Every time I go to the grocery store, I love looking over at their plant displays. There are always the prettiest plants. As any houseplant addict knows, plants can easily distract us! I currently have 9 african violets that are healthy and only some of them have flowers.
My history with african violets started a long time ago (think early 2000’s). I can’t recall how I discovered african violets but I do remember I rarely got them to bloom. Although, my plants were healthy.
At the time, I even considered joining a local african violet society. I went to one of their meetings and an annual plant sale too! I had a ton of plants because I had several leaves propagating!
Always starting over
Over the years, we had to move every few years. Our first big move, I remember getting rid of so many of my plants. Over time, I would rebuild my houseplant collection, only for us to move again. I disliked moving all the time and I disliked having to rebuild my houseplant collection.
When I moved from Tennessee to California, I only had about 10 plants. I wrapped them up as best I could and took them on the Amtrak train with us! I wasn’t going to start over yet again!
Now that I am a homeowner, I have a nice houseplant collection. I feel settled and happy to finally put roots down (so to speak). I hope we don’t have to move for many more years!
These days, I don’t quite have the space to propagate african violet leaves like I used to. However, maybe I should try a few leaves.
I hope to repot my african violets as soon as the weather warms up. I have everything ready, including brand new pots and soil!
Where are the blooms
Even though I love african violets, I cannot get them to bloom as much! They sit in front of our sliding glass door in a East facing window! I also have a grow light that I use at night as a supplement for any of my plants that need additional TLC.
Do you have any tips or tricks on how I can get my african violets to bloom? They are healthy and beautiful otherwise!
All you need to do is get a timer for your grow lights. Make sure they have 15 hours of light and at least 8 hours of darkness. This means that they shouldn’t be in a place like the kitchen where lights can be turned off and on during the night. Darkness is just as important to plants as light. Add a fertilizer with high potassium to further promote blooming.