African Violets are arguably the best houseplants for reblooming and adding color to the indoors.  Plant breeders have also created lots of exciting colors, flower shapes, and even variegated leaves for this old favorite.  African violets are generally forgiving if they get a little dry or don’t have the exact right light.  However, a few tips will significantly increase your success with this plant and help it to rebloom.  African violets need to be watered around once a week, and they prefer distilled water or water that has sat out on the counter for 24 hours and is lukewarm.  Watering from the bottom works well.  Place the African violet in a larger dish, soak for an hour, then lift it out and drain.  They will die if they sit in water for an extended period of time.

African violets also prefer bright, indirect light from an East or Southern window, although they should be moved farther from the window in the summer, or light curtains should be drawn so that the plants aren’t burned by the sun.  African violets cannot go outside since it gets too hot in our area for them, even in full shade.  If there is no window available, artificial fluorescent light can also be used if the light is placed 10 inches from the plant.  When repotting, be sure to use a potting mix formulated for African violets.  They also need fertilizer to bloom.  Using a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) or one formulated for African violets is best.  Many of them can be diluted and fed to the plant with every watering.  These tips should help you keep your plant blooming and happy!