Violet

Vietnam Violet (Michaelmoelleria vietnamensis)

Sun Requirements: Bright Indirect Light

Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil lightly moist but never waterlogged

Height: 4–8 inches

Bloom Time: Spring through Fall (intermittent indoors)

Description:
Michaelmoelleria vietnamensis, commonly known as Vietnam Violet, is a rare and highly sought-after Gesneriad prized for its velvety, deep-green leaves marked with silver or pale green veining. The plant produces delicate violet-lavender tubular flowers that contrast beautifully with its foliage. Compact, slow-growing, and well-suited for indoor culture, it thrives in bright filtered light and high humidity, making it ideal for terrariums, plant cabinets, or carefully maintained houseplant collections.

Planting Tips:

• Use a well-draining, airy mix (African violet–style soil works well).

• Provide bright but indirect light; avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves.

• Maintain high humidity without wetting the foliage.

• Water from the base or along the pot edge to prevent leaf spotting.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring

Nativity to Texas: No

African Violet ‘Festival on Ice’ (Saintpaulia ionantha ‘Festival on Ice’)

Sun Requirements: Bright Indirect Light

Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist, avoid wetting leaves

Height: 6–10 inches

Bloom Time: Year-Round with proper indoor light

Description:
‘Festival on Ice’ African Violet features ruffled, bi-colored blooms often edged in icy white with lilac or blue centers, creating a soft, frosted appearance. The compact rosette of velvety leaves and prolific flowering make it a standout indoor ornamental. It thrives in warm, bright indoor environments with stable humidity.

Planting Tips:

• Use a lightweight, well-draining African violet soil mix.

• Bottom-water or water at the soil line to prevent spotting.

• Keep in warm, draft-free locations.

• Rotate pot regularly to maintain symmetrical rosette growth.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring (indoors year-round)

Nativity to Texas: No

African Violet ‘Cajun Popcorn’ (Saintpaulia ionantha ‘Cajun Popcorn’)

Sun Requirements: Bright Indirect Light

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 6–10 inches

Bloom Time: Year-Round

Description:
‘Cajun Popcorn’ is known for its abundance of tiny, bright white to soft-cream blooms that resemble fluttering “popcorn.” These miniature flowers contrast beautifully with its deep green, fuzzy foliage. This variety is beloved for its prolific blooming cycle and compact size, making it ideal for shelves, windowsills, and plant stands.

Planting Tips:

• Keep soil lightly moist and avoid standing water.

• Provide consistent indirect light for continuous blooming.

• Maintain moderate humidity for best flower production.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring

Nativity to Texas: No

African Violet ‘Big Country’ (Saintpaulia ionantha ‘Big Country’)

Sun Requirements: Bright Indirect Light

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 8–12 inches

Bloom Time: Year-Round

Description:
‘Big Country’ produces large, showy flowers in deep violet, blue, or purple hues, often with ruffled edges. Its broad, velvety foliage and stronger overall growth make it a dependable African Violet choice for collectors. This variety performs exceptionally well under grow lights in Texas homes.

Planting Tips:

• Use well-draining, high-airflow soil.

• Water at the base to prevent leaf spots.

• Remove spent blooms to encourage fresh flushes.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring

Nativity to Texas: No

African Violet ‘Harmony’s In a Flash’ (Saintpaulia ionantha ‘Harmony’s In a Flash’)

Sun Requirements: Bright Indirect Light

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 6–10 inches

Bloom Time: Year-Round

Description:
‘Harmony’s In a Flash’ is a striking variety with dramatic, multicolored blooms—often showing pinks, purples, whites, or streaked combinations. Its bold floral patterns and compact rosette form make it a standout decorative violet, perfect for indoor displays or collectors seeking unique coloration.

Planting Tips:

• Keep in bright, indirect light to maintain vivid bloom coloration.

• Maintain evenly moist soil and good air circulation.

• Avoid cold drafts or temperature fluctuations.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring

Nativity to Texas: No