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The author discusses the principles that she applies in caring for her variegated African violets in New England. She focuses on the options of the grower to keep the plants cool so that leaves will continue to have their lighter coloring, control of fertilizers and maintenance of good air circulation. She explores the advantage of knowing the differences between variegated plants to understand their special needs.

The article traces the history of the development of the trailing African violets. According to the author, the original African violets were not trailers but were actually rosette style plants. He reveals that the Saintpaulia grotei variety was one of the first used to cultivate trailers. He states that crossing S. grotei with other breeds produced plants that have trailing habits. He adds that hybridizer Harold Reinhardt crossed plants to produce the first trailers with variegated foliage.

The article features variegated foliage of Hostas, a type of African violets grown for their variegated foliage rather than their flowers. As mentioned, there is a growing trend in gesneriad shows in Toronto, Ontario to exhibit variegated chiritas, Streptocarpus and petrocosmeas due to their unique shapes and foliage that are interesting even when not in bloom. Popular hybrids of variegated chiritas are discussed in the article.

Addresses questions about African violets. Suggested way to create a semi-mini trailer with wasp foliage; Possibility to produce a variegated plant with a pink thumbprint on a blue background; Pigment that makes some variegated leaves appear brown.

Presents an article discussing ways to grow variegated African violets. History of variegated varieties of the plant; Tips on repotting variegated plants; Example of variegated miniature and semiminiature plants.

Focuses on issues related to horticulture. Tips on planting Streptocarpus Calico Prints; Characteristics of variegated standard violets used as a prize in a bingo game; Ways to control thrips.

Answers several questions relating to hybridization of African violets. Genetic symbols for traits of African violets; Appearance of the variegation in the flowers of variegated plants; Creation of a green edged wasp shaped flower.

The article discusses how to get variegates to bloom freely by controlling the amount of variegation so that the plant can live. Variegated violets have less chlorophyll and have less ability to produce energy than violets with green foliages. Since blooming requires energy, the variegated violet has too little chlorophyll and cannot process light. A balance is needed so that the violet looks attractive without being so variegated that it can no longer thrive. The process by which plants produce chlorophyll is explained in the article.

The article presents a reprint of the article "Summer Chores," which appeared in an issue of "African Violet News." It describes several gardening-related chores to carry out during summer. Variegated leaves may be propagated to improve the survival rate of plantlets. Potential show plants may be potted up. One may also rejuvenate old hanging baskets.

The article presents a guide for propagating variegated Streptocarpus plantlets. It cites that a section of a variegated Streptocarpus leaf will have plantlets with different degrees of variegation. It states that a green area will frequently grow a green plantlet with no variegation, while a white area will produce a white plantlet that might not survive because of lack of chlorophyll.

Gives advice on hybridizing African violets. Reasons behind the occurrence of self-seeding; Importance of labeling variegated seedling; Requirements needed by the seed for its development.

Reprints the article "Winter Care of Violets and Gesneriads," by Sue Hodges, which appeared in the periodical "African Violet News." Influence of indoor temperature on the growth of violets; Measures for protecting plants that grow on windowsills from cold at night; Period of propagation of variegated plants.