African Violet Growing Tips

Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 15:56:35 -0800 (PST)
From: wulf shado

Helen,
My mom was a professional african violet saver. This
info is from her books

Rates a two in care

Saintpaulia ionantha

Moderate to bright light with indirect sun. Too much direct light will yellow the leaves
but the plant needs it indirectly before it will flower.
Keep in normal to dry household temperature with a higher than normal humidity. (rocks 
is the trick)
The soil should be 1/2 peat moss and 1/2 general purpose potting soil mix.
Water thoroughly when the surface is dry.
Feed soluble plant food diluted to half the regular strength.
Propogate by leaf cuttings or division.
Don't splash leaves with water or they'll become spotted.

From Flowering Plants for Modern Living (a book older than I am!rofl)

* Traditional flowering houseplant, blooms continually with sufficeint light.
* Temperature: average to warm (60-65 degrees F or 16-18 celcius)
* Light: indirect sunlight or partial shade, prefers humid air.
* Watering: Keep soil moist but not wet, avoid splashing foliage.
* Fertilize: Apply half the recommended strength every month.
* Soil: Peatmoss added to an equal volume of general house plant mix for a humusy and 
well drained soil.
* Uses: Specimen for table or shelf, find in kitchen or bathroom where air is humid.
After flowering: Use regular watering and fertilization. requires plenty of light for 
flower development. Too much light can result in yellow foliage.

Hope this helps

wulfie
(chick a boom boom boom)

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African violets like morning sun and warm temps.  I keep all of mine in my kitchen 
window (facing east) where they get to see the sunrise and also catch the steam from the
coffee maker.  Bathrooms that have windows facing east are also good.

Don't transplant the little guys unless they beg for it.  They like to be root bound, so
unless you see roots coming out of the holes in the bottom of the pot, leave it alone. 
Water from the bottom.  Keep your plant on a little tray or dish, and add water to that.
 It will soak up from the holes.  Try not to water from the top because any stray water 
drops on the leaves will spot them. You could probably use a fertilizer periodically.  I
don't use any chemicals inside or out on my plants, so I plant them in mushroom compost.
 They seem to be happy with that for a long time. I also use fish emulsion occassionally
if I see that the leaves are starting to look pale or turn yellow.

Propagation is easy.  Each of the violet's leaves will form its own little root system 
if it is gently broken of the plant and placed in water for awhile.  Make sure to break 
the leaf off right where its little stem attaches to the main part of the plant.  It may
take several weeks for the roots to appear, so you have to be patient.  Once the root 
system seems extensive enough (you'll know when) plant it in some loose soil or aged 
mushroom composed.  I prefer to use clay pots when I can, since they dry out quickly and
the plant has less chance of getting root rot. Plant your new little plant in a tiny 
pot.  They will like the small space for a long time.  Pretty soon you will see tiny new
leaves coming up around the base of the parent leaf.

Enjoy!
Light,
Aurora