Hints for Growing African
Violets Successfully
Where to place your African violet
The rule of thumb is that African violets
prefer the same living conditions humans like. Avoid draughty
situations such as hallways and cold rooms, especially in winter.
The ideal temperature range for African violets is 16°–26°
C. Outside these temperatures flowering may be sparse or non-existent.
Watering
African violets like to grow in moist mix but they are not
bog plants – they do not like continuously wet feet.
There are many ways to water an African violet but the main
thing is do not over-water your plant. Watering may be done
by hand; either by standing in a saucer of water until the
potting mix becomes damp or from the top using a long-spouted
watering can that reaches under the leaves. Never leave the
plant standing in water for any longer than necessary or it
will develop root-rot.
Tepid water, or water that has been allowed
to come to room temperature should be used for either of these
methods. Cold water straight from the tap can cause marks
to develop on the leaves. The time to water is when the top
of your potting mix feels dry.
Care should be taken that no water is left
on the leaves or in the centre of the plant. If the plant
is in the strong light, water left on the leaves will burn
the leaves while water left in the centre of the leaves will
cause crown rot.
Another method for watering is the wick method.
A wick of wet synthetic material such as venetian blind cord
or nylon stocking is inserted in the pot and allow to draw
water from a reservoir below the pot. Natural fibres should
not be used for wicks because they rot with the constant moisture.
Fertilizing
It is best to use a fertilizer formulated for African violets.
A fertilizer with very high nitrogen content will produce
lovely lush green leaves but not many flowers.
There two forms of African violet fertilizer
available. One is a powder, the other is a liquid. Both need
to be added to water to make the required strength of fertilizer.
Whichever form you choose, use according to the manufacturer's
directions. Too much fertilizer will cause fertilizer burn
in the centre of the plant.
If you are using the wick-watering system,
fertilizer may be added to the water in the reservoir. In
general, the liquid fertilizers are very suitable for this
as they are usually formulated for constant feed. However,
if using one of the powdered forms, which are usually designed
for application once a week, dilute the mixed fertilizer to
one-eighth strength for use in a reservoir.
Light requirements
African violets require bright light to flower well. Direct
sunlight should be avoided as the rays of the sun will burn
the leaves. If the plant is grown on a window-sill a sheer
curtain will provide sufficient screening from the direct
sun. Insufficient light can be corrected with light from a
fluorescent reading lamp placed alongside the plant.
Potting
African violets should not be over-potted. Squat pots of an
appropriate size, up to a maximum of 115–125 mm (4.5–5")
should be used. When repotting the diameter of the pot should
be not more than about one-third the diameter of the leaf
span of the plant. Always use an African violet potting mix
which should have a pH of 6.5-6.8.
Other care
Violets breathe through their leaves so brush the leaves regularly
with a very soft paintbrush to remove dust and dirt, being
careful to always brush in the direction in which the tiny
hairs grow.
For an even symmetrical growth turn the
pot one-quarter turn regularly (daily if possible). This will
prevent a 'lean' towards the light.
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