How to Make Your African Violets Grow Large & Bloom Profusely

It's best to water African violets with lukewarm water.

Few houseplants deliver the impact of African violets with such little care. Sporting flowers in colors all over the spectrum and large, fuzzy leaves, African violets can brighten even the darkest of winters. African violets seem as if they're specifically made for living under artificial lighting and climate, as these conditions encourage the most beautiful blooms and most boisterous plants. Despite rumors to the contrary, African violets are simple to grow with great success.

Things You'll Need

• Small plastic or clay pot
• Soil
• Soil test kit
• Lime or sulfur
• Sphagnum peat moss
• Perlite
• Aluminum foil
• Fertilizer
• Small pan
• Pebbles

Instructions

1. Plant African violets in mediums containing 1 part soil, 1 part sphagnum peat moss and 1 part perlite. The pH of the mixture should be 6.0 to 6.5. Use a soil test kit to determine soil pH. To raise the pH, add lime. To lower it, add sulfur.

2. Select a pot that is one-third the diameter of the plant, so a root-bound African violet can bloom more profusely. Plant the African violet with the crown just above the rim of the pot and line the pot rim with foil to ensure the leaves don't rot from excess moisture.

3. Water the plant either from the top or the bottom of the pot, but use lukewarm water. Keep the crown and leaves of the plant dry when watering from the top and water until leaks out the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Water from the bottom by filling a saucer and sitting the plant in the water until the surface of the soil is moist. Drain excess water no matter the watering method. Wait to re-water until the top of the plant's soil feels dry again.

4. Fertilize with great care. Fertilize minimally when the leaves become a lighter green and the growth rate of the plant decreases. Use a complete water-soluble fertilizer formulated for blooming houseplants or specifically formulated for African violets.

5. Maintain high humidity in the vicinity of the African violet, if possible. Set plants in pans of water and pebbles so the pot is not in the water. Re-water the pan as water evaporates. Maintain temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 10 to 15 degrees higher during the day. Remove African violets from windows at night to avoid chilling.

6. Expose the African violet to north- or east-facing windows throughout the year. Grow African violets under artificial lights if you must, but ensure they receive at least eight hours of darkness each day. Provide 600 foot-candles of light per plant in an artificial lighting setting, recommends the Purdue University Cooperative Extension.

References

• "University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension"; African Violets Can Bloom All Year Long; Joan Bonnette
• "Purdue University Cooperative Extension"; African Violet Care; B. Rose Lerner, et al.; March 2001

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish