Over the years I've had many African Violets.?
Answers:
I grow African Violets all year round. Here's how.
1) After you buy it, replant it in a container twice the size of the one it's in. That'll give it plenty of room to grown. They smother out quickly if in a container too small.
2) Use the potting soil that is made especially FOR African Violets. It's easy to find at any Walmart and it's not expensive. It has exactly the right amount of plant food and fertilizer.
3) When you water it, don't get the leaves wet. They'll become soggy and fall off the plant and grow a nasty mildew that'll kill the plant. Only water the soil.
4) They can get REALLY dry before they need to be watered. The plant is made up of mostly water anyway. Squeeze one of the stems between your fingers and you'll see how much water comes out. Only water the plant when the soil is very dry. You can water it from the top (I do) just be careful of the leaves. If you get one wet, pick it off. No worries.
5) Keep the plant in bright light but not direct sun. Sun will burn it up. Remember, it's mostly water, so it makes sense that too much sun will burn it up, right? Window sills are great.
6) When your blooms die off (always pick them off as they turn brown to avoid that nasty mildew we talked about) keep treating it as you would when it was blooming. It sucks, but it'll stay dormant for a LONG time. The plant itself will get bigger and bigger and you may repot it twice before it blooms again, but when it does.....whew....it'll be worth it. I think people just get impatient with it being JUST green and they quit taking care of it or toss it out.
That's it! I can't stand it when people say they're too much trouble. You treat them the same freakin' way you would any plant: water, sun, patience. Good Luck!
Other answers:
My grandmother has had African Violets. They are very high maintenance. They need to have a particular temperature, particular sun exposure, particular soil (yes there is an "African Violet Soil" on the market), particular fertilizer, ans particular moisture level. If any of those are messed up, you won't get good blooms. I suggest you read up on them, or find a different plant.
My grandmother has had African Violets. They are very high maintenance. They need to have a particular temperature, particular sun exposure, particular soil (yes there is an "African Violet Soil" on the market), particular fertilizer, ans particular moisture level. If any of those are messed up, you won't get good blooms. I suggest you read up on them, or find a different plant.
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