African violets have a mixed reputation. Their delicate, colorful flowers and furry, soft leaves make them a favorite among home gardeners and growers. But the striking plants are often regarded as temperamental: a precise recipe of light, moisture, warm temperatures, high humidity, and fertilizer is required to encourage african violets to grow and flower.
A recently published study by scientists Julia C. Brotton and Janet C. Cole from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University (in a recent issue of HortTechnology) could provide african violet enthusiasts with important care information about the finicky flower.
Because of their brightly colored flowers and hairy leaves, people are attracted to african violets and often want to touch the leaves and flowers. But how does all this attention affect the plants? The research team set out to determine the effect of "brushing" african violet leaves on plant growth and quality. Cole explained, "Because (african violet) growers work in conditions that can contribute to the development of dry, irritated skin, many growers use body lotions to help soothe and moisturize their dry skin. Many consumers also use these products. Our study researched whether touching or "brushing" african violet leaves causes damage, particularly when body lotion or other skin care products have been applied to hands before touching the plants."
Although previous studies have investigated the effect of various methods of mechanical conditioning, including brushing, on the growth and quality of vegetable and bedding plants, this was the first reported study of the results of plant response to tactile mechanical stress, or "thigmomorphogenesis" on african violets.
Plants of two cultivars of african violet (Saintpaulia ionantha), 'Michigan' and 'Gisela', received five brushing treatments during the study: no brushing, brushed for 30 seconds with a latex-gloved hand, brushed for 90 seconds with a latex-gloved hand, brushed for 30 seconds after applying lotion to a nongloved hand, and brushed for 90 seconds with lotion on the nongloved hand.
After five weeks the plants were harvested. At harvest, plants were rated on a scale of 1 to 5 (no damage -- dead/near dead). Plants that were brushed by a gloved hand had lower damage ratings, greater leaf areas, and greater leaf numbers than plants that were brushed with a nongloved hand to which lotion had been applied. The cultivars varied in their response, with 'Michigan' exhibiting more damage from brushing than 'Gisela'
Summarizing the results, Cole remarked that "the study suggests that repeated brushing reduces plant size and quality of african violets, particularly when done with a bare hand to which lotion has been applied. Brushing leaves of african violets is not recommended because repeated brushing can decrease plant quality and size."
The next time you are tempted to touch that pretty african violet in your kitchen window, remember -- for a healthier plant, keep your hands off!
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the topic, I draw on my extensive knowledge of plant care and horticulture to discuss the recent study conducted by scientists Julia C. Brotton and Janet C. Cole from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University. This study, published in a recent issue of HortTechnology, delves into the intricacies of caring for African violets, shedding light on a previously unexplored aspect – the impact of tactile mechanical stress, or "thigmomorphogenesis," on these delicate plants.
The study focuses on the cultivation of African violets, known for their delicate, colorful flowers and soft, furry leaves. These plants, despite being favored by home gardeners and growers, have earned a reputation for being temperamental, requiring a precise combination of light, moisture, temperature, humidity, and fertilizer to thrive and bloom.
What sets this study apart is its exploration of the effects of "brushing" African violet leaves on plant growth and quality. The researchers specifically investigated whether the common practice of touching or brushing the leaves, a behavior often prompted by the plant's attractive flowers and fuzzy leaves, has any detrimental effects, especially when individuals have applied body lotion or other skincare products before interacting with the plants.
While previous studies have explored the impact of mechanical conditioning on the growth and quality of various plants, this research marks the first reported study of the consequences of tactile mechanical stress on African violets. The study involved two cultivars of African violets, namely 'Michigan' and 'Gisela,' and subjected them to different brushing treatments, including variations in duration and the use of latex gloves and lotions.
After a five-week period, the plants were harvested and evaluated based on a scale ranging from 1 to 5 (indicating no damage to dead/near-dead). The findings revealed that plants brushed with a gloved hand exhibited lower damage ratings, larger leaf areas, and greater leaf numbers compared to those brushed with a bare hand to which lotion had been applied. Interestingly, the cultivars displayed varying responses, with 'Michigan' experiencing more damage from brushing than 'Gisela.'
Summing up the results, Cole emphasized that repeated brushing, particularly with a bare hand to which lotion has been applied, can reduce the size and quality of African violets. Therefore, the study strongly advises against the practice of brushing the leaves of these plants, as it can lead to a decline in overall plant health.
In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the care of African violets, offering evidence-based recommendations for enthusiasts and growers. It highlights the importance of avoiding repeated brushing for the optimal growth and quality of these beloved plants, challenging common practices and contributing to the body of knowledge in horticulture and plant science.
