If you’ve bought an African violet and enjoyed its blooms only to be discouraged when it doesn’t rebloom—read on. Here are the secrets to getting these stunning plants to re-flower again and again.
Get African violets to bloom continuously
Unlike many flowering houseplants, African violets don’t require bright light indoors. As a matter of fact, they will generally only bud up when placed in a northern exposure window. This is the dimmest window in your house!
(Photo, HealthyHouseplants.com)
Many indoor gardeners make the mistake of thinking that African violets require extra bright light. So, they place them in bright, sunny windows—such as southern or western. This inhibits African violet growth and flowering. Put them in too bright of a window, and you’ll get leaf burn. This creates brown spots on the leaves.
See my YouTube video on how to get African violets to rebloom by clicking here.
If you’re thinking that you’d rather not hide your African violets in the northern windows of your home, no worries! You can get them to bud up in the northern windows. Then place them wherever you want in your home. That way you can enjoy the flowering on your dining room or kitchen table—or in your bedroom or living room, or wherever you wish.
(Photo, Tamara Kulikova/Dreamstime.com)
What else do African violets require to bloom?
African violets require regular repotting. If you want your African violets to bloom continuously, you need to repot them about every six months. This is a lot more often than other houseplants—but it’s what will lead to healthy African violet plants that just keep on blooming.
Repot African violets in an organic potting soil that drains well—but has some weight to it. To further your chances of African violets flowering again, add to the potting soil some worm compost and organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants.
Fertilize African violets regularly
Just as they need fresh soil to rebloom, African violets also require a steady supply of nutrients. Feed your African violets monthly with an organic liquid fertilizer.
(Photo, Tatyana Abramovich/Dreamstime.com)
Keep African violet soil moist
African violets will flower on a continual basis, if you don’t allow their soil to dry out. When the soil dries out, this can push African violets into dormancy mode. They will just sit there and not do much for a time until you water them regularly again. When they are being watered enough again, African violets will start to grow and eventually rebloom.
Water African violets when the top 1/4 inch of soil has dried out, or the pot is becoming lightweight. Always water with lukewarm to warm water.
How to water African violets
You can water African violets from above—just avoid wetting the plant’s leaves. This can lead to fungal disease on the leaves. Or place the African violet in a container that is slightly bigger and let the plant soak up the water from the bottom. Remove the pot when the soil is saturated.
Some people swear by growing African violets with a wicking system. I haven’t had that much luck with such systems, because I’ve found that parts of the soil remain dry. However, if you want to give such a system a try, then do so.
Talk to your African violets
That’s right! If you want your African violets to rebloom, also give them a good pep talk! Promise to treat them right and ask for loads of luscious flowers. You’re sure to soon be dazzled by a brilliant display of gorgeous African violet blooms.