Question: Recently, I have experienced a problem with the center growth on some of my violets. On some otherwise healthy plants, the center growth has disappeared. The plant would remain healthy, then eventually sprout suckers from the center. Answer: Though there might be another explanation, this seems to happen to us most commonly on certain varieties, suggesting […]
Question: I use a seed-starting mix to make a terrarium. It is extremely light without any fertilizer or moisture-retaining crystals. Would this mix be appropriate for potting my violets too? Answer: If they are otherwise properly cared for, you could use almost any kind of mix, including this one. However, this is likely not your best choice. […]
Question: I use a seed-starting mix to make a terrarium. It is extremely light without any fertilizer or moisture-retaining crystals. Would this mix be appropriate for potting my violets too? Answer: If they are otherwise properly cared for, you could use almost any kind of mix, including this one. However, this is likely not your best choice. […]
Question: I was considering putting miniature violets in my 12″x20″ terrarium. But I notice your instructions say never put them in a pot larger than 2 1/2″. Does this mean they won’t grow well in a terrarium? Answer: Mini violets can be grown in a terrarium with some precautions. A terrarium, particularly if enclosed, poses two problems […]
Question: Several months ago I ordered several plants. One of the violets was supposed to be ‘Cherries ‘n Cream’. As I’ve grown this plant, it has bloomed well and is very healthy, but the blooms are single to semidouble reddish stars with “no edge at all”. The foliage is as described. What can this particular plant […]
Question: I ordered two violets this spring, one of which is supposed to have yellow blooms. I have my first flower, and it is white. Can you advise me on this? Answer: Be patient. It will likely show more yellow in the bloom at a later time. This is a frequent complaint from growers of “yellow” varieties, […]
Question: Do African violets go dormant? Answer: No. Unlike some other members of the gesneriad family, particularly those that are rhizomatous or tuberous, violets (which are fibrous rooted) won’t go dormant, if good culture is provided. If a good, consistent, growing environment is provided, a violet will grow and bloom nearly continually. Most people visiting our shop […]
Question: I’ve seen some varieties described as “Geneva” edged. What does this mean? Answer: This simply means having a blossom with petals edged in white. The term originates from ‘Lady Geneva’, the first variety having blooms with this distinctive white edge. It was a sport (i.e. deviation from its parent) of ‘Blue Boy’, one of the earliest […]
Question: Is there a way to force African violets to bloom? My plants do not start blooming until they are mature plants. I have seen very small plants in bloom. Are these early bloomers “forced”? Answer: Early blooming is a product of two things: the genetic predisposition of the variety, and good culture. Some varieties just bloom […]
Question: My violets develop plenty of buds, but many of them don’t open into flowers. The humidity level is quite low (20-25%) in my home. Is this the problem? Answer: Low humidity can cause buds to “blast” (not open) or not fully develop into blossoms. The solution, of course, is to raise the humidity level in […]
