| |
| |
How To Grow African Violets
Anyone can grow beautiful African Violets
if they provide the simple conditions
required for healthy growth.
Natural Light:
Adequate light is the most
important factor in promoting flowering.
Place plants near any window that has
bright, but filtered, light. An east
window is best because it gets morning
sun. A thin curtain will be necessary if
placing plants in a south or west window.
In order to develop a nice symetrical
form, plants must be turned 1/4 turn
every week.
Fluorescent Light:
If adequate natural light is not
available, plants can be grown under
fluorescent lights. Use double tube
fixtures with one cool white bulb and one
broad spectrum bulb. Lights should be 8
to 10 inches above the top of the plants
and turned on for 12 to 14 hours a day.
If plants have tight centers or seem to
be bleaching out, reduce the number of
hours to 8-10 a day.
When to Water:
More violets die from
overwatering than from any other single
cause. Violet soil should be kept evenly
moist and never allowed to become soggy.
Water only when the top of the soil is
dry to the touch. Always use tepid water.
How to Water:
You can water from the top,
bottom, use wicks or use self watering
planters. However, about once a month,
plants should be watered from the top to
flush out accumulated fertilizer salts.
Never allow plants to stand in water
(unless wicked or Oyama Planters are
used). If water gets on the leaves, dry
with a paper towel to prevent leaf
spotting.
Soil:
A potting medium suitable for African
Violets should be sterilized, and light
and airy to allow root penetration.
Soilless mixes are ideal - they contain
sphagnum peat, vermiculite and perlite.
Atmosphere:
Temperature and humidity are important
factors. Most violets can tolerate
temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees.
Ideal temperatures are 72-75 degrees
day-time and 65 degrees night-time. The
preferred humidity range is 40% to 60%. A
humidifier or bowls of water placed near
plants can be used to increase you home's
humidity during heating season.
Feeding:
Lack of regular feeding is one of the
reasons an african violet will not bloom.
The best way to feed is to use a dilute
fertilizer solution every time you water.
Use 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. fertilizer to one
gallon of water. A balanced fertilizer
should be used such as 20-20-20 or
12-36-14. Find a fertilizer with a low
nitrogen urea content as urea burns the
roots. Some brands are Peters, Optimara,
Miracle Grow, Schultz.
|
|
|
| |
|
