African Violet

African Violets – do they deserve their finicky flowering reputation?  Yes and No.  While African Violets flourish with a precise recipe of light, moisture, warmth and feeding, once you know the recipe, it’s an easy one to follow.

It helps to understand African Violets if you know their origin.  African Violets are native to Tanzania, which is in East Africa.  This means they tend to grow best under similar conditions to their native environment, which is a warm climate with a lighter, airy growing medium rather than a heavy potting soil.

Why isn’t my African Violet Flowering?

This question is one of the most often asked FAQ’s for African Violets.  More often than not, the answer is that they are not getting enough light, humidity or warmth.  Finding the right combination will get them to bloom.  In fact, African Violets offer blooms nearly 9 months out of the year if they’re happy and healthy.

Light

One of the most important factors to promoting blooms in African Violets is adequate lighting.  An east facing window is best, as they love the light of the morning sun.  If an east window isn’t available, any window offering bright but filtered sunlight can substitute.

Water

African Violets love humidity, which is why you see them in the more humid rooms of the home such as bathrooms.  Use a pebble tray to simulate humidity if you have them located in a dryer area.  Placing the pot on a tray of pebbles allows the moisture to circulate without rotting the roots.  It’s also best to avoid moisture on the blooms or leaves so they will not get discolored.   Make sure not to overwater African Violets.  A good rule of thumb is to use room temperature water when the top of the planting medium is slightly dry, usually once a week.

Potting

African Violets tend to like a snug pot, a good standard is to use one that is approximately 1/3 the size of the plant.  Don’t use a regular potting soil for African Violets.  Use either a prepackaged African Violet potting mix or a soilless mix.  It needs to be light and airy with good drainage for the roots to thrive and not rot.

Care and Feeding Tips

While we love African Violets, so do pests – inspect leaves for trespassers.  If necessary, use a pesticide specifically for African Violets.  Other helpful hints:

·         While the soft fuzzy foliage of the African Violet begs to be touched, avoid touching it too much, as it can damage the leaves.

·         Fertilizing helps promote blooms.  Use a fertilizer with a mix of contain 12-36-14 parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for best results.  Be consistent in your fertilizing routine.

·         African Violets need warm temperatures.  Daytime temperatures should be in the low to mid 70’s and nighttime temperatures in the low to mid 60’s.  They like to have a day/night temperature difference of approximately 10 degrees.

Bottom Line

African Violets are one of the world’s most popular houseplants for good reason – they’re long blooming with soft foliage and a nice compact growth.  Keep them happy with the right recipe of light, moisture, warmth and fertilizer and you’ll have a friend for life!