My African Violets

I primarily focus on well-behaved foliage—serrated, scalloped, or pointed edges are what catch my eye most often. I prefer leaves that hold their shape nicely without folding or cupping downward along the edges, as that particular trait doesn’t really fit the overall look I’m going for. While I have a definite preference for miniatures, I do grow all sizes and appreciate the variety they bring. I also tend to avoid plants with heavy red backing in the foliage, leaning instead toward cleaner, greener tones.

When it comes to flowers, I’m especially drawn to patterns that involve white—things like white eyes, thumbprints, or more variable, expressive white markings. These features really stand out to me, and I’ve become increasingly interested in the possibility that white eyes and thumbprints may be linked genetically. My current thinking is that they might be caused by the same gene, just expressed differently depending on the plant. I’m hoping to explore this more through my own crosses and see where it leads.

I also enjoy reds, particularly when paired with green or white edges, and I have a soft spot for ray-type fantasy forms—cultivars like RS-Zorro or Black Tie Affair are great examples of that style. On the other hand, I tend to steer clear of wasp forms and heavily fringed blooms, as they don’t really align with the look I’m cultivating. Overall, my growing style balances curiosity with personal taste, and I’m always learning more as I go.