African violets are one of the most popular houseplants. They come in many colors and provide year-round beauty. The key to caring for them is easy: neglect with respect. Here are some pointers that will give you healthy plants that bloom all year.
Water your plants when they're dry to the touch. Never let them sit in water. You'll want to feed them every time you water with a high phosphorous fertilizer. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer about one-quarter strength every time. And pinch off the blooms so they will produce more flowers.
African violets need to be repotted once a year. The soil recipe is very important. You can buy soil that's already mixed or here's a simple recipe:
1 part potting soil
1 part vermiculite
2 parts milled sphagnum moss
To repot an African violet, flip the plant over and remove it from the container. Cut off about one inch from the bottom of the rootball.
Now, here's where you break the rules when it comes to repotting. Typically, you increase the pot size, but not with African violets. They like close quarters, so use the same pot. Fill the bottom with new soil. The more root-bound it is, the more blooms to enjoy. Use the same pot, which should be sterilized, add new soil and pop the plant back in. It's important to fill in the sides up around the neck area.
Here's an idea for a gift basket: Place some plants in a basket, and put Spanish moss around the edges and in between the plants. Add a ribbon for a final touch.
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