How to Grow African Violets

The simplest way to grow African violets is to purchase live indoor plants. Check the pots for drainage holes to allow extra water to run off. The holes can also reduce the risk of drowning the roots if you water too much. To simplify care, consider a self-watering pot that provides African violets with just the right amount of moisture.

Like all plants, African violets need the sun's energy to make food, allowing them to grow. Place your African violet in a sunny spot for the best results.

Too much sun can be harmful to African violets. Direct sunlight could burn the leaves. Look for dryness and brown tips, which are signs of sun damage. If you see any, move your plant to a new place, preferably near a window that faces north or east.

How close your plant is to the window also matters. In the winter, glass becomes cold and may hurt your plant. Position plants at least 6 to 12 inches from windows to stop this.

African violets do best when all their leaves receive sun. Turn your plant every three to five days to ensure the whole plant benefits from sunshine.

Give your plant extra light with grow lights. Position them 12 to 16 inches from your African violet for best results.

Each plant species does best at a set temperature range. Some like hot tropical weather, while others prefer cooler climates. African violets grow well at temperatures typical in homes, which makes them easy to grow.

Set the thermostat with your plant in mind. During the day, African violets like daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, they need cooler temperatures, between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pay attention to the temperature in the spot where you put your African violet. If it feels hotter or colder, your window may have let outside air in. Check the weather stripping for signs of cracks and damage and replace it if necessary.

Along with sunshine, African violets need water to make their food. However, they're picky about how much they get. Without enough moisture, their leaves can dry out and turn brown. Water too much, and you may end up with dark marks on leaves, called foliar spots.

To water correctly, fill a watering can with tap water. Let the full watering can sit out until it reaches room temperature.

Once the water is ready, don't pour directly onto the plant. Instead, fill the saucer below the pot with water. Pour slowly and avoid splashing the leaves or flowers. Wait an hour, remove the saucer and dump out the extra water.

Feel the soil for dryness daily, and water when it no longer feels moist.

African violets need supplemental nutrients for healthy growth. The best way to feed them is with a water-soluble plant fertilizer, or fertilizer that you mix in water and then use to water the plant.

Look for plant food rich in phosphorus. Usually, plant food with a bigger second number will be best for African violets. Feeding plants too often can be as bad as watering too much.

Watch for signs that your African violet is stressed. These include slow growth, few leaves, pale leaves, yellow spots or marks on leaves, limp leaves and no flowers. Because African violets use up the minerals in the soil, you'll need to replace the soil in the pot every six months.