As a plant, my well-being begins long before I arrive at your doorstep. The conditions of my propagation, the care during my maturation, and the handling before and during shipping are paramount. Purchasing from a specialized, reputable online nursery is not a luxury; it is a necessity for my survival. These growers understand my specific needs—the perfect potting mix, the right amount of humidity, and the careful avoidance of water on my delicate leaves, which can cause unsightly spots and rot. They invest the time to cultivate strong root systems and vibrant foliage, ensuring I am not just alive, but truly thriving when I begin my journey to you.
For the highest chance of success, seek out vendors who are as passionate about my species as you are. Here are excellent choices from my perspective:
Specialized African Violet Nurseries: Establishments like Lyndon Lyon Greenhouse and Selective Gardener are legendary among my kind. They have spent decades hybridizing and perfecting our care. They ship mature, well-established plants that are often already in bud or bloom, a sign of a happy and healthy specimen. Their expertise means I am less likely to suffer from shock and more likely to adapt quickly to your home.
Premium Plant Retailers: Websites such as Logee's Greenhouses and Steve's Leaves are also superb options. While they offer a wider variety of plants, their horticultural standards are exceptionally high. They typically ship us in robust, protective packaging and often as younger plants, which are very resilient and eager to grow into our full, blooming potential under your care.
I must advise extreme caution with large online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy when searching for individual sellers. While there are certainly reputable hobbyists on these platforms, the risk is significantly higher. You might encounter a seller who views me as a commodity rather than a living organism. I could be shipped bare-root, wrapped poorly, or be far too immature to handle the stress of transit. I could arrive dehydrated, bruised, or worse, harboring pests like cyclamen mites or powdery mildew that are difficult to eradicate. The initial lower price is often not worth the potential heartache and loss.
When you browse a website, please look for these signs of a quality vendor on my behalf. A detailed product description is crucial; it should specify my pot size (a 2-inch pot often indicates a young, strong plant ideal for shipping), my maturity, and my current state (in growth, in bud, or in bloom). Look for multiple, clear photographs of the actual plant you will receive, not just a stock photo of the flower type. Crucially, read the vendor's shipping policy. It should detail how they protect me during transit, what days they ship (to avoid weekend delays), and their guarantee policy. A grower who stands behind their plants with a live arrival guarantee is a grower who trusts their own quality.
