African violet Questions & Answers

Would you like to ask a question?

If there are facets of the growing of African violets that still puzzle you, if you experience difficulties in flowering your plants, or you would simply like to make a comment, please to send me an email to violetinfo@africanvioletsforeveryone.net.

I will do my best to answer queries, and if the question and answer is of general interest I will put the information on this website, unless you object.

Your name will never be used.

Here are some queries I have answered recently:

Question on testing of pH:
I have been mixing my own potting mix for the last six months now, and testing it for Ph after adding Dolomite. My' tester' is a little bottle of solution, and powder that you sprinkle on it, and then compare it with the chart. I always feel that it is not that accurate as you can get different readings.My question is, is there a better way to test? I thought there might be a probe (electrical) on the market, but I have'nt found anything when I Google it on the internet.

Click here for the Answer

Question about a dying plant:
I was very lucky to be given a beautiful pot of African violet in January.  It was flowering well and was looking very healthy. They tell me I cannot kill it because it came with its own watering base and all I have to do is add water to the base. 

I put it inside near the window. Not too much sun. But now it is dying. The leaves just wilted. The stem shrivelled up at the base. I move it to different spot but it was no better. There are only two little leaves left.

What should or can I do to save it? Help!

Click here for the Answer

Question about growing African violets from leaf:

I have finally had success with starting a new African violet with a leaf. Please tell me. . . when is it OK to remove the parent from the baby?

Click here for the Answer

Question about an unhealthy plant:

I have an African Violet that I have had for over ten years, it was my Grandmother's and I'm not sure how long she had it before it came to my house.  This summer (July/August) I split the very large plant and gave half to my mother.  The violet thrived all fall.  Over the past few months it has started to look very bad . . .

Click here for the Answer

Question on propagating a difficult African violet:

I have been growing and propagating african violets successfully for many
years. Usually I propagate by putting leaves in vermiculite, but
occasionally in water or potting soil.

I have one plant (my only one with red and white blossoms) that has defied
all my attempts to propagate it. In water, in vermiculite, in potting soil
-- the leaf just rots. Once in a while I get some roots in water, but when
I plant it it rots.

Any suggestions for something new to try? Or is this plant at a genetic
dead end (at least at my house). It's getting old, and I don't want to
lose a chance to have more of those beautiful blossoms.

Click here for the Answer