African Violets

African Violets are prized for their prolific blooming, ease of growing and can be the most rewarding of all the indoor flowering plants. They bloom freely anytime of the year and the blooms are relatively long lasting. African Violet flowers come in a wonderful range of colors; white, pink, purple, and blue hues, and variegated and bi-color flower patterns. The bi-color varieties are known as pinwheels. The leaves grow from a short stem or rosette. They are hairy, and can range in color from light green to dark-purplish green and can sometimes be variegated.

Plant Care Light:

Violets need bright indirect light or a few hours of direct or filtered morning sun. Violets are very good growers under fluorescent light. They should be placed about a foot from the light source for about 12-16 hours a day. With this light and proper watering and fertilizing, the plants will stay in nearly constant bloom.

Temperature:

African Violets prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 F. Temperatures that fluctuate a lot from this range will cause them to stop growing and blooming. Humidity is necessary for proper health. Place the plant in a tray of moist pebbles to help humidify their environment. Please note that the plants will stop blooming if the violet becomes potbound.

Watering:

Let violets dry out slightly between waterings. Make sure the water is temperate or spotting will occur if water gets on the leaves. To reduce the potential for spotting, some people water the plant from the bottom.

Fertilizer:

Fertilize African Violets with specially formulated African Violet Fertilizer (1-2-1 ratio) about every two to four weeks.

Potting Soil:

A soil mixture composed of about 2 parts fertile loam, 1 part leaf mold or peat, and 1 part sand or perlite is recommended.