Changes

Saintpaulias are widely cultivated as [[house plant]]s. Until recently, only a few of these species have been used in breeding programs for the hybrids available in the market; most available as house plants are [[cultivar]]s derived from ''Saintpaulia ionantha'' (syn. ''S. kewensis''). A wider range of species is now being looked at as sources of genes to introduce into modern cultivars.  

Saintpaulias are widely cultivated as [[house plant]]s. Until recently, only a few of these species have been used in breeding programs for the hybrids available in the market; most available as house plants are [[cultivar]]s derived from ''Saintpaulia ionantha'' (syn. ''S. kewensis''). A wider range of species is now being looked at as sources of genes to introduce into modern cultivars.  

Over 2,000 cultivars have been selected for [[horticulture|horticultural]] use. There are many different leaf and flower types found; cultivars are classified as Large, Standard, Trailing, Semi-mini, Mini, and Micro with Micro being the smallest. They range in flower colour from white, pink, violet, yellow, and some even green, and the flowers may be either single (five petals) or double (more

Over 2,000 cultivars have been selected for [[horticulture|horticultural]] use. There are many different leaf and flower types found; cultivars are classified as Large, Standard, Trailing, Semi-mini, Mini, and Micro with Micro being the smallest. They range in flower colour from white, pink, violet, yellow, and some even green, and the flowers may be either single (five petals) or double (more than five, with some or all of the [[stamen]]s converted into extra petals).  Flowers are not always a solid colour, but can also be found in the "fantasy" variety where the petals have strips of colours going down them. One interesting flower form found in the African Violet are known as a "wasp"; these flowers have the upper two flower petals independently fused forming a tube. There are also compound leaves on some, that are called "bustled".

than five, with some or all of the [[stamen]]s converted into extra petals).  Flowers are not always a solid colour, but can also be found in the "fantasy" variety where the petals have strips of colours going down them. One interesting flower form found in the African Violet are known as a "wasp"; these flowers have the upper two flower petals independently fused forming a tube. There are also compound leaves on some, that are called "bustled".

Saintpaulias can be propagated by leaf [[Cutting (plant)|cutting]]s (essential for propagating named cultivars) or seed (from which new cultivars are selected). African violets prefer a constant temperature between 20-25°C with high humidity, and thrive best planted in well-drained [[humus]] or [[coir]] compost. Saintpaulias should be watered from underneath, and misting should be avoided, as water coming in contact with the leaves can cause damage.

Saintpaulias can be propagated by leaf [[Cutting (plant)|cutting]]s (essential for propagating named cultivars) or seed (from which new cultivars are selected). African violets prefer a constant temperature between 20-25°C with high humidity, and thrive best planted in well-drained [[humus]] or [[coir]] compost. Saintpaulias should be watered from underneath, and misting should be avoided, as water coming in contact with the leaves can cause damage.