- First, consider the lighting. African violets like at least eight to 12 hours of filtered sunlight. If your violet isn't flowering, it could be that it's not getting enough light. A good place to put it is usually by an east- or north-facing window.
- If the leaves turn paler green or turn brown around the edges, that's a sign your violets are getting too much direct sunlight.
- Make sure your African violets are warm enough by keeping the room temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When it comes to pots for your African violets, plastic or terra cotta will do just fine. But make sure you choose one with plenty of drainage and a deep, wide saucer. It's also important to choose a pot that fits snugly around the violet's roots.
- As for soil, African violets love a light, well-draining soil mixture. To create your own, combine one part potting soil with one part peat moss and one part vermiculite or perlite.
- Remember that African violets like to have their soil moist, not wet. Always test it with your finger before watering. And here's an important tip: Use water that you've let sit out for about an hour or longer to let any chlorine evaporate. It's a good idea to use a watering can with a small spout -- African violets don't like getting water on their leaves.
- Burns recommends watering your plants by sitting them in a saucer of water for an hour. The plant takes up the water through the pot's drainage holes.
- Finally, African violets like humidity. The best way to provide humidity is to add some rocks to the bottom of the saucer, fill it about a third of the way up with water and then place the pot on top.
Here's a recap of Burns's advice for growing African violets:
- Remember to make sure they get eight to 12 hours of filtered sunlight a day.
- Use a light, well-draining soil.
- Keep the soil moist but not too wet.
- Provide humidity by placing the plants on top of rocks and water in their trays.
