African Violets and Humidity

A very dry atmosphere, particularly if it is hot, is not at all desirable for saintpaulias (African violets), yet with most modern heating systems it is difficult to maintain a humid condition of air. When many plants are grown together humidity is, of course, increased. Pans of water set on a table also help by providing a constant source of evaporation.

Many of us have found too that African violets thrive and bloom more freely if each plant is set on a pebble filled saucer with some water always in it as a ready means of humidifying the surrounding air. According to our convictions then, we keep the supply of water high enough for the pot just to rest in it or low enough for the pot just to rest above it. Damp sand in the saucers or tray which contain the pots has proved another good growing device.

In a terrarium or in an aquarium with a pane of glass placed over the opening, most pleasant and humid conditions can be constantly maintained but it is important to keep such plantings out of the sun or they will be far too hot. It is also necessary each day to raise the glass at the top and ventilate the plants for a few minutes. Very attractive groups can be arranged for such glassed-in plantings. Particularly charming are purple African violets, wax begonias, Pink Pearl, and the delicate maidenhair ferns, which are likewise dependent on humidity. Only if these glass gardens are kept too wet will there be signs of decay. With so little moisture escaping, almost no watering is required.

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