Grow African Violets? By Sharon Rosenzweig
African violets are grown by people of all ages and for many different reasons. Many remember the beautiful African violets grown by their grandmother on the windowsill and perhaps grow out of nostalgia. Many love the plant because AVs bloom all year and are a good way to brighten up the house on long winter days. Some grow because it is a stress reliever for them. Most people grow African violets because they are relatively easy and are just plain gorgeous.
It is always interesting to learn how fellow growers got into the hobby. Through the Internet, I have the opportunity to speak with growers of all types, all around the world – beginners, casual growers, serious growers and fanatics. Many folks received an African violet as a gift and had worked hard to keep it alive. If they were successful, they soon wanted to add more to their collection.
I want to relate three stories about the age of the grower and why they are growing AVs. The first is about Cassandra, a youth grower, age 11. She is a neighbor of Joan Russo and is a member of the Gateway African Violet Club. Joan was helping Cassandra with a terrarium. Cassandra said she loved plants so Joan gave her a plant of Rhapsodie Rosalie. She entered the plant in the 2009 Show and won a rosette for Best Youth Grower. So she grows for the love of plants and for competition.
Next, I spoke with a middle aged woman who lost her husband last year. She owns a Beauty Salon and bought some African violets to decorate her shop. She then learned how to propagate and started a collection in her house. She said she loves bringing joy to her customers. They love the plants. More importantly, she found this hobby brings her comfort and joy since losing her beloved husband. She made the decision to carry on with her life and what better way than to grow beautiful violets.
Lastly, a most inspiring storing. An elderly couple aged 86 and 91 recently started growing African violets again after many decades of not growing. They were concerned that the plants in Oyama Planters were remaining too wet. Together we determined that they were not using the correct soil mix. The gentleman then mentioned to me that he discovered that the plants he put under the “Fluorescent Counter Top Herb Grower” are doing better than the plants on his light stands. We then had a lengthy discussion about different types of fluorescent tubes. Our conversation ended with him saying that he and his wife are determined to grow show worthy plants and enter them in the Dallas, TX show in April. Growing keeps them mentally and physically active. Now doesn’t this inspire you youngins to get busy and grow for show.
No matter what the motivation, growing African violets is a most wonderful way to spend your free time.
