The Times

BY JOYCE MUENCH Your African Violets? anything—except too much water

or granite, drinking up the warm, driving rains. Since its introduction to polite society in 1893, via England, the plant we know today has not only changed its habits completely but has also developed a variety of leaf shapes and flower shades. The White Lady is as different from the Blue Boy as the Sapphire Pink is from the Plum. MY SAINTPAULIAS, which I have to give away to keep them from crowding the family out of the house, are uninhibited flower factories. They grow cheerfully in any room of the house. When we remodeled the kitchen, a 3-inch window sill provided just room enough for two long brass planters. North light and nary a sunbeam, warmth from stove and pilot lights of refrigerator and water heater, moisture in the air from dishwashing and cooking must be, I concluded, the keys to eager leaf growth and fine, abundant blossoms. But in the dining room, with neither direct heat nor extra humidity, plants in pots thrive in a somber western exposure. Even with Venetian blinds dropped (to keep the sun off my nice carpet) the Saintpaulias love it. In the living room, where a gas floor furnace keeps the temperature comfortable by day for the human occupants, the violets have to do without any window exposure at all. Still, they bloom quite happily. On a porch, with temperature range from chilly to stuffy, an assortment of plants occupies a strawberry jar without complaint. I shift plants from one place to another according to my decorating fancy, or I leave them in one spot permanently. So just where you have them makes no difference. What does make a difference is how and when you water Saintpaulias. If they won't flourish for you, they are probably being overwatered. If I have a set of rules to account for my success, it is brief, simple, and flexible: Watering: Set potted plants in the sink and run warm water over leaves and soil. Let them drain thoroughly and make sure no sunlight strikes the leaves while they're still wet. With planters, water from the top and only when the soil gets dry. Judge dryness not by the calendar but by the feel. If the soil is dry to the fingers, or the leaves soft and droopy, the Saintpaulias need water. If in doubt, don't water till another day. Soil: Should be porous and light. Charcoal keeps the earth sweet in a planter. Sphagnum moss preserves moisture on top. Soil that doesn't drain quickly and looks or feels soggy and heavy is wrong. Food: Almost any fertilizer will step up blossoming, but the safest ones are those recommended by florists for the Saintpaulia. Location: Try as many different spots as you may have to offer a plant. Saintpaulias don't mind gas heat, as so many other plants do, but they do like some circulation of air. They also enjoy light, but they don't demand too much of it. Incidental Care: Pick off dead leaves and flowers for looks and health. Leaves further from light will lift to reach it. So rotate the pot to get a perkier-looking plant. Don't hesitate to thin out leaves if the growth is too heavy to be graceful-looking. Extra Hints: If you are going to be away for a week or even two, don't worry; just water the plant and slip a cellophane bag over it to retain the moisture. A porcelain pot (like the beautiful Chinese ones meant for dwarf trees) adds a decorative touch. Leaf stems touching the rim don't decay as they do in an ordinary earthen pot. The secret of the Saintpaulia, or any other plant, is simply this: know your plant. Look at it often. Feel the leaves between your fingers, crumble the soil occasionally to test its condition. Enjoy each new leaf and every flower. After a while, you'll come to know how it's feeling and can easily guess what it needs. For lots of bloom, and lots of pleasure, keep Saintpaulia on a strict water diet, and leave the rest to nature.

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There's always good reading in SUBURBIA TODAY

Suburbia Today, February 1961 39 MORE MAIL ORDER ADS ON PAGE 36.