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African Violets      

Pure elegance and beauty, that's what lily plants bring to your home. Easy to care for indoors, most varieties can be planted outdoors to enjoy again in the garden.

Compact, easy-to-grow and adaptable, African Violets have been the most popular houseplant for generations. Native to East Africa, these Gesneriads grow in average home conditions, come in a wide variety of colors, are long-lived and bloom for months at a time.

Selection	The plant should fill the container. Leaves should be thick and strong. The plant should be blooming or have developing buds.
Light	Prefers indirect light. Can be grown under full spectrum artificial light.
Locations	Place where average household temperatures are between 65–75 degrees.
Water	Water thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry to a light touch. Do not allow the leaves to get wet. Use room temperature tap water. Do not allow plants to sit in water for more than 15 minutes.
Fertilizer	Fertilize with African Violet food at quarter strength every time. Flush the soil with plain water once every 6–8 weeks.
Grooming	Remove spent flowers as they fade. Remove old or damaged leaves.
Repotting	Repot every year. As a rule, the pot should be a third the diameter of the foliage. For example, a 9-inch plant needs a 3-inch pot.
Propagation (Optional)	Done by leaf cuttings. Cut the stem at a slight slant about a half-inch from the base of the leaf. Put stem into damp starting medium or vermiculite up to the base of the leaf. Keep damp but not wet. Roots will develop within weeks, followed by new leaves. As soon as new leaves develop, pot the new plant into soil.

Problem	Cause(s)	Solution(s)
No blooms	Insufficient light Insufficient fertilizer	Violets prefer 10–14 hours of light per day. Provide supplemental light during the fall and winter. Fertilize as recommended in our Tips for Growing African Violets chart.
Leaves are pale	Too much direct sunlight Insufficient fertilizer	Place in filtered light. Fertilize as recommended in our Tips for Growing African Violets chart.
Leaves and flowers are rotting	Excess moisture	Do not allow plant to sit in water. Avoid moisture on leaves.
New leaves are small	Too much direct sunlight	Place in filtered light.
Leaves turn black or develop brown edges	Cold water Moisture on leaves	Use room temperature tap water when watering. Avoid moisture on leaves.
Leaves curl	Insufficient water	Water as recommended in our Tips for Growing African Violets chart.
Powdery mildew	Excess moisture	Do not allow plant to sit in water. Avoid moisture on leaves. Remove damaged leaves. Improve air circulation.
Crown or root rot	Excess moisture	Do not allow plant to sit in water. Avoid moisture on leaves. The violet will likely die once rot is visible; we recommend propagating the plant.

Related Bachman's Information

	Watering Basics for Indoor Plants
	Basic Care for Blooming Plants
	Indoor Plant Problems
	Unique Tropical Plants
	Repotting & Propagating Indoor Plants

Bachman's Floral, Gift & Garden Centers
Your local garden expert since 1885.
bachmans.com | ©Bachman's 2012

Select source information provided by the University of Minnesota Extension, www.extension.umn.edu.

Last Updated: February 2012