Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 95:295-298. 1982.

SANSEVIERIA IN FLORIDA-PAST AND PRESENT1

Richard W. Henley R. Dodge (5) mentioned he found Sansevieria zeylanica University of Florida, IFAS, growing in several localities in southern Florida. Leaf sam Ornamental Horticultural Department, ples collected from Boca Chica Key measured approximately Stationed at Agricultural Research Center, 6 ft in length. Dodge prepared a more extensive report on Route 3, Box 580, Apopka, FL 32703 leaf fibers in the United States, published by USDA in 1893 (6) in which he mentioned the fiber of 5. guineensis, listed in Hortus Third (2) as S. hyacinthoides (L.) Druce., African Abstract. The genus Sansevieria has special significance bowstring hemp. It was sufficiently strong for hawsers and in Florida horticulture, where it has been grown as an experi cables and fine enough to be used by jewelers to string mental fiber crop,as an ornamental for interior use and, toa pearls. He further stated that the fiber was too valuable to lesser extent, landscaping outside. Introduction of Sansevieria be used as cordage because manila, sisal and common hemp to Florida is estimated to have occurred between 1765 and were sufficiently abundant and strong. He also indicated that 1820. By the 1890s there was limited testing of a few species the term bowstring hemp was also applied to S. zeylanica of Sansevieria in South Florida, primarily by private interests, (now S. trifasciata) and S. latifolia Bojer. Dodge mentioned for quality and yield of cordage fiber. During World War II, that fiber yield per acre was large because of the rank growth U. S. Department of Agriculture and University of Florida and leaf density in established clumps. Hope was expressed researchers joined efforts in a project based at Boynton and for actual fiber yield data from a plantation of sansevieria fndfantown to study the practicality of growing sansevierias recently set out by Dr. J. V. Harris. in South Florida for fiber production. The tropical foliage Sansevieria was first mentioned in the proceedings of plant industry in South Florida started in 1922 with a nursery this Society in 1912 by Charles Simpson (15) in a short devoted to field production of primarily Sansevieria trifasciata reference to the agressive nature of one species. He states: (Prain.) 'Laurentii' bare-root plants for export to Europe. "Sansevieria zeylanica, a striking variegated plant, takes Major and minor ornamental species and cultivars of absolute possession of the soil, to the exclusion of almost Sansevieria are described and their usage discussed. Several everything else, wherever planted." It is probably S. tri sansevierias, not generally in commerce, which have orna fasciata 'Laurentii' which is described in the quotation. mental crop potential are mentioned. Several attempts were made from 1910 to 1940 to culti Sansevieria, a member of the Agavaceae (agave family), vate sansevieria in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas contains approximately 60 species indigenous to Africa, the and the British West Indies (12). These efforts were not islands near the African coast, Arabia, Ceylon, Burma and very successful. A number of years prior to World War II experts recognized that the more common cordage fibers, India. The genus was named by Carl Pehr Thunberg in such as abaca, sisal and henequin were imported from the 1794 after the early naturalist, Raimond de Sangro, Prince Philippines, East Indies, the Latin Americas and Africa and, of Sansevierio, born in Naples in 1710. in the event of a national emergency, foreign supplies, In 1915 Brown (4) prepared a detailed monograph in especially those from the eastern hemisphere, might be cut which he described 54 Sansevieria species based on plants off. Because of this potential situation, it was concluded that and records maintained at the Royal Botanic Gardens at sansevieria was one of a few hard cordage fiber plants suit Kew, England. Although there is considerable uncertainty able for large scale mechanized production in South Florida. regarding nomenclature of Sansevieria, Brown's work is still During World War II researchers from USDA and the Uni widely respected. Hortus Third (2) describes 11 species of versity of Florida Everglades Experiment Station worked Sansevieria and several cultivars. together to develop practical methods of growing, handling, Sansevieria has an interesting history as it has been harvesting and fiber extraction of sansevieria. The initial utilized by many cultures and transported to many partsof project was based at Boynton, Florida and, in 1950, plant the world by early emigrants and tradesmen. It was highly valued by primitive people, particularlyin parts of Africa, ings were extended to Indiantown. Emphasis of this pro gram included both evaluation of existing species and for its strong, soft fibers. The fibers were commonly used to cultivars of Sansevieria and genetic improvement efforts make bowstrings, hence the common name, bowstring hemp. through breeding. Following the war, the production of The fiber has also been used for coarse fabrics, baskets, fish synthetic fibers such as rayon, nylon and others eliminated nets and other handicraft items. the need and economic feasibility of commercial production Sansevieria is better known to modern cultures as an ornamental plant, grown outside in the tropics and semi- of sansevieria for its fiber. tropics, and in a variety of containers for interior use Gangstad, Joyner and Seale (7) summarized the agro throughout the world. Some of the common names given to nomic characteristics of several Sansevieria species tested at certain of the ornamental types include snake plant and Boynton. The cylindrical leaf species (S. Ehrenbergii G. Schweins, and S. cylindrica Bojer) were found unsatis mother-in-law's tongue. It has been estimated that Sansevieria was introduced to factory for commercial production because of their difficulty Florida during a period of Spanish colonization between of propagation, slow growth rate and low acre yield of fiber. 1765 and 1820. It is suspected that missionaries, arriving The coriaceous leaf species (S. liberica Gerome & Labroy with or closely following early settlers, were frequently in and S. longiflora Sims) looked promising for annual harvest terested in plants and introduced a variety of horticultural ing because of their ability to produce leaves rapidly when and agronomic plants, including Sansevieria. started from rhizomes, but had relatively short leaves and low cold tolerance. The narrow or petiolar leaf species (S. thyrsiflora, now S. hyacinthoides, S. trifasciata 'Laurentii' Fiber Investigations and S. trifasciata) were most promising for fiber production In an 1891 USDA report on fiber investigations, Charles because they could be propagated easily from leaf cuttings and had high fiber yield per acre. Because of its satisfactory cold tolerance, fiber content and good leaf length, S. trc- iFlorida Agricultural Experiment Stations Journal Series No. \TMK Proc, Fla. State Hort. Soc. 95: 1982. 295 fasciata was considered to have the greatest potential for species and cultivars currently grown commercially by Flor fiber production in South Florida. It was determined that ida nurserymen. the annual yield of dry fiber from S. trifasciata was 2,491 lb. Sansevieria cylindrica, the spear sansevieria, with its per acre, annually, from 3-yr-old plantings. long, tapered leaves which are nearly round in cross section, are medium green with dark green crossbanding. Each Commercial Nursery Development rosette attached to a very thick rhizome has 3 to 4 leaves, each 2.5 to 4.5 ft in length. Leaves in estabilshed clumps A few species of Sansevieria are used effectively as land have straight, erect leaves while young plants from leaf scape ground covers or accent plants in the southern part of cuttings tend to produce leaves which reflex outward and the state which corresponds roughly to USDA plant hardi down. The spear sansevieria has limited ornamental value. ness zone 10b (1). Within that area very little cold damage Sansevieria parva N. E. Br. the Kenya hyacinth, is a rela to S. trifasciata cultivars is expected, particularly if it is tively fine-textured species with dark, slender, cross banded, protected from wind. A few successful landscape plantings slightly reflexed leaves, 8 to 10 inches in length. Attached to are occasionally seen in Central Florida though more winter long slender rhizomes, rosettes are composed of 6 to 12 injury accompanies these plantings. Selections of S. tri leaves. As S. parva becomes established in containers, it fasciata are usually preferred for landscaping because of develops rhizomes which frequently emerge from the soil, their clean, attractive foliage, selection of heights ranging protrude over the container edge and cascade downward, from 6 inches to approximately 4 ft, and variety of foliage producing a number of suspended plantlets and creating an colors including very dark green, dark green with gray cross- effect similar to the spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum banding, dark green plus yellow or white in variegated pat (Thumb.) Jacques. The inflorescence of S. parva is rather terns, or silvery green leaves. Sansevieria trifasciata has very large and showier than most Sansevieria species. Sansevieria densely spaced leaves which help compete with weeds in the parva deserves wider usage and may be considered as a landscape. candidate for large hanging baskets if the owner does not In addition to the landscape applications, sansevieria is mind waiting for the trailing rhizomes to develop. Contain a very attractive and durable foliage plant for interiors. ers planted with small plantlets may require a year or more Most historical accounts of the development of the foliage to develop the cascading habit. plant industry in Florida overlook the importance of Sansevieria trifasciata, common sansevieria, also called sansevieria. The frequently told story indicates that produc snake plant and mother-in-law's tongue, is the species from tion of Boston fern, Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott 'Bos- which most of the popular ornamental Sansevieria orig toniensis' and related types began in the Orlando area in inated. It has short, slender rhizomes with rosettes of up to 1913 and intensified, with development of a large fern in 6 leaves 2.5 to 3 ft long and 2 to 2.8 inches wide. Leaves are dustry in the Apopka-Plymouth area by the 1930s. Most of dark green wth silvery green crossbanding that is most the fern plantlets were shipped bare-root to markets in prominent when plants are growing in bright light. Leaves northern states. growing in partial shade are taller, more slender and turn During the early to mid-1920s a few growers south of dark rather quickly. Miami began producing field-grown sansevieria for export 'Bantel's Sensation* is a sport of S. trifasciata 'Laurentii', to Europe where there was a considerable interest in S. discovered by Gustav Bantel of St. Louis, Missouri (3). It trifasciata 'Laurentii', the goldband sansevieria, as a potted has many linear bands of white tissue, interspliced between plant. The first sansevieria nursery the author was able to the green band in varied patterns, making it a very striking determine was Macaw's Nursery on Old Cutler Road, variety. Sansevieria trifasciata 'Bantel's Sensation' must be Miami, which was in business in 1922. During the "early propagated by rhizome divisions because virtually all plants days" a large 3-leaf division of 'Laurentii' sold for $2.00- produced by leaf cuttings are identical to the species. Be $3.00 wholesale to the European market. Today, the same cause of the high proportion of white tissue in the plant, bare-root division sells for approximately $0.20-$0.30. A this cultivar lacks the height and vigor of the species. Al review of commercial sansevieria production techniques in though this is one of the most showy of all the sansevierias, Florida is provided in another publication (11) and, there nurserymen are reluctant to grow much of it because of high fore, is beyond the scope of this article. cost of production and limited demand. Several years after establishment of a few sansevieria Sanseveiria trifasciata Tutura' is similar to 'Laurentii' producers in South Florida, some nurseries in the Orlando- but has distinctly shorter, broader leaves, more leaves per Apopka area began growing sansevieria. Central Florida rosette and usually a narrower yellow margin, approximately now has limited production o fsmall sansevieria plants, in 0.1 to 0.2 inch wide. 'Futura' must be propagated by rhizome either shadehouses or greenhouses, for use in combina division to maintain the desired yellow banded pattern. tion planters or small pots. Only a small portion of the Leaf cuttings produce green plants with the same growth sansevieria grown in Central Florida are sold as bare-root habit as 'Futura', and in this article, will be called 'Robusta'. plants. Most sansevieria grown in Central Florida are types 'Futura' and related cultivars—'Moonshine' and 'Robusta', which propagate true-to-type from leaf cuttings, since beds which have identical growth habits, were first offered by are usually renewed on an annual basis. Florida in the early to mid 1970s. This group is truly out standing because the wide leaves and greater number of leaves per rosette produce a denser plant, less likely to be Commercial Species and Cultivars come spindly after several years indoors. Over 95 % of the sansevieria produced or sold by Florida Sansevieria trifasciata 'Golden Hahnii' a golden birdnest nurseries are cultivars of S. trifasciata. This is primarily due sansevieria, has attractive leaves which have a variable com to the decorative features of the species, its cold hardiness bination of marginal and internal yellow stripes parallel to and its relative ease of propagation and culture. Although the veins. Growth habit is identical to that of S. trifasciata Florida nurseries have restricted their inventory to a few 'Hahnii'. This cultivar sported from 'Hahnii' and was sub basic cultivars familiar to the consuming public, a few sequently patented (10). 'Golden Hahnii' is available in out-of-state nurseries, which appeal primarily to the serious limited quantity because the plant grows slowly and must plant collector, list 20 or more species often available on a be propagated by rhizome division. Leaf cuttings usually mail-order basis. The following paragraphs describe those yield either 5. trifasciata 'Hahnii' or an all yellow plantlet

296 Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 95: 1982. with insufficient chlorophyll to sustain itself when separated 'Silver Hahnii' originated as a sport of 'Hahnii' and was from the "mother leaf. patented by Sylvan Hahn (8). Some selections of this cul Sansevieria trifasciata 'Hahnii', birdnest sansevieria, has tivar tend to be slightly more upright than 'Hahnii'. 'Silver short leaves, 4-7 inches long, strongly reflexed, dark green Hahnii' propagates true-to-type from division or leaf cut with grayish green crossbands. This vase-shaped cultivar tings. usually has 15 to 30 leaves per rosette. Birdnest Sansevieria It is interesting to note that the first 3 foliage plants to was discovered by William W. Smith, Jr. in the Crescent be granted United States plant patents were Sansevieria Nursery Company, New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1939 and culivars. Of the cultivars of Sansevieria to receive patents patented in 1941. The patent was assigned to Sylvan Hahn, (Table 1), only S. Trifasciata 'Nelsonii' originated in Florida Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (17). 'Hahnii' is the most popular (13). of the birdnest types and is used extensively in small pots Table 1. Sansevieria cultivars granted United States plant patents. and dish gardens. It can also be used as ground cover for small protected areas and in hanging planters, particularly the moss-lined frame types which permit rosettes to grow Plant patent Date patent through the open spaces on the underside of the container. Horticultural name Discoverer no. granted Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii', the goldband san sevieria, has been the most popular cultivar of the genus Sansevieria trifasciata William W. Smith 470 June 3,1941 for nearly 60 yr. It is similar to the species in all respects 'Hahnii' (17) except for the variable golden yellow bands along its mar S. trifasciata gins. It is suspected that 'Laurentii' evolved in its native Oscar Nelson 633 July 4,1944 'Nelsonii' (13) habitat since it was introduced from the Belgian Congo. 'Laurentii' is propagated by rhizome division because most S. trifasciata Gustav E. Bantel 796 April 20, 1948 plants developing from leaf cuttings lack the yellow bands. 'Bantel's Sensation' (3) Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii Compacta', the compact S. trifasciata Sylvan F. Hahn 1220 Oct. 13,1953 goldband sansevieria, is a selection that grows about two- 'Silver Hahnii' (8) thirds the height of 'Laurentii' and has darker green colora S. trifasciata Sylvan F. Hahn 1221 Oct. 13,1953 tion. Because of its slow growth rate, few nurseries grow it. 'Golden Seam Hahnii' (9) Propagation is by rhizome division. S. trifasciata Sylvan F. Hahn 1224 Oct. 27,1953 Sansevieria trifasciata 'Moonshine', moonshine san 'Golden Hahnii' (10) sevieria, is a relatively new cultivar with broad silvery gray- green new leaves which become darker green with age. This In 1956 Sansevieria constituted approximately 16% of cultivar is probably a sport because leaf cuttings produce the total foliage plant product mix sold from Florida but it plants identical to 'Robusta', while rhizome divisions yield had dropped 3% in 1975 (16). It is estimated that the per 'Moonshine'. When held indoors under low light intensity centage of the total mix has changed little since 1975. Prob the light colored new growth turns dark rather quickly. The ably less than 50 acres in Dade County are used for field growth habit of 'Moonshine' is identical to that of 'Robusta' production of bare-root Sansevieria plants. Most divisions and 'Futura'. 'Moonshine' is also sold under the name are now produced in the Caribbean Islands or Central Amer 'Moonglow' in the trade. ica where land and labor cost less. The bare-root plants are Sansevieria trifasciata 'Nelsonii', Nelson's sansevieria, either sold to Florida nurseries where they are established also called black sansevieria, is a sport from S. trifasciata in containers, or sold through brokers or directly to northern 'Laurentii' which was patented by Oscar Nelson of Miami in foliage growers. Although the field-gown sansevieria acreage 1944 (13). This stiffly erect cultivar has solid dark green in Florida remains small, there has been increased produc leaves with a velvet-like sheen. Leaves are shorter, thicker tion of sansevieria in 8-10-inch pots for the interiorscape and more numerous per rosette than the species. Only a few trade during the last 5 yr. A few nurseries have offered nurseries attempt to grow 'Nelsonii' because of its slow plants in up to 14-inch containers. growth rate. There are two nearly identical forms of black sansevieria, one of which is 'Nelsonii'. True 'Nelsonii' propagates true-to-type from leaf cuttings while the other Plants With Potential selection, 'Pseudo-Nelsonii', produces plants identical to Except for S. trifasciata cultivars Tutura', 'Moonshine' the species from leaf cuttings. Unfortunately, no distinction and 'Robusta', few new Sansevieria cultivars have been of is made between 'Nelsonii' and 'Pseudo-Nelsonii' by Florida fered to consumers in recent years. There are plants which nurserymen at this time and the latter type is the most should be mentioned in addition to those listed, because widely distributed. they offer the consumer additional growth habits or color Sansevieria trifasciata 'Robusta', the robust sansevieria, patterns within sansevieria. has the same coloration as the species but differs in growth Sansevieria dooneri is a little known species, with flex habit as described under Tutura'. Leaves are about 30% ible, reflexing leaves 6-10 inches long and 0.5-1.0 inches wide, shorter and 1.5 to 2 times wider than the species. 'Robusta' organized in rosettes of 10 or more leaves. The foliage color, may be propagated by either leaf cuttings or division or by luster and crossbanding pattern is similar to S. trifasciata. leaf cutting of 'Futura' or 'Moonshine'. Popularity of Mature rosettes produce slender rhizomes 2-6 inches long 'Robusta' is increasing as consumers learn of its attributes. which terminate in another rosette. I agree with Horst Sansevieria trifasciata 'Silver Queen', silver queen san Pfenning (14) who indicates: "It is surprising that this spe sevieria, has medium silvery gray-green leaves with a dark cies, though represented in many collections, is not more green trace along the margin. Older leaves darken, especially widely used as a horticultural plant." The plant can be used when heavily shaded. 'Silver Queen' is an upright selection as a small potted plant and, as it matures, it makes an ex similar in growth to the species and propagates true-to-type cellent hanging planter specimen with many rosettes cascad from leaf cuttings. ing over the side. It is much more attractive than S. parva Sansevieria trifasciata 'Silver Hahnii', the silver birdnest which has a similar growth habit. Since the leaves are sansevieria, has medium silvery gray-green leaves with a pale shorter, flatter and more flexible than S. parva, it should be green crossbanding pattern and fine dark green margins. easier to handle and ship.

Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 95: 1982. 297 Sansevieria trifasciata 'Futura Superba'. This selection makes an excellent small specimen in 4-5-inch pots and an from 'Futura' has an exceptionally wide golden yellow outstanding hanging plant in 5-6 inch diameter containers. margin, making it a very showy variety. A limited number of this cultivar plant is being produced in Florida, but it is Literature Cited believed that the supply will increase with time. Stock of this cultivar is being increased by at least one Florida nurs 1. Anonymous. 1965. Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Misc. Publ. No. 814. Agr. Res. Serv. U.S. Dept. Agr. ery. 2. Bailey, L. H., E. Z. Bailey and the staff of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Sansevieria trifasciata 'Silver Laurentii', the silver gold- Hortorium. 1976. Hortus Third. Macmillan Publ. Co., Inc., New band sansevieria, a sport from 'Laurentii', has a distinct, York. 1290 pp. silvery green sheen which contrasts nicely with the yellow 3. Bantel, Gustav E. 1948. Sansevieria plant—Plant Patent 798. U.S. bands. Growth habit of this variety is identical to 'Laurentii'. Patent Office. 2 pp. 4. Brown, N. E. 1915. XII. Sansevieria—A monograph of all known Stock of this cultivar is being increased by at least one Flor species. Bui. Misc. Information No. 5. Royal Bot. Gardens, Kew, ida nursery. England, pp. 185-261. Sansevieria trifasciata 'Loop's Pride' is a selection from 5. Dodge, C. R. 1891. A report on sisal hemp culture in the United 'Hahnii' which has extremely dark green leaves that lack States. Fiber Investigations Rep. No. 3. U.S. Dept. Agr., Govt. Printing Office. 59 pp. crossbanding. This cultivar is currently listed by at least 6. Dodge, C. R. 1893. A report on the leaf fibers of the United States. one California mail order nursery and should be considered Fiber Investigations Rep. No. 5. U.S. Dept. Agr., Govt. Printing for production in Florida. It is not known at this time if Office. 73 pp. this selection propagates true-to-type from leaf cuttings. 7. Gangstad, E. O., J. F. Joyner and C. C. Seale. 1951. Agronomic characteristics of Sansevieria species. Trop. Agr. 28(7-12) :204-214. Sansevieria trifasciata 'Golden Seam Hahnii', the gilded- 8. Hahn, S. F. 1953. Sansevieria plant-Plant Patent 1,220. U.S. Patent edge birdnest sansevieria, was discovered by Sylvan Hahn Office. 2 pp. and patented in 1953 (9). This variety is reported to have a 9. Hahn, S. F. 1953. Sansevieria plant-Plant Patent 1,221. U.S. Patent very narrow, light yellow leaf margin. Since its introduction Office. 2 pp. 10. Hahn, S. F. 1953. Sansevieria plant—Plant Patent 1,224. U.S. Patent the gilded edge birdnest sansevieria has essentially been Office. 2 pp. dropped from the trade, presumably because it is not as 11. Henley, R. W. 1981. A guide to Sansevieria production. Coop. Ext. showy as 'Golden Hahnii'. Serv., Univ. Florida. Cir. 491. 6 pp. The long term outlook for sansevieria consumption is 12. Joyner, J. F., J. B. Pate, E. O. Gangstad and C. C. Seale. 1951. The potentialities of Sansevieria for fiber production in South Florida. impossible to predict, but it probably will continue to ac Soil Crop Sci. Soc, Florida 11:138-139. count for 2 to 5% of foliage plants sold through Florida 13. Nelson, O. 1944. Sansevieria plant—Plant Patent 633. U.S. Patent nurseries and brokers. The low maintenance requirement Office. 2 pp. and infrequent replacement by interiorscapers seem to be 14. Pfennig, Horst. 1979. Grass-like to tree-like: the Sansevierias. Cactus and Succulent J., Great Britain. 41(3):56-60. increasingly important considerations for plant selections 15. Simpson, C. P. 1912. Native and exotic. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. which favor sansevieria and a few other plants. Retail sales 25:166-214. of the newer forms of S. trifasciata should increase as con 16. Smith, C. N. and J. R. Strain. 1976. Market outlets and product sumers become familiar with their attributes. mix for Florida foliage plants. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 89:274-278. 17. Smith, W. W., Jr. 1941. Sansevieria—Plant Patent 470. U.S. Patent Of all the Sansevieria species, S. dooneri N. E. Br. de Office. 2 pp. serves serious consideration for commercial production. It

Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 95:298-300. 1982.

FERTILIZATION OF AFRICAN VIOLET IN VARIOUS MEDIA1 F. A. Gurdian and T. A. Nell2 duced including the Ballet, Rhapsody, and Optimara series Department of Ornamental Horticulture, (3), which are more floriferous than previously available University of Florida, cultivars. High profit per square foot makes African violets Gainesville, FL 32611 attractive commercial flowering plants for year-round pro duction. African violets grow best with low light intensity, Additional index words. Flowering, Saintpaulia ionantha. night temperatures of 21 °C and previous reports suggest they require low fertilization (3, 4, 5). Payne and Adams (5) found maximum dry weight of 'Lisa' African violet plants Abstract. 'Lisa' African violet plants were larger, had the varied with time of year, with 3.6 kg/m3 in the summer and earliest flowering and greatest number of flowering stalks 2.7 kg/m3 in the winter when provided by a slow release when grown in Metro-Mix 300, Metro-Mix 500, or Vergro fertilizer. Payne (4) has recommended 75 ppm nitrogen for Klay Mix compared to a mix consisting of equal parts of sand, African violet production but growth medium was not men peat, and perlite. Increases in fertilizer levels of 50, 100, or tioned. This study was initiated to identify the relationship 200 ppm N had no effect on flowering but dry weight and between fertilizer level and potting medium for African leaf length were reduced at the high fertilizer level. violets.

Saintpaulia ionantha H. Wendl., African violets, are popular hobby plants and new cultivars have been intro- Material and Methods

'Lisa' African violet plants were received from a com- iFlorida Experiment Stations Journal Series No. 4244. merical propagator and potted on September 9, 1981, in 2The authors are grateful to the W. R. Grace Company, Cambridge, 10 cm standard plastic pots and grown under natural photo- MA and Verlite Corporation, Tampa, FL for media and fertilizer, and Pan American Plant Co., Parrish, FL for material used in these studies. period in a lightly shaded glass greenhouse with a single

298 Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 95: 1982.