African Violets?

Question

Need basic care tips. When to transplant, do they like a cosy pot or do they like room? How often to feed? What kind of soil do they like best? What kind of light? Any extra tips?

Please no links, I'd rather hear from those of you who have had success getting them to grow.

Answer 1

My best success has been in standard potting soil, 6in pots under florescent light.

Answer 2

I have 3 beautiful African Violets. One has solid purple flowers, one blooms white with a beautiful purple edging and the other is a white miniature.  I have had one of them for years and  it grows and stays covered with beautiful blooms. One of the plants that I've had the longest has tripled itself and divided into 3 separate plants. I divided them and shared with friends. Now it's doubled itself into two separate plants and I've divided it again, so I must be doing something right. I keep them on a table under my regular table lamp, which has two 60 watt bulbs in it. I usually have at least one bulb on all through the day.

Mine are planted in Miracle Grow African Violet potting soil. The plants do not like a much larger pot than the one they came in. They bloom best when they are almost root bound. I bought a bottle of Miracle Grow African violet food. It's liquid and you use about 10 drops per quart of water. A bottle will last you for a very long time. I only water my plants once a week (on Saturdays). You will need a watering can with a spout because you don't want to wet the leaves. I just water until the water flows out the bottom of the pot and fills the little saucer. I  leave the water in the saucer so the pot will soak it up when it needs it. I've found that most people kill them by overwatering.

  I hope you have good luck because they are so enjoyable and pretty.