When asked what comes to mind when people hear ‘African Violets’ (AVs), the nostalgic vision of their grandma comes to mind. Perhaps this vision or that it is believed they are challenging have given AVs a reputation of being outdated and difficult. However, numerous new hybrids have given this old-time favorite a new modern look. I break down some basic culture methods to help get you on your way to AV success. For more info and help from a large AV community, please visit the African Violet Society of America.
Size: AVs come in many sizes from the tiny <2 in (<5 cm) micro-minis to the jumbo standards that are greater than 24+ in (61+ cm). Whatever size or space you have available, there’s an AV that can do well.
Blossom: To date, there are 15,000+ registered AVs in various blossom colors/color combinations, sizes, and formats.
Foliage: AV foliage is diverse and some grow AVs more so for their foliage. There are several types of variegation variegation, and foliage will range in many sizes, shapes, be wavy and ruffled, serrated, or the unusual looking bustlebacks, clackamas, etc. AV foliage variety will not disappoint those with distinctive tastes.
Media & potting: Perhaps a controversial topic. There are dozens of potting media recipes available with various components. Though the basic essentials often involve a potting mix from your favorite brand that is cut by as much as a half with course perlite, as AVs like an airy mix in a small pot. Most of my standard AVs are grown in 3 in (7.6 cm) plastic pots.
Lighting: AVs can be grown near a window but care must be taken to avoid full-sun, which will definitely burn the leaves. Many value foliage symmetry and high bloom count, so artificial lighting is recommended if show quality plants are to be desired. The type of light and daylength (time the lights remain on per day) is important and may require experimentation to achieve the best results. Seek assistance from other AV growers who share your environment and lighting conditions.
Watering: AVs enjoy a slightly moist medium year round. To accommodate large collections, enthusiast will often cut their potting mix with >50% course perlite and run a polyester/acrylic yarn through the medium and into a water reservoir that contains fertilizer (wick watering), which save a lot of time spent for those with large collections.
Other approaches include mat watering, bottom watering, or top watering. The individual must decide which watering regimen fits their own lifestyle and media composition.
Feeding: A weekly regimen of applying weak fertilizer to the plant works well. I typically do 1/4 strength with the wick watering method.
Potting & Repotting: In the beginning, I lost too many AVs from over-potting (using pots that were too large for the plant). Unnecessarily large pots means constant wet/moist potting mix that tends to rot the fibrous AV roots overtime.
Often overlooked, when repotting is infrequently done, can lead to poor health overtime. AVs like an airy mix and media has the natural tendency to compact overtime. Most will say repot at least once every six months.
Leaching: Another often overlooked maintenance chore is leaching the plant to get rid of excess fertilizers, salt buildup from tap water, etc.
