Growing Tips

The Care and Feeding of African Violets

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The Right Light

Violets like a lot of bright light but not hot direct sun. In their natural habitat under forest canopies, African Violets are protected by the tree canopy. The better the sunlight you give your violet without it being direct, hot sun, the more often it will bloom for you. Some suggestions are a window with morning sun, filtered light, artificial light, or table lamps. If your violet is not blooming - then it probably needs more light. Try moving it near a lamp or in a brighter spot. During the winter months, when the sunlight is weaker, your plants will benefit from the light of a southern exposure.

Violet don't have to only have sunlight - we have many happy customers who have violet pots in their office. Artificial light also works!

Water

Violets need to stay evenly moist at all times - and that's exactly what The Perfect Violet Pot does! You never have to water the plant from the top of the pot again. The water is absorbed through the unglazed portion of the lower half of the top pot. This way - the plant drinks the water as it needs it rather than you guessing how much to give it. This eliminates all of the guesswork for you!

Fill the bottom bowl 2/3 full - or as much as will fit so it doesn't overflow when you put the top portion back in. Then, check the water level every 2-3 weeks for the large size pot or 1-2 weeks for the medium size pot. When only an inch or so of water is left, fill it back up!

DO NOT mist the foliage. Water spots on the foliage may cause permanent leaf spotting.

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Fertilizer

Violets will flower more often if you use fertilizer. This is much like how we take vitamins - we don't absolutely need them but they do help us overall. We recommend using the brand 'Peter's for Violets' and you can pick this up at most locations that sell plants. Mix 1/4 teaspoon to a gallon of water. We suggest using a gallon water jug, store it under your sink and just use that each time you fill the water in the pot!

Temperature

Violets do not like to be very hot or very cold. They prefer a temperature between 70°F and 80°F with about 80% humidity. At night they can tolerate temperatures in the upper 60’s. However, it is important to avoid temperature and humidity fluctuations, including sudden drafts.

Soil

We have many people ask us what type of soil we use - so our trick is to first make sure to buy a healthy plant. Then follow the planting instructions using a mixture of 2 parts SuperSoil and 1 part Peralite.

Violet Plants

There are many varieties of violet plants. Common colors are purple, pink, white, and lavender. Some have variegated leaves, ruffle edges on the flowers, or spotted flowers. It helps to start with a healthy plant from a grower. The plants you find at your local grocery stores are usually already unhealthy and therefore even harder to grow.

Sometimes we bring a streptocarpus plant with us to our craft shows. This plant is in the African Violet family.

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Splitting a Violet

New African Violet plants can be produced from existing plants. Cut leaves from the original plant, leaving 1 inch of leaf stalk (petiole) with the leaf. Plant the leaf and stalk, up to ¼ inch of the leaf, into a wet sand/vermiculite mixture. Cover lightly with plastic. Keep the media wet and within two to six months, new plants will have formed and will be ready to separate and replant.

Pets

Violet plants are pet friendly. They are not toxic to animals.

Gift Ideas

Violet pots make a great gift idea for:

  • Mother's Day
  • Birthdays
  • Housewarming Parties
  • Christmas
  • Just because!