How to Get Your African Violets to Bloom

African violets need attention to flower well.

African violets (Saintpaulia) have been common houseplants for generations. Most varieties bloom regularly throughout the year, although some cultivars bloom in cycles. Getting maximum bloom out of African violets can be a challenge, however. Check your cultural practices if your violets are reluctant bloomers.

Things You'll Need

• Supplemental lighting (optional)
• African violet fertilizer
• Loose potting soil
• Saucer
• Gravel

Instructions

1. Place your African violets in bright light, but not in direct sunlight. If you're relying on window light, site the plants within 12 inches of a north- or east-facing window. Turn the pots regularly to ensure even growth. With artificial lights, place the plants within 12 to 15 inches of a balanced florescent light that's left on for at least 12 hours per day. African violets also need at least eight hours of darkness each night for good bud development.

2. Feed your violets weekly with a water-soluble balanced African violet fertilizer that doesn't contain urea. If product directions are only for monthly feedings, dilute it to 1/4 strength for weekly feedings, as fertilizers are stable once diluted and store well.

3. Check the potting soil around the roots. African violets need loose, airy soil that allows their fine roots to grow freely. Heavy soil inhibits both plant growth and flowering. If you can't find a light, loose African violet potting soil, make one yourself with 1 part peat moss, 1 part vermiculite and 1 part perlite.

4. Water often enough to keep the soil evenly moist around the roots. Erratic watering causes bud drop.

5. Stress the plant slightly to trick it out of its vegetative state. Gently squeeze the root ball or thump the plant on the table to disturb the roots.

Tips & Warnings

• Air temperatures over 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit inhibit bud production. Some cultivars are more vulnerable to high temperatures than others. The violets will resume flowering once temperatures cool.

• Dry air can wreak havoc with your African violets, especially in winter. Site them out of air conditioning and heating drafts. Raise the air humidity by placing a saucer of water near the pots or placing the plants on gravel covered with water.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension; African Violets; Sydney Park Brown; 2009
• Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service; African Violet Care; B. Rosie Lerner, et al.; March 2001
• University of Florida; African Violet Production Guide; R. T. Poole, et al.