African violets are exceptional indoor flowering plants, providing seasonal blooms along with low maintenance. They are best utilized in smaller indoor spaces with sufficient light, air circulation, and less fluctuating temperatures. Paying attention to lighting, watering, and fertilizing ensures the successful growth of your African violets.

Consistent blooms occur when violets are given sufficient light. Lighting depends upon the exposure rate and length. Plants exposed to a wide spectrum of UV light, such as artificial lighting can increase the amount of blooms. You may want to rotate the violet while perched near the window. Be careful about too much sun exposure, as the leaves may burn or turn yellow.Watering is another critical factor while properly caring for African violets. Ideal conditions for violet growth include nutrient rich soil, appropriate container size, adequate drainage, and minimal hazardous environmental factors (sun, wind, pests and diseases). Over-watering can damage the root systems and cause rotting. The best methods include making sure the soil is moist after watering, you can either water from the top or have violets soak up the water from below. When watering from the top, make sure you keep the crown dry and keep cold water from dripping on leaves. Water should be lukewarm and moisten surrounding soil.

Indoor temperatures ranging from 65 to 70 degrees also contribute to the longevity of violets. You may want to place any violets near windows to an alternate location when the temperatures drop below fifty degrees. Violets grow best in humid climates. Homes with humidifiers or rooms with high moisture levels provide suitable climates for violet culture.

African violets grow best in well-drained and loosely compacted soils. Sphagnum peat moss should be added for additional nutrients. Fertilizer should only be applied during the growing months of spring, summer, and fall. Purchasing a fertilizer especially prepared for violets will ensure the plant is not over or under fertilized. Caring for African violets can be a simple task once you have established reliable procedures for lighting, watering, and fertilizing.