African Violets are very easy to grow—just follow some simple rules. It is not necessary to transplant a new plant right away; actually, it is better to wait about a month so that the new violet can adjust to its new environment and water.

Light

Natural light is the best light for African Violets, as long as it is not direct, hot sunlight. Indirect light for about 10–12 hours a day is ideal and they must have 8 hours of total darkness. If the plant is sitting on a window sill, the plant will need to be turned regularly to keep its nice shape and to prevent the plant from leaning towards the light.

Artificial light is a good source of light if natural light is not available. When using fluorescent lights, you can use 1 cool-white light and 1 grow-lite (daylight). These lights should be about 10–12 inches above the plants. Keep the light on 10–14 hours a day, and keep on a regular schedule. Automatic timers can be used to turn lights off and on.

Watering

Don't water the violet too much. More violets die from overwatering than anything else. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. If the temperature where the violet grows is cool, it may require less watering than if it is in a warm, dry environment.

The water should be at room temperature, or within 10°F of room temperature. Cold water will shock the plants and spots may develop on the leaves as a result. Do not use distilled water; it will not have the minerals that the plant needs to grow. If using chlorinated water, the water should sit for 24 hours exposed to the air to allow the chlorine to evaporate. Chlorine won't kill the plants, but the plants will grow much better without it. If you have soft water, do not use this on plants, as this has salts in it that will kill the plant.

Top Watering: Use a watering can or other watering device that can reach under the leaves; the water should not come in contact with the leaves, as it could damage them or leave spots. Water until the water just begins to come out of the bottom of the pot.

Bottom Watering: This is ideal, since each plant will take what it needs. It is important that after 30 minutes there should be no water left in the reservoir; if there is, dump it out. If bottom watering is utilized, at least once per month water from the top to wash out accumulated salts. Remember, African violets do not like "wet feet."

Mat watering: A thick, non-cotton mat, cut to the size of the tray. Wicked or unwicked pots rest directly on mat and absorb moisture.

Wick Watering: This involves using a small nylon (do not use cotton string) wick that is inserted in the bottom of the pot. The loose end of the wick is inserted in a container of water or water with fertilizer mixture. The pot should not touch the water—only the wick. Wicks can keep plants watered for 2–4 weeks.

Temperature

The best growing temperature for African Violets is 65°–75°. Temperatures below 60° for long periods of time will slow growth. Temperatures above 85° will also slow growth.

Variegated violets grow better at the cooler end of the range (or at the ends of the fluorescent light area) and will have good variegation. If the temperature is too high, the variegation on the leaves tends to disappear.

Humidity

40–70% humidity is best for African violets, along with good air circulation. If the humidity is too high and there is poor air circulation, mildew may develop. If the humidity is too low, plants will become too dry.

Soil

It is best to use potting soil without added fertilizer or nutrients; this may be too strong for the plant and might burn the roots. A pH 6.5–6.7 is best, but will grow from 6.2–7.0

Potting soil that has a good mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite is the best. The soil should be loose enough to provide good drainage. Some potting soils are too dense and could become too soggy; they should be mixed with perlite to increase drainage.

Fertilizer

There are many different types of fertilizer available commercially. General-purpose fertilizer is also adequate. Low urea or no urea is best. These fertilizers can be used each time you water—use 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water for plants grown under fluorescent lights and 1/8 teaspoon per gallon if grown with natural light.

There are fertilizers that are considered bloom boosters, which are good to use once and awhile, but not all the time, because they put a stress on the plants.

Nitrogen is important for leaf growth and photosynthesis.

Phosphorous (phosphate) is needed for cell division, stiff stems and flower and seed formation. It brings out redness in leaves and blues in flowers.

Potassium (potash) is essential in the formation of starch and the movement of sugars with in the plant. It strengthens plants, stabilizes growth, and deepens color of blossoms.

Ammonia and Urea: Urea content should be less than 7.0% to avoid burning the roots.

Nutrient information on fertilizer labels: Nitrogen–Phosphorous–Potassium (20–20–20)

Remember to water from the top at least once a month with plain water to rinse out salt and mineral build-up.

Repotting

African violets bloom better if they are slightly pot-bound. The pot should be about 1/3 the diameter of the plant. When transplanting, go up gradually in size. Going from a small pot to a very large pot may cause the plant to rot from too much moisture in the soil (ex. plant in a 2½-inch pot, transplant next into a 3-inch pot). African violets should be transplanted about every 6 months, even if the plant is kept in the same size pot; the soil needs to be changed.

Signs that may indicate that a violet needs to be transplanted:

• Plant is developing a long neck. Remove the plant from the pot. With a dull knife, scrape the trunk-like area of the plant and place plant in a new pot with the soil covering the long trunk area and the bottom leaves just touching the rim of the pot.
• Plant getting too large (diameter) for current pot; leaves begin turning yellow; mildew forming in center of plant. These are the most common reasons for transplanting a violet.

Insects and Diseases

Isolate all new plants from the rest of the plants for at least two months, to ensure that there are no insects or disease. Wash hands before handling plants; insects can be carried on your hands and even clothes, without being seen. It is good practice not to work on African violets after working out in the yard, because of the chance of contaminating them with insects.

Some of the more common insects that affect violets are mites (which are invisible to the naked eye); thrips (very tiny, fast moving insects). where the plant will show a spilling of pollen from the pollen sacs if these insects are present; foliar mealy bugs (white cottony looking appearance on plants, that moves); soil mealy bugs (look like grains of rice in the soil, may also notice a whitish webbing in the soil). Any of these insects are highly contagious—the affected plant(s) need to be moved away from the rest of the plants immediately and treated with an insecticide. Check local greenhouses or nurseries for insecticides. Read label before purchasing.

Some common diseases are mildew and crown rot, which are caused by fungi. There are very good fungicides available at local garden stores.

This is just a brief description of the care of African Violets. More information can be found at www.avsa.org - the website of the African Violet Society of America.