LIGHT

African Violet plants do best and flower more in bright indirect light, close to an east-facing window is ideal. When the light is too low, the leaves turn dark green, lose their plump appearance, and the plant produces very few flowers. The leaves turn a pale yellow-green and the flowers fade quickly when there is too much light.

WATER

Allow the top 1"- 2" of soil to dry out before watering. Avoid using water that has passed through a softener or water containing chlorine or fluoride. Always water African Violet houseplants from the bottom to prevent water getting on the leaves. Remove any excess water that is still in the saucer after 15 minutes.

FERTILIZER

Special fertilizer for African Violet plants is available wherever plants are sold. In a pinch, you can use any balanced, soluble, houseplant food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. Feed African Violets monthly when the plant is actively growing. Over-fertilizing causes leaf tip burn, poor flower production, leaf cracks, and may even kill an African Violet plant.

TEMPERATURE

These plants do well in temperatures of 75°-80° during the day and about 10° cooler at night. Keep African Violet plants away from cold drafts and heating vents.

HUMIDITY

High humidity is preferable, but African Violets easily adapt to basic household humidity.

FLOWERING

Quickly remov dead blooms and stems to encourage flower growth. Keeping the soil of African Violet houseplants on the dry side helps the plant bloom more often.

PESTS

spider mites and Mealy Bugs are two houseplant pests that attack African Violet plants. Use a Qtip dipped in alcohol orNeem Oil to treat these insects as soon as they appear. Since the leaves of African Violet Plants are easily damaged, only use commercial insecticides that are recommended for African Violets.

DISEASES

African Violets are susceptible to botrytis, powdery mildew, and erwinia blight. Preventing plants from getting diseases is much easier than treating the diseases once they appear. Provide good air circulation and never get water on the leaves. This will help prevent diseases from infecting your plants.

SOIL

African Violets like a rich, airy, potting medium. Special African Violet soil is available at most garden centers. These plants should be re-potted every 6-12 months using fresh soil to prevent unwanted salt build-up.

POT SIZE

Keep African Violets a little root-bound in a small pot. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers.

PRUNING

Remove 2-4 leaves from the bottom of an African Violet plant each month to encourage new leaf development at the top of the plant. Quickly and carefully remove any dead flowers and their stalks as soon as they appear.

PROPAGATION

African Violets are easily propagated by leaf cuttings during the spring. You'll need a little patience. New leaves may not develop from the leaf cuttings for up to three months.