Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
How to Care for African Violets. African violets are pretty and can brighten up a room, but
without the proper care they'll wither and die like any other flowering plant. You will
need Warm, dry spot Indirect sunlight Saucer Tepid water and fertilizer. Step 1. Choose
a warm, dry spot in your home, with a temperature around 75 degrees during the day and 60 degrees
at night. The space should have plenty of indirect sunlight, but African Violets should
be shielded from direct sunlight for most of the day. If your African Violet is near
a window and the temperature dips below 60 degrees at night, move the plant away from
the window. Also move it if the temperature reaches above 75 to 80 degrees, since overheating
can lead to root rot. Step 2. Keep the plant's soil moist at all times by keeping the saucer
filled with tepid water, but do not overwater. Instead of watering on a schedule, feel the
soil -- if it's slightly dry, it's a good time to water. If you choose to water the
plant from the top with a watering can, be sure tokeep the water away from the leaves
to avoid the appearance of white spots. Step 3. Add fertilizer to the plant periodically,
following package instructions. Do not overfeed the plant and only use fertilizer made specifically
for African Violets, also known as _Saintpaulia_, the plant's botanical name. Step 4. Avoid
harmful pests like mealybugs -- small, white bugs that occur in clusters on the leaves
and stem. Prevent them by not overwatering the plant, and eliminate them by spraying
the plant with lukewarm water or wiping them from the plant with an alcohol-soaked cotton
swab. Keep up the care and enjoy your beautiful violets. Did you know True Violets have been
known for centuries. The ancient Greeks cultivated them about 500 BC or earlier.