How to Grow Beautiful African Violets

African violets bloom almost all year with the right care.

African violets come in shades ranging from white to deep purple and are available in simple petal forms and elegant, ruffled ones. It doesn't matter which variety of violet you choose; the needs are the same for all of them. Taking care of violets can become an obsession, but a good one, as they give back much more than they ask.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• African Violet plant
• good soil
• water
• sun
• drainage or violet pot

1. Repot the African violet when you bring it home. Violets like to be a bit root bound so go up only one size when repotting. If possible, purchase a special violet planter pot, which is ceramic and comes in two pieces. The inset is porous and absorbs just the right amount of water. Violets do not like wet feet. Add liquid African violet food to the water so it automatically feeds the plant. Stay clear of terra cotta pots, as the clay attracts pests and collects salts and other chemicals from the water that can harm the plant.

2. Purchase potting soil made especially for African violets or make a mixture using equal parts peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. Add small amounts of dehydrated cow manure and horticulture charcoal.

3. Water the African violets using bottled spring water. If this is not available, use tap water that has not been softened and that has set out overnight to allow the chlorine to evaporate. Water that has collected from a dehumidifier works as well. If you must water from the top do not let the water flow onto the plant. Wipe off any droplets that fall on the leaves. These violets like a 40 to 50 percent humidity level. If moisture is needed, place the pots in a pan filled with gravel and water. The water will evaporate and provide extra humidity for the plant.

4. Feed the violets regularly to encourage blossoms. Use a liquid fertilizer formulated specifically for African violets.

5. Place the African violets in an area where they receive 10 to 14 hours of light. They need a source of bright but not direct light. They do equally well with sun or artificial light, as long as it isn't direct.

6. Remove any bottom leaves as they die off.

Tips & Warnings

• If a leaf accidentally gets chopped off, stick it in some soil and it will start a new plant.

References

• University of Rhode Island: Caring for African Violets