African Violets - article about African Violets

My grandmother always had a large collection of African violets. As a child, I saw these cheerful plants nestling on windowsills and dressers, on lace doilies, always in small groups. Grandma also had a large backyard garden, including her prized rose garden.

I often wondered why these cute little plants were favored at so many of my relatives' homes. Now I know. African violets are almost indestructible, given proper care. If you think you don't have a green thumb, give them a try! Yes, you can have living houseplants!

There are thousands of varieties, sporting many different flower shapes and colors, including multi-colored selections. There are also tiny miniature African Violets.

They are among the easiest house plants to grow. Just a few simple rules keeps them hale and hearty for years! Let's look at the five points of African violet care.

1.This one's easy. African Violets thrive in about the same temperature range as people. They enjoy daytime warmth, up to about 85º, but like cooler nights, only to about 65°.

2.African violets like good plentiful light, but not direct sunlight. North and east-facing windowsills provide enough light without danger of scorched leaves. In southern facing rooms, they'll do well placed on a corner table away from the window. When you choose a location, monitor the plants for a while. With inadequate light, leaves darken in color and become thinner. With too much light, leaves yellow or become pale. In either case, poor flowering results.

3. African violets do not like to be drowned! Over watering ultimately rots their roots. Water only when the top soil is dry to the touch. If watering from the top, use a small watering can with a thin spout and avoid wetting leaves. Better yet, water from below. Fill your saucer with tepid water.

4. You must fertilize regularly. There are commercially available fertilizers especially formulated for African violets. You can also use a 20-20-20 mix at half strength. Mix your fertilizer the day before watering. This method allows chlorine to evaporate (harmful to your plants) and reach room temperature by the time you water.

5.Potting mediums are important. With their dislike of wet feet, African violets need excellent drainage. You can use premixed potting soils developed just for African violets, which is probably the easiest solution, considering the small amount of soil required for each plant. When choosing a pot, a good rule of thumb is smaller is better! Measure across the plant and divide by three for the proper size pot. African violets bloom more profusely when confined.

If you follow these five rules of African violet care, I guarantee you'll have a blooming indoor garden. Your most difficult decision is which variety to buy. African violets can be addictive!

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