African Violets

The African violet is the most popular houseplant due to its ease of propagation and its ability to flower throughout the year.

African violets must receive the right amount of light to flower properly. If they are not getting enough light, the leaves become thin and develop long stems. They will usually have normal leaf color but will not bloom.

If the light is too intense, growth is less vigorous and more compact. Leaves become pale or yellowish green. Often the leaves show darker areas where they have been shaded by other leaves. Flowering is decreased.

The night temperature for African violets should be between 65 and 70°F. The day temperature should be 10 to 15 degrees higher than the night temperature. Leaves on plants exposed to low temperatures will first turn dark, then appear water soaked and finally die. Plants that are grown on a window sill can be damaged by low temperatures.

The soil mixture used for growing African violets should be loose and porous so that it has good drainage. Set small plants in a 2 1/4 or 2 1/2-inch pot. As the plants grow larger, shift them to a 3-inch and later to a 4-inch pot.

Establish a definite schedule for watering African violets. The amount of water will vary with the conditions under which the plants are grown. As a general rule, water the plants when the soil surface feels dry to the touch, but before it becomes hard or the plants begin to wilt. The water should be room temperature - cold water will cause spots to develop on the leaves. Apply enough water each time to thoroughly saturate the soil. Throw away excess water draining through the bottom of the pot.

Water-soluble fertilizers sold for use on house plants are suitable for African violets. Usually plants are fertilized every 4 to 7 weeks. Fertilizer is needed if the leaves become pale green and the plant begins producing fewer and smaller flowers.

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