Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia 'Hovariagata'

Cultivated origin of Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia 'Hovariagata'

'Hovariagata' is a cultivated variegated African violet. The Dutch nursery Hofstede Hovaria is credited with introducing it in 2022.

African violets belong to Streptocarpus section Saintpaulia, whose wild species are centred in Kenya and Tanzania and grow mainly in humid, shaded forest habitats.

Care for Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia 'Hovariagata'

• Light: Give bright filtered light so the variegated rosette stays compact. Strong midday sun can scorch the pale leaf margins.
• Water: Use room-temperature water when the surface begins to dry. Apply it below the leaves or from the saucer, then let the pot drain fully.
• Potting: Use a fine, airy African-violet mix in a small container. Keep the crown level with the surface and clear of damp compost.
• Temperature and airflow: Keep the plant warm with stable room temperatures and gentle airflow around the rosette.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active leaf growth and flowering.
• Repotting and propagation: Repot when roots fill the pot or the mix compacts. Healthy mature leaves can be rooted, and separate rooted crowns can be divided.

Common problems with Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia 'Hovariagata'

• Cream or white margins turn crisp: Strong sun, a dry root ball or salt buildup can damage the pale tissue. Move the plant into bright filtered light, water more consistently and run plenty of plain water through the pot if salts are visible.
• The rosette becomes loose and widely spaced: The plant may need brighter filtered light. Increase light gradually and turn the pot occasionally.
• The crown becomes soft or dark: Crown rot is possible. Remove affected tissue back to firm healthy tissue with a clean tool, discard the rot and keep future watering below the foliage.
• Young leaves become tight or distorted: Cyclamen mites or thrips may be present. Isolate the plant, inspect the centre closely and use a product labelled for the identified pest and indoor ornamental plants at the stated repeat interval.

Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia ‘Hovariagata’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

Streptocarpus and Saintpaulia: where the names come from

Streptocarpus means “twisted fruit”, referring to the spiralling seed capsule. Saintpaulia honours Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, who collected the plant in what is now Tanzania.

John Lindley established the genus Streptocarpus in 1828 in Botanical Register, volume 14, plate 1173.

Hermann Wendland established the genus Saintpaulia in 1893 in Gartenflora, volume 42, page 321. Saintpaulia remains familiar in horticulture, but Kanae Nishii and nine coauthors placed it within Streptocarpus after a 2015 DNA study in Taxon, volume 64.