Growing Outstanding Violets

Anyone can grow beautiful African Violets in the home with the right cultural conditions. The following recommendations are those presented by the African Violet Society of America, Inc. of Beaumont, Texas.

Light

Adequate light is very important to get good blooms. A window with strong bright light is excellent. Violets also do well under fluorescent light. When grown in a window, you may want to turn the pot 1/4 turn each day to help the plant get even symmetrical growth.

Water

Use room temperature water only when the top of the soil feels slightly dry. You can water the plants from the top, the bottom or by using watering wicks. Avoid getting water in the center crown or exposing the plant to direct sun while it is wet.

Fertilizer

Lack of fertilizer or infrequent fertilization will result in skimpy blooms. Dissolve about 1/4 teaspoon of water soluble fertilizer into one gallon of water and water normally.

Temperature

Violets thrive at the same temperatures people feel are comfortable - not too hot or not too cold. Humidity should be between 40% to 50%.

Potting

Use a light and airy "soilless" potting mix which has good drainage. Sterilize the mix or purchase sterilized mix for African Violets.

More Info

African Violet magazine is published 6 times per year by the African Violet Society of America. It offers more detailed growing information each issue. The Mid Atlantic African Violet Society (MAAVS) has a web site at http://www.maavs.org

The MAAVS web site has archived growing articles from back issues of the quarterly MAAVS Memo, an excellent source of growing information and up to date calendar of events. MAAVS has an excellent culture folder written by MAAVS president Ken Barbi.

For the MAAVS culture folder (in PDF format) --> click here.