Violets 4 You
Basic African Violet Culture
SOIL:
Any good light soil less mix will work. A good formula is 3 parts peat moss, 2 parts perlite and 1 part vermiculite mixed together. Any standard soilless growers mix will work well, and can be altered slightly with the addition of perlite and or vermiculite. Such a prepared mix usually contains a wetting agent as well as being balanced for correct ph.
TEMPERATURE:
Your plants will be comfortable in the same type of typical room temperatures that you enjoy. Above 80 degrees, your plants will slow or stop blooming, and should be watered a little less often. Under 65 degrees and the plants will cease growing and sulk.
LIGHT:
Your plants will do well in a north or east facing window. They should be protected from strong sunlight. Two tube flourescent fixtures placed 6-8 inches above miniature and semi-miniature varieties, and 12-14 inches above standard varieties will be perfect. Most growers use regular cool white tubes. Your plants will appreciate 10 to 12 hours of light per day.
FERTILIZER:
20-20-20 fertilizer used at the rate of 1/4 tsp. per gal of water will be fine.
PH
The ph of your water is critical. Most plants prefer a ph in the range of 6.5 - 6.8. If your ph is too far below 6.0 or above 7.0 the plants will be unable to use the fertilizer they receive and will slowly starve. It is important to test your water and know the ph so you can adjust it up or down.
These days most people live in cities where the water is treated with either chlorine or chloramine.
Check with your water dept. If they are using chloramine you will need to purchase a product to neutralize this chemical, from a tropical fish pet shop. If your water contains only chlorine, then you need to leave it sit out for 24 hours prior to using it in order to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
REPOTTING
You should plan on repotting to freshen the soil at least every 6 months to a year. Plants should be grown in a pot no larger than 1/3 their size.
Miniatures
Standards
