African Violets

~ By Audrey ~

I think these are lovely plants, especially in a small grouping of 2 or 3. They like to be near an east facing window. Next best would be a north facing window. If this is not possible put them under a grow light with a timer. It is said they need at least 8 hrs of light a day and at least 8 hrs of darkness as well. A plant that does not flower is not getting enough light and if the leaves get brown edges or brown spots it is getting too much light.

It is recommended that you repot any African violet as soon as you get it home. That is probably a good idea for any plant you purchase. It is a good idea to cover each drainage hole in the pot with a pebble before filling the pot about half-full with your soil mixture, then put in your plant, and fill the pot with more of your potting mix. Tamp down the soil and add more. Tamp down some more. A good soil for African violets is a mix of equal parts potting soil, peat moss and vermiculite or perlite. Now put the prepared pot into a deep saucer, fill the saucer with tepid water and leave the plant there for about an hour. Then empty the excess water and let the plant drain before returning to the saucer.

African violets need special pots since regular pots are too deep. In the case of African violets you will need a deep saucer to put the pot into. Since African violets are native to the tropical rain forests of Africa they like warm, humid air. A good way to keep them happy in your home is to place flat pebbles in the bottom of their saucer, place the pot as level as you can on top of this bed of pebbles or small stones. Pour in just enough tepid water to cover most of the pebbles but keep the bottom of the pot above the water.

Regularly check the soil of your plant by sticking your finger in the soil. Water from below. Always let the water you will use to water your plant sit in the watering can for a few days before you use it. After you add water to the saucer to cover the bottom of the pot let it sit for about one hour. Or, you can put water in the sink and set the pots in the water for an hour and then drain them. Getting the leaves wet can cause brown spots. It is not a good idea to use soft water as the increased saline in the water interferes with the plants ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Pinch off spent blossoms, old leaves and suckers. And enjoy these delightful little bits of color in your home.

Sources I used for my information are:

The Plant Expert

African Violet Society of America

Encyclopedia Britannica

African Violets ~ By Jean Marie Ross
(The Florida Connection, Jan-Feb-March 2001)

         

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