Caring for African Violets?

Question

I bought some african violets yesterday, and through a strange twist of events, the pot ended up falling about five feet. Some of the leaves got broken off, but the plant didn't end up looking to bad to me. I snipped off the broken leaves, but now it seems to me that the flowers are slowly shriveling up and dying. What else can I do to help it?

I know that they should be watered from a saucer and not directly into the pot. I have plant food specifically for african violets that I will put in with the water. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I have some that never are without flowers. Transplant yours with African Violet potting mix,then once a week put them in the sink and spray them with warm water. Never cold. Then let them soak in warm water for fifteen Min's. and feed every week.Why can't you water directly into the pot? Never heard that. Did you know if you take a leaf off and cut it into,then put the top half into sandy soil,it will grow a  new plant?

Answer 2

African violets are an easy growing plant, doesn't need too much attention and blooms beautifully.

Having it fall 5 feet isn't too bad.  Even if your main plant dies from other causes violets can be propagated once more by a leaf clipping placed in water for a few weeks.

Flowers always shrivel up and die after a few days,mine last about a week or so.  Take the time to pick off old blossoms to encourage new growth, as they don't really produce seeds.

I've never watered from the bottom I water from the top and they do perfectly fine.  Place it by a window that recieves morning light and gentle light during the rest of the day.  Blooming seasons for african violets are the late winter to spring.  Late summer to early autumn.  African violets also like someplace comfortable as they are a tropical plant.

Don't over feed them as that will kill them.  If you see that your plant isn't doing too well move it to a different location as it probably is affected by the light or temperature.  Violets usually heal up just fine.

(my little cousin trampled on mine several months earlier and it's blooming!))

Answer 3

The flowers are supposed to shrivel up and die. They bloom, then the blooms die off, and new blooms are produced. Water them when the soil gets dry--don't keep them wet or damp. They won't produce as many blossoms. I have never used the "bottom watering" method, and mine do beautifully anyway. They like very bright light--but not direct sunlight--so put them in a really light room NEAR, but not IN a window. The AV food is good--but don't overfeed them. You'll know the plants are happy if they produce dark green leaves all the time, and new blossoms frequently. Keep old soggy or limp leaves trimmed off. If they lean to one side, or if new leaves are too light and smaller than the other leaves, then the plant needs more light.

I don't repot mine very often at all--they actually like being a little pot-bound. When you do, you have to make sure you do it when the plant has no blooms on it--or it will shock and not produce any new ones for a while. Also, you shouldn't repot into too large a container. Just a half-inch bigger in diameter is fine each time.

Don't let them sit in water, or let water sit on their leaves. It will make soft spots, and they will go limp. Use water that doesn't have a high salt content in it--in other words, never use water-softener water.