Terry violets: features and varieties

Probably, there is no such person who would not be admired by violets. The palette of existing shades of these spectacular colors is striking in its variety. Therefore, every florist dreams of purchasing as many varieties as possible in order to enjoy this beauty at home.

The word violet in this case is not entirely correct. For simplicity and convenience, they have replaced the scientific name of saintpaulia. However, no matter how this flower is called, it still remains beautiful and delicate. Terry violets in appearance a little resemble the bows of first-graders - the same multi-colored and wavy. To date, experienced specialists have bred approximately 30 thousand varieties of this beautiful culture.

Saintpaulias are considered perennial plants with a very poorly developed root system. Depending on the variety, they can be shortened or with well-developed, elongated leaves.

Terry Saintpaulia leaves most often have an elliptical shape. Sometimes they have slightly pointed tips or even a heart shape. In addition, they can be either corrugated or flat. The color is usually green, but there are varieties where areas with different blotches are found on the leaves.

Plant flowers consist of six or more petals, which make them look a bit like peonies or small roses. The diameter is usually 2 to 9 centimeters. Together they form whole clusters of inflorescences.

The color of the flowers is varied. This is a whole palette of shades from pale white to deep purple. The flower can have two or three rows. The surface of violet petals is often covered with the most delicate fluff, which makes it matte. Such Saintpaulias are called velvet. There are flowers, petals that sparkle in the light. The edges of the petals are either wavy or corrugated.

Terry violets are subdivided into several subspecies, each of which has its own special characteristics. These are white, purple, burgundy, pink and blue flowers. Consider the varieties favorite by flower growers in more detail.

The most popular is the violet with the name "AV-Terry Petunia". Its distinctive feature is its large flowers with a dark crimson hue. Corrugated petals. There is usually a wide white border around the edges. However, when the temperature is too hot, the border is small. This violet forms many buds that delight the eye for a long time. The leaves of the plant are medium, slightly serrated.

In violets of this subspecies, the corolla has 5 petals of incredible beauty, located in several rows. This type includes two popular varieties of violets.

• Lyon`s Pirate`s Treasure. This plant was bred by foreign breeder Sorano. It features bright colors with a wide crimson or purple border. The edges of the flower are wavy. The leaves of the plant have an unusual, slightly bubbly shape.
• Melodie Kimi. This original variety was also bred by a foreign specialist. The plant is distinguished by a symmetrical rosette, as well as beautiful leaves that resemble a wave. The flower is almost all white, with the exception of two blue petals that are on top.

Plants of this species are most often large-flowered. The petals are almost the same size. It is worth considering the most common varieties of this group.

• "Goddess of beauty". The variety was bred by the domestic breeder Korshunov. The inflorescences of this violet consist of double pink flowers, very reminiscent of stars. Often the petals have lilac blotches. The leaves of this Saintpaulia are distinguished by a beautiful neat shape, have a very dark green color.
• Austins Smile. This variety has beautiful pink inflorescences. The edges are framed with a bright crimson border. The foliage is dark green in color.

Such violets have an easily recognizable distinctive feature - petals accreted at the very base. This does not allow the flowers to fully develop, so they remain like a bell.

• "Admiral". This variety of Saintpaulia was also bred by Korshunov. The delicate blue flowers, a bit like bells, are distinguished by wavy edges. The leaves have a slightly pointed shape, have a delicate light border.
• Rob's Dandy Lion. This variety was developed by foreign experts. The inflorescences of such plants are most often large, resembling bells in shape. However, the flowers are distinguished by a delicate cream color, which creates an association with snowdrops.

Flowers of this type never open in full force, their shape remains unchanged almost all the time. Among them, it is worth highlighting two varieties of violets.

• "Boo Myung". This variety is also bred by foreign breeder Sorano. Its distinctive feature is considered to be double flowers, which resemble a bowl in their shape. They have a delicate blue tint. The upper part of the petals is white, sometimes with a greenish tint. The leaves of the plant are bright green, have an oblong shape.
• "Ming Dynasty". This plant also resembles a bowl in shape. Flowers are both lilac and pink, sometimes combined with white. The petals are wavy, due to which the flowers look especially lush. The leaves are also characterized by a light wave.

Flowers of this species are well opened. However, two petals are usually rolled up in the form of tubes, and the other three "look" down. Because of this, the flower is a bit like a wasp that sat down on a plant to rest.

• Lunar Lily White. This violet is distinguished by numerous white inflorescences. The leaves of the plant are also light in color.
• "Zemfira". Flowers of this variety have a lilac color and a wide corrugated border.
• "Satellite". These are flowers of a red or red-purple hue with light leaves.

All terry Saintpaulias can be divided into single-color and multi-color. Monochromatic are characterized by the presence of colors painted in only one tone. The most popular among them are two varieties.

• Blue Tail Fly. This is a variety from foreign breeders. The plant has blue wasp flowers as well as pile-covered leaves.
• Jillian. Violets of this variety are distinguished by rather large white lush flowers, which are a bit like a carnation in shape. Green leaves can grow up to 38 centimeters.

Multicolor violets can combine two or more shades at once. Two varieties are considered the most beautiful.

• Robs Penny Ante. This violet has spectacular white flowers with a blue center, slightly resembling bells in shape.
• Pink Sensation. Terry violet, called "Pink sensation", is also white. Moreover, in the very center of each petal there are pink blotches. This color, combined with the wavy shape of the petals, makes the plant especially delicate and "airy".

To grow such a beautiful plant on your windowsill, you need to create the proper conditions for it. It is imperative to observe the temperature regime. For violets, the optimal temperature is about 15 degrees in winter and up to 26 degrees in summer.In addition, sharp temperature changes should not be allowed. Otherwise, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Lighting also plays an important role. There should be a lot of light, but you need to protect the flowers from direct rays.

Saintpaulia requires an attentive and reverent attitude. This is correct watering, and transplantation, and protection from diseases and pests.

This process is carried out in different ways depending on the season. For example, in summer, when it is hot, or in winter, when the batteries heat up well, the earth dries out much faster. But in spring or autumn, when the heating is not working, you do not need to water so often. This should be done as the soil dries out. It should dry by one third. The water should be at room temperature, always soft. You also need to make sure that it does not fall on the leaves and petals.

Many people irrigate from a pallet. The plant is immersed in a container of warm water for a few minutes. Then the excess liquid must be allowed to drain so that it does not stagnate.

Wide and not too tall pots are best for violets. In this case, the container should correspond to the size of the planted plant. If the seedling is very young, then a small pot is selected for it, the diameter of which should not exceed 8 centimeters. A little later, the violet should be transplanted into a larger container (up to 10 centimeters in a circle). Very small violets can be grown in pots up to 5 centimeters in size.

If the container is chosen incorrectly, then the plant will become waterlogged. As a result, either harmful insects or fungal diseases can appear. As for the primer, you can buy a ready-made composition in a specialized store. You can also prepare it yourself. To do this, you need to take ordinary land, coniferous soil, a little sand and a little vermiculite.

Summing up, we can say that all terry violets are beautiful in their own way. Any of the described plants will be able to decorate the windowsill of your home.

See the video below for the secrets of transplanting violets.