Question: I have some very dirty violets. Can I wash them? Answer: Sure, just be gentle. First, find a working area and sink that is large enough for you to handle your plants without damaging them or making a huge mess. A sink with a sprayer attachment, and easily controlled water flow and water temperature, is best. […]
Question: I’m growing for show for the first time. If I keep my standard-size violet disbudded, but don’t pot it into a larger container, will it produce the bigger leaves that I see on some large showplants? Answer: When a standard-size violet is continuously disbudded, it will produce larger leaves (mini and semiminiature varieties will stay small […]
Question: Is it better to remove a damaged leaf, spoiling symmetry, or to keep it? Answer: If the plant is being exhibited, this is a judgment call. points can be lost for both gaps in symmetry, and for damaged leaves. If it is not a showplant, it becomes a trade-off between the appearance of the plant […]
Question: Should I ever remove leaves from my violet? I would guess so but, other than removing obviously dead ones, I have no idea how to decide. Which ones need to be removed? Answer: Yes. Most (non trailing) varieties only need to have 3 or 4 rows of leaves since blooms are produced only from those leaves. […]
Question: I have a plant that needs dividing, but seems so overgrown that I don’t know where to begin. Answer: This was from a member at a local club meeting who had a “supermarket” violet that was so overgrown and crowded with crowns that dividing it by simply pulling crowns apart would have been impossible. Normally, if […]
Question: I’ve been told that my violets shouldn’t be brushed, as this might scar the leaves, and that I should wash them instead. I’ve seen others brushing the leaves of their plants, though. Answer: It’s all right to brush your violet’s leaves. We’re big believers in regular brushing. A clean plant is a healthy plant. Why wait […]
Question: I am new to taking care of African violets. I don’t know the correct way to “snip” spent or dead flowers. I looked it up on the internet but they just said “cut them off”. But, just where–on the petal stem or do I take off the entire stem? Answer: Though the answer may seem obvious […]
Question: I couldn’t find any information regarding dusting of leaves of an African violet? Is it okay to wash dust off of leaves with water? Answer: African violets can be washed, but it’s always a better practice to keep them clean enough that they’ll never require it. Grow them in a clean environment, though this is sometimes […]
Question: What’s the best remedy for suckers? Answer: A simple question with a simple answer–blooming! A sucker, of course, is an extra growing point (crown), usually appearing as a pair (or pairs) or leaves within the leaf axils beneath the original growing point in the uppermost, center of the plant. Unless this is a trailing variety, on […]
Question: I have many miniature violets that I purchased from you last year, and they could use a little repotting. I’ve improved their appearance by removing the lower leaves that were no longer attractive and was wondering at what point can I cover this bare stem/trunk with soil? Can I cover the bare stem with soil […]
