Pot: Container used for growing African Violets and other plants. Pots used for growing African Violets should be relatively shallow. For an example, see Azalea Pot.
Pot Size: Describes the size of a pot as measured at the diameter of the rim. Common pot sizes for standard African Violets are 4-inch and 6-inch. Common pot sizes for super miniatures, miniatures and semi-miniatures are 1-inch, 2-inch and 3-inch, respectively.
Pot Sterilization: Any method for sterilizing a pot against the micro-organisms known to attack African Violets. Such micro-organisms include Nematodes, Phytophthora, Pythium and Rhizoctonia. A common method for sterilizing pots for African Violets is to soak them in a 10 percent bleach solution, i.e., 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.
Potash: See Potassium.
Potassium: (K) Also called potash. Major element essential to the growth and vitality of African Violets. One of the three primary elements. Potassium plays a role in many functions of the plant, including the accumulation and movement of plant carbohydrates.
Potassium Deficiency: Condition which describes an African Violet that is not getting enough potassium. Among other symptoms, a deficiency of potassium will cause chlorosis in the leaves. More information.
Potbound: See Rootbound.
Potting Down: Repotting an African Violet into a smaller pot, usually the next pot size down. This is sometimes done when an African Violet has been potted up too soon. More information. Also see Potting Down A Neck.
Potting Down A Neck: Remedy for African Violets which have developed an elongated neck. Potting down a neck is unlike potting down an African Violet, as the term is normally understood. When potting down a neck, the African Violet is not repotted into a smaller pot, but is repotted into the same pot. Specifically, the procedure involves cutting off a section of the rootball equal to the length of the neck, then adding new potting soil around the neck, where the African Violet will begin to grow new roots.
Potting Medium: pl. potting media. Any substance into which an African Violet or other plant is potted. A potting medium does not necessarily have to be potting soil. See, for instance, Hydroculture.
Potting Mix: See Potting Soil.
Potting Soil: Also called grow mix or potting mix. A term generally referring to any potting medium which is primarily made up of natural, organic material, i.e., peat moss. While very often called "potting soil," a good mix actually contains no soil at all. Instead, a good potting soil will, more often than not, consist primarily of sphagnum peat moss with very small amounts of lime and other materials to correct the pH and increase porosity. A potting soil of this type holds just the right amount of water, provides sufficient aeration and gives the delicate roots of African Violets the room they need to grow.
Potting Up: Repotting an African Violet into a larger pot, usually the next pot size up. This is most often done when an African Violet has become rootbound. Also see Mold Potting. More information.
Powdery Mildew: Condition caused by a fungus which thrives during high humidity and poor air circulation, especially after sudden changes in temperature. The fungus appears as a light gray powder which grows superficially on the leaves and flowers of African Violets. More information.
PP: Also 'P.P.' Abbreviation often used for Propagation Prohibited.
Pre-Finished: Refers to a commercially-grown African Violet which has just begun its first flowering cycle. A standard, pre-finished African Violet will normally be 29 to 33 weeks old. Also see Large Pre-Finished and Small Pre-Finished.
Prill: Also called sprill. Form of fertilizer which has been encapsulated with a biodegradable coating. The coating is formulated to dissolve within a given period of time, depending on various environmental factors. Prill is used in slow-release fertilizers. It is also used to coat certain micronutrients in order to keep them available to plants as they are needed.
Primary Element: Also called fertilizer element, primary nutrient or NPK. Any of the three essential elements found in most fertilizers. These elements are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).
Primary Nutrient: See Primary Element.
Pritchard Mealy Bugs: Rhizoecus dianthi. A common species of Mealy Bug known to feed on African Violets. See Soil Mealy Bugs.
Privet Mites: Brevipalpus obovatus. Sometimes called "false spider mites." Arachnids known to feed on African Violets. Privet Mites are dark red in color and measure about 1/100 inch in length. Because of their similar appearance and feeding habits, they are often mistaken for Spider Mites. Unlike Spider Mites, however, Privet Mites do not produce webs. Damage caused by Privet Mites is compounded by the fact some Mites are known to carry Botrytis. More information.
Propagation: Production of new plants. With regard to African Violets, propagation can be accomplished by a number of methods. African Violets can be propagated from seed, leaf cutting, peduncle cutting, tissue culture or by rooting a sucker. Also see Division and Separation.
Propagation Prohibited: Often abbreviated 'PP' or 'P.P.' Term describing a patented cultivar for which the hybridizer has prohibited propagation. On such plants, the term will normally be found on the label or tag. Even if not expressly stated, however, it is assumed that propagation is prohibited for all patented plants. Also see Plant Patent.
Pseudococcus adonidum: Outdated nomenclature (scientific name) for Long-Tailed Mealy Bug. The preferred nomenclature is Pseudococcus longispinus. Also see Leaf Mealy Bugs.
Pseudococcus calceolariae: Citrophilus Mealy Bug. A species of Mealy Bug known to feed on African Violets. See Leaf Mealy Bugs.
Pseudococcus citri: Outdated nomenclature (scientific name) for Citrus Mealy Bug. The preferred nomenclature is Planococcus citri. Also see Leaf Mealy Bugs.
Pseudococcus fragilis: Outdated nomenclature (scientific name) for Citrophilus Mealy Bug. The preferred nomenclature is Pseudococcus calceolariae. Also see Leaf Mealy Bugs.
Pseudococcus longispinus: Long-Tailed Mealy Bug. A species of Mealy Bug known to feed on African Violets. See Leaf Mealy Bugs.
Pseudococcus maritimus: Grape Mealy Bug. Sometimes called Bakers Mealy Bug. A species of Mealy Bug known to feed on African Violets. See Leaf Mealy Bugs.
Pseudococcus obscurus: Outdated nomenclature (scientific name) for Pseudococcus viburni. Also see Leaf Mealy Bugs.
Pseudococcus viburni: Grape Mealy Bug. Sometimes called Bakers Mealy Bug. A species of Mealy Bug known to feed on African Violets. See Leaf Mealy Bugs.
Pueblo: Optimara miniature variety. See Little Pueblo Girl.
Puissance de Hydrogen: See pH.
Pusilla: See Saintpaulia pusilla.
Pyrethrin: An organic pesticide sometimes used to control insects such as Aphids and Whiteflies. Pyrethrin, which is extracted from chrysanthemums, is used as a contact pesticide. It is moderately toxic to humans. Pyrethrin is classified for general use by the EPA.
Pythium: Fungus known to attack African Violets. Pythium attacks the roots and crown of African Violets, causing stems to rot at the base so that otherwise healthy-looking leaves collapse. More information.
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