Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Wednesday - May 18, 2011

From: Mason, OH
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Problems with non-native African violets from Mason OH
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I have had 3 african violets for at least 4 weeks. I continue to water them and have moved their location. They continue to have wilted leaves. Are they done for or is there something I can do to get them healthy?

ANSWER:

The African violet, botanical name Saintpaulia, is native to, well, Africa and is a tropicsl plant mostly grown as a house plant in this country. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which those plants grow natively. Just about all houseplants are non-native tropicals that are able to handle the inhospitable conditions involved in growing indoors.

Since we have no personal experience with African violets and they will not, of course, appear in our Native Plant database, we would like to provide you with some sources for information on the plants that will surely help you more than we could.

Purdue University Coopertive Extension Service - African Violet Care

University of Rhode Island Horticulture Program - Caring for African Violets

African Violet Society of America - Basic Care

 

 

 

 

More Non-Natives Questions

Leaf color in non-native sago palms
January 24, 2009 - I have two sego palms planted in my front yard. Lots of sun. The fronds have turned a lime green color instead of the dark green color. Please help...(alkaline soil)
view the full question and answer

Magnolia and non-native weeping willow competing in Annapolis
October 19, 2010 - We planted a sweetbay magnolia next to a Weeping Willow in our yard and did not anticipate the willow would grow so quickly and into the magnolia. We have had the magnolia now for 3 years, and it is c...
view the full question and answer

Non-native Concord grapes in Hilo, Hawaii
September 10, 2009 - Hi, I live in a area that does not freeze over winter, and humidity is quite high. Do you think that Concord grapes will fruit?
view the full question and answer

Preventing seed production in non-native chinaberry in Yucaipa CA
July 04, 2009 - You were just asked about "keeping almonds from producing" I actually found your site to ask how to keep a chinaberry tree from producing its berries. I am considering renting a commercial property ...
view the full question and answer

Care of Rio Grande Wild Petunia
July 17, 2007 - I have bought the Rio Grande Wild Petunia, Ruellia davisiorum. How should I look after it?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.