When choosing the first varieties of Saintpaulia for their home collection, novice violet growers hope that all the specimens of exotic beauties they have chosen:
- They will quickly and almost painlessly take root in the proposed microclimate conditions of the apartment;
- Will not cause any trouble during the cultivation process;
- They will begin to develop naturally;
- They will also bloom magnificently and for a long time.
In order for all these big dreams to become a successful reality, beginners should first of all familiarize themselves with the extensive catalog of varieties of domestic breeders, which are best adapted to existence in the indoor collections of Russian flower growers.
The decorativeness and artistic value of Russian varieties of violets can excite even the most unbridled imagination - there is a choice for everyone.
From the fantastic variety of varieties of violets obtained by domestic breeders, flower growers should pay close attention to the delightfully decorative varieties “RM-Faina”, “RM-Treasures of the Kings”, “RM-Sonechka” , which differ:
- The grace of flower configurations;
- Unexpected shades in the color of the corollas;
- And ease of care and maintenance.
In the article we will learn more about the varieties of violets of the Republic of Moldova: Faina, Treasures of Kings, Sonechka (N. Skornyakova).
Information about the breeder
Incomparable violets with large corollas of fantastic colors and shades were created in the process of selective development of varieties of violets by Kursk violet grower Natalya Skornyakova and have a common abbreviation “RM” in the name.
For almost two decades - since the beginning of the new century, an experienced master has been engaged in :
- Cultivation;
- And by breeding our own varietal violets.
The selection line of her Saintpaulias is dedicated to her mother, Raisa Mikhailovna , whose name appears in the branded prefix. All varieties are different:
- Original decorative configuration of the rims;
- And fairly good repeatability of varietal characteristics.
ATTENTION! Specimens of violets of the presented varieties often appear among the participants at numerous exhibitions, have earned approving reviews from experts in the field of violet growing and are trusted by many flower growers.
Reviews
Antonina Alekseevna. “I received the ND Smuglyanka variety as a gift at an exhibition two years ago - now I’m afraid to imagine that I could refuse such beauty, but I tried. Now this is my favorite violet! She formed the rosette herself, and it turned out to be very even in shape. It took a little longer to develop than other bushes, but the wait was worth it: it bloomed with marvelous velvet flowers of a dark burgundy tone with a white border. Amazingly spectacular variety!”
Fyodor Borisovich. “I saw a gorgeous violet with almost black, as if velvet, flowers in a haze of white ruffles from my friends. It turned out to be the “ND Smuglyanka” variety. I begged for a leaf and it took me a long time, although I grew it without any problems. But when flowering, at first I was disappointed - no white edge, no terry, and the size is too small.
I started asking questions: it turned out that everything comes with time. And the second flowering confirmed the flower growers were right.”
Systematics of varieties
In accordance with the official hierarchical rules, the taxonomic periodization of botanical cultures assigns all three violets to:
- Cosmically large-scale in terms of the range of varietal diversity that fills it;
- And to the fabulous Saintpaulia family, which is part of the Gesneriev family, in terms of the comprehensive picturesqueness of the presented silhouettes.
Varietal specimens of these violets:
- According to the average values of the parameters of their overall bush characteristics, they are in the group of the standard section;
- And according to the characteristics of the size typology of the corollas, they belong to the large-flowered subspecies.
Features of the flower
“Magic tulip” violets have undergone enormous selection work. That is why they have a number of distinctive features:
- Large flower size (compared to other representatives of Saintpaulia).
- Special color - three different colors in the color of the petals, contrasting edging and specks.
- The complex shape of the flowers is corrugated, multi-layered, double.
- Long flowering time (more than 1 month).
- Increased resistance to sheet fading.
- Problem-free growth provided proper care is followed.
Violet RM-Faina
Violet Faina appeared in 2013.
The variety appeared in the field of view of gardeners in 2013. You can see the photo of RM-Fain above.
Description of decorative features
A violet at the adult stage has a symmetrical spatial texture with a significant density of filling with leaves - this provides each violet cell with a relatively equal and optimal charge of solar energy necessary for growth.
From the very beginning of the appearance of the silhouette of the bush, the violet independently completes the newly growing young leaves in the number of tiers necessary for a beautiful rosette.
The sheet plates are carefully laid out in their designated places , which forms a pattern of mosaic alternation of elements relative to each other, which is common in architectural practice.
According to the average figures of the overall dimensions of its volumetric mass, violet represents a section of the standard subspecies , but the bulk of specimens of the variety do not grow even to the average numerical values of the typological boundaries, forming small volumes of bushes.
INTERESTING! The composition of the rosette is distinguished by its compact format, aligned outlines and decorative mosaic of the bush. To achieve this result, the violet should be given a little help by adjusting and selecting the regimes and nutrient medium.
Violet leaves have:
- Small dimensions;
- Round shape with a softly pointed tip;
- Smooth surface with a shiny pimpled texture and lots of silver fibers;
- As well as dim venation graphics.
The leaf blades are distinguished by their green coloration of fresh spring foliage.
Along the edges of the leaves there are small, rounded teeth . The violet leaf blades themselves are distinguished by their even format, only the tips bend slightly downwards.
Rounded teeth appear along the edges of the leaves.
Violet blooms extremely luxuriantly and for a long time , but reaches maximum volume and brightness of color only after several waves of budding.
Violet corollas are different:
- Semi-double degree of filling with petals;
- And large enough for a small outlet with dimensions.
On the side contours of the petals one can note a slight hint of their waviness . Flowers retain their volume thanks to the compacted texture of the petals.
NOTABLE! The color of the corollas is the main wealth of the violet. It consists of a main background of pink and red colors with coral tints and a large amount of fantasy spray sprinkled over the petals. Fantasy spots are represented by transitions of blue and purple shades; sometimes they can transform into chimeric patterns.
The variety has an unusual bright color of flowers.
Sports
The violet retains its varietal characteristics well; only occasionally it is possible to display sporting qualities . Sports are distinguished by an even tone of purple color without any signs of fantasy.
The violet has a blue-violet sport.
Course of life stages
Varietal violet has an easy character in terms of response to agricultural management - the classics are enough for it.
Specificity of development in indoor collections
The positive features of the variety include:
- Independence in bush formation;
- Enchanting decorativeness of flowers;
- Lush flowering and large textured corollas.
Among the negative nuances, it should be noted that the brightness of the color may decrease towards the end of flowering of the corollas, but this can be corrected by good nutrition.
Features of reproduction
Only vegetative propagation is available:
- Leaf babies;
- Or stepchildren.
Feedback on the warmth of violet flowers
Flowers and buds of the variety fall off when exposed to sudden heat changes and drafts!
Pedicel strength
Violet immediately forms dense and strong flower stalks.
Flowering type
Varietal violets gradually begin to form voluminous caps.
This Saintpaulia blooms with a lush cap.
Flower lifespan
Violet corollas last for about a month.
Reviews
Tamara Sergeevna. “The variety “RM-Faina”, in my opinion, fully corresponds in its color and internal richness to the mysterious female name of the oriental beauty. Rich decorativeness and easy care make violets a favorite in many collections.”
Useful video
Watch the video to see what the Faina violet looks like: Find out in the video how to replant Saintpaulia Faina:
Propagation of Saintpaulia
Violet Duchess - description and characteristics of the variety
An important stage in the life of a plant is its reproduction. You need to carry out this procedure correctly and try to avoid mistakes. For violets, it is better to use methods of cuttings or separating the children. The chic poppy reproduces well, and the daughter rosettes easily adapt to independent life.
It is advisable to separate the stepchildren during a planned transplant or purchase. Having separated the children with roots, they can immediately be placed in separate pots.
Propagation using leaves is also a simple method.
To do this you need:
- Separate the leaf from the bottom of the flower; the stalk should be at least 2 cm long.
- Place it in a container with settled water.
- After the roots appear, plant it in a pot with prepared drainage and soil.
- Cover with a bag or jar and place in a warm, bright place.
The sprout must be opened and ventilated daily. Moisten the soil as needed. After the leaves appear, carefully remove the main ones;
Propagation of Saintpaulia
The process is not difficult, but it requires a lot of patience. The cuttings may remain in the ground for a long time without changes, or they may begin to wither. The main thing is not to get upset, because these are natural processes, and in the end everything will work out. The plant will definitely take root.
Violet RM-Treasures of Kings
The variety has been appearing at exhibitions since 2016. For the RM-Treasures of Kings variety, a photo and description will be given below in the article.
The Treasure of the Kings violet appeared in 2016.
Description of decorative touches
Violet bushes are independent in terms of laying and forming adult leaf rosettes, which often helps gardeners make a difficult choice of a new collection variety in favor of this tropical beauty.
Starting the growth of a young bush, violet:
- She herself neatly arranges the bases of the leaves along the “floors” of the rosette;
- And at the same time imitates architectural techniques of alternating elements relative to each other in mosaic technique.
Each leaf of a bush has access to the required amount of the life-giving energy of the luminary.
ATTENTION! Based on the size of its overall structure, the violet is included in the section of the standard subspecies.
Its new rosettes at first have a somewhat sparse structure due to long petioles, but with age this goes away imperceptibly.
Medium-sized violet leaves have:
- Almost perfect heart shape;
- Quilted surface with a somewhat shiny texture;
- Volumetric and strongly depressed venation pattern with a lettuce central vein;
- And obvious, large-pointed teeth along the edges.
The sheet plates differ:
- Rough in visual sensation;
- And a dense structure upon contact and an even configuration.
Leaves may sometimes bend downwards , rushing towards the flowerpot.
The leaves of this violet are very dense.
The color scheme of the leaf plates is interesting . The main background of the leaves is painted with a shade of dark green, on which the brighter veins are clearly visible. But another light spot stands out along the contour of the leaf - the dark color gradually lightens on the edge of the teeth.
Saintpaulia blooms very luxuriantly with the formation of corollas of significant diameters and a terry filling structure. The wavy fringed edge of each petal is responsible for the additional scale of the flowers.
NOTABLE! The color of its corollas is considered a special asset of the violet: the petals have a mixture of shades of deep pink with bluish speckles of fantasy, which is highlighted by an edge braid of lilac-raspberry coating.
The flowers have a fabulous color.
Sports
The violet shows character when all its varietal characteristics are repeated - it does not want to change its standards. So far, no sporting specimens have been encountered during the flowering of the variety.
Detailed analysis of life phases
The variety, when cultivated in indoor collections, does not create any significant problems , being characterized by its easy response to agrotechnical care measures.
Specific nuances of indoor maintenance
The violet is almost ideal in the eyes of experienced violet growers. Its minor negative features include:
- Some temperature dependence - but this concerns a too high gradient;
- The infrequent transformation of fantasy coloring into a chimera - which even increases the charm.
The remaining features of the exotic beauty should be attributed to her undeniable advantages.
The uniqueness of the reproduction stage
It is possible to use propagation only by vegetative means :
- Leaf babies;
- Layerings of an adult specimen.
Response of violet flowers to heat
In extreme heat, flowers lose the edging coating on their petals.
Pedicel structure
For violets, peduncles of a strong structure .
Type of flowering form
Saintpaulia is gradually learning to bloom in caps of lush volumes .
The variety in question has cap flowering.
Time of vital freshness of a flower
The corollas retain their healthy shape for more than a month .
Reviews
Frol Valentinovich. “ The violet “RM-Treasures of the Kings” appeared in my collection from the moment it was presented to flower growers in the year the variety was registered - I couldn’t pass by the unimaginable beauty of the fantasy coating and huge flowers. Now I am reproducing it for my friends. One of the young specimens begins to slowly turn into a chimera, and it is a wondrous sight.”
Optimal temperature
The most suitable temperature for violets is considered to be no higher and no lower than 20-22 °C. The stability of this temperature is the key to the growth of strong and abundantly flowering plants.
Growing this variety of violets in colder conditions results in the appearance of a wider, brighter border on the petals. In the hot season, exceeding the temperature norm causes a decrease in the abundance of violet flowering, a decrease in the size of flowers, and the absence of a characteristic border, as well as specks. Leaving a plant in a room with this temperature for a long time has a detrimental effect on its growth.
Fresh air from a window, fan or air conditioner can help cope with high temperatures. However, you should be very careful to ensure that there are no drafts, as the foliage and petals may become covered with spots or streaks of light beige color. This will not lead to the death of the plant, but will aesthetically spoil its appearance. In addition, hypothermia can cause the violet's root system to rot. In this case, the only salvation for plants will be re-rooting.
Violet RM-Sonechka
Flower growers became acquainted with the variety in 2015.
Violet Sonechka appeared in 2015.
Description of decorative touches
At the beginning of growth, a young violet has the ability to independently assemble leaf plates into neat tiers of a growing rosette, as if obeying the architectural rules of placing elements relative to each other in the tiled technique.
Gradually, Saintpaulia acquires smooth outlines of volumes with a symmetrical texture of dense filling.
The compact texture of Saintpaulia can create the illusion of a small bush , but the size of its overall structure allows it to be included in the section of the standard subspecies. On the right you can see how RM-Sonechka blooms in the photo.
Medium-sized violet leaves have:
- Round shape with a barely noticeable point at the tip;
- Quilted surface with shiny texture;
- Symmetrically pressed venation pattern in emerald color;
- And the green tint of lush summer foliage.
The leaf plates along the edge strip form small, but structurally cut teeth of a smooth configuration . The structure of the leaves is distinguished by a leveled format without much wavy contour, but with a shallow hollow at the base of the leaf petiole.
NOTABLE! A special varietal feature of the violet is the format of its flowers. The typology of the shape of the corollas has a structure unusual for violets, more like a carnation flower. Having reached the adult stage, Saintpaulia gains full strength, and its flowering cap looks like a spectacular bouquet of large pink carnations.
The variety has very large corollas.
The corollas from the first budding differ:
- Huge size;
- And a very dense, terry degree of filling with petals.
The size and airy volume of the flowers is given by the wavy edges of the petals, decorated with charming finely structured frills.
The color scheme of violet corollas is designed in the most delicate shades with pastel notes. The main field of the petals is painted in a tone of white, along which watercolor spots of a pink palette are located quite densely with imperceptible transitions in the intensity of the shades. Over the entire area of the flower you can see darker prints, similar to flashes of lights.
The flowers have an unusual iridescent color.
IMPORTANT! Each petal ends at the edge with a thin border of more intense color.
Sports
Violets exhibit fairly stable preservation of varietal characteristics . But of all the varieties presented, this variety is distinguished by particularly frequent manifestations of sportiness, so it is advisable to wait for the dissolution of each planted child.
Sports are found in this Saintpaulia.
Sports specimens are distinguished by coral-colored flowers trimmed with white edging .
Life details
Variety in private collections:
- Doesn't cause much concern;
- Develops actively;
- And it has an easy-going character in relation to agrotechnical care methods.
Important nuances of content in collections
The variety is very good in indoor culture collections.
Special breeding moments
Florists use exclusively vegetative propagation processes:
- Children;
- By shoots.
Violet is propagated by leaf cuttings.
Violet flowers under different thermal conditions
The variety turned out to be surprisingly dependent on the heat gradient : the higher the ambient temperature, the more intense shades of pink are noticeable in the color of the corollas.
CAREFULLY! Flowers are strongly influenced by sudden changes in the temperature gradient and drafts - they wither and fall off.
Pedicel texture
Saintpaulia forms strong, well-resistant flower stalks . But in young bushes, the peduncles stretch a little more than expected - with age they themselves stabilize their length.
Flowering typology
The voluminous flowering of the variety gradually reaches the cap type.
Flower lifespan
Each corolla can live for about a month, maintaining a presentable appearance.
Sonechka blooms for about a month.
Reviews
Sophia. “ I love the variety “RM-Sonechka” - airy, with lush flowering, with huge pink “carnations” and absolutely problem-free in cultivation! I recommend my beloved “Sonechka” to everyone.”
Transfer
Transplantation should be carried out no more than twice a year. Experts in floriculture recommend doing this in October and March. You cannot start replanting when flowering has begun. This process occurs in several stages.
The right pot
The container is selected according to the size of a third of the diameter of the outlet. Since the violet’s root system is not large, the container should not be deep. Be sure to have a drainage hole.
Drainage and soil
Expanded clay, broken brick or pebbles can serve as drainage. The soil must be loose and heat treated.
Hydration
After transplanting, the plant should be watered abundantly during the first day. Then check the root system. If rotting occurs, immediately remove the damaged areas and replace the soil. Water daily for 3 days. Afterwards – as needed, but do not let the soil dry out.
Important! If a plant is transplanted from a smaller pot to a larger one, then the method of transferring with an earthen ball is used.
Care techniques in indoor culture
Varietal violets are distinguished by their unpretentious nature - their specimens develop well and bloom gracefully in voluminous waves in response to the careful and regular implementation of simple agricultural practices:
- Plants should be placed on a window facing west or east; specimens from windows to the north should be provided with additional rays with a diffuse spectrum, to the south - unobtrusive artificial protection is required;
- water Saintpaulia in small doses from the moment when the top drying of the substrate is visually clearly visible;
- It is best to apply additional fertilizing with mineral fertilizers
- light to varieties primarily from daylight, long-lasting, with a spectrum of scattered rays;
- Control a constant heat level within +20 + 24°C; exclude sharp fluctuations in the temperature gradient ;
- Plant rosettes in nutritious, permeable soil with good aeration; ensure the creation of a sufficiently reliable drainage layer;
- At the time of transplantation , use a gentle transfer more often, unless there are special indications.
Lighting
One of the main conditions for caring for a “magic tulip” violet is an abundance of light in the absence of direct sunlight. For normal growth of such flowers, lighting should be bright and diffused. If there is a lack of light, they either bloom poorly or there is no flowering at all. If the plant is located on western, eastern or southern windows, it should be shaded, as the leaves and flowers will become covered with burns. The ideal place for such a plant is a north window, where it will grow well and bloom profusely from spring to summer.
Lack of lighting causes the leaves to stretch upward, and too much light causes them to bend over the edge of the pot. The key to abundant flowering of such a violet is a sufficient amount of light for 10-12 hours daily. If this condition is not met, full flowering will not occur.
In order to provide the violet with proper lighting all year round, most often they use a special rack, above which there will be fluorescent lamps as artificial lighting.
Air humidity
For full growth, the “magic tulip” violet requires high humidity, which should not be less than 50%. In apartments, especially during the heating period, it is very difficult to achieve the necessary and stable humidity. In order to correct this situation, you need to place a container of water near the pots with the plant. A great option would be to have a humidifier.
In adult plants, compared to “baby” ones, the level of adaptation to the level of humidity in the apartment is increased. Transplanted plants or germinated leaves especially need high humidity, as this contributes to their better rooting and growth. To solve this problem, they are most often covered with polyethylene or placed in special greenhouses.
In cases where condensation appears on the shelter, it is necessary to ventilate the flower. However, you should not be too zealous with humidity, since when the 70% mark is exceeded, active proliferation of fungal diseases begins.
Soil selection
Normal violet growth also depends on the correct selection of soil. They need loose soil rich in nutrients. In addition to the fact that it can be purchased in specialized stores, it is also possible to make it yourself. To do this you need to mix:
- 3 parts peat;
- 5 parts leaf soil;
- 1 part perlite;
- up to 10% of the total volume of the mixture of charcoal and vermiculite.
This composition will ensure good absorption of moisture and air.
Pots
Before replanting the “magic tulip” violet, you need to choose the right size and material of the container. The best option would be a plastic or ceramic pot. Despite the lightness and durability of the plastic container, it prevents air from entering the soil.
The size of the pot also plays an important role, since in a large container the violet will only develop the root system and will not bloom. Abundant flowering is guaranteed by a small pot with holes in the bottom for the drainage of excess liquid.
Possible pests
The magic tulip violet can be affected by the following pests:
- mite;
- aphid;
- thrips;
- scale insect;
- whitefly;
- nematode;
- false shield, etc.
For clarity, the article contains a photo of the violet “RM magic tulip” affected by aphids.
Acaricides will help get rid of ticks, Agravertin will help get rid of scale insects, and the Aktar insecticide will help get rid of thrips.
Watering
When watering violets of the “magic tulip” variety, a photo of which you can see in the article, you should also follow some rules:
- You can also moisten the soil in a pot with tap water, but first you need to let it sit for 2 days in an open container to remove chlorine. After this, you need to boil the water, this will help get rid of excess salts. Only after boiling and cooling can water be used for irrigation.
- When watering, the water should be warmer than the temperature of the soil in the pot and the environment. In practice, it was determined that water at room temperature is too cold for violets, especially in winter, when the backlit racks are warmer than in the room itself. The soil in the pot is also warmer, which is why it turns out that water at room temperature turns out to be cold, which leads, as stated above, to rotting of the root system and death of the plant.
- When watering, it is necessary to avoid getting liquid on the growing point of the flower. In addition to “top” irrigation, you should pour a little water into the tray of the pot.
- 15 minutes after watering, the remaining liquid in the tray should be removed so as not to cause rotting of the roots.
- This variety of violet tolerates slight drying out of the soil more easily than excessive moisture. It is necessary to water the flower when the soil on top is dry to the touch.
- Once every 1.5 - 2 months, you should wash the leaves of the plant under warm water to remove dirt and dust, while making sure that water does not get into the pot.
