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You’ve managed to keep your African violet in great shape for a long time. You’re careful with watering to prevent crown rot, ensuring its leaves remain a vibrant emerald green without any blemishes. Regular dusting keeps it looking pristine. Overall, your little plant is thriving, with just one tiny issue
It will not bloom.
As in, You can’t even recall the color of the blossoms anymore because it’s been ages since the darn thing last bloomed. Perhaps it only blossoms once a year, and you’re puzzled about what magic formula you stumbled upon that triggered the bloom, so you can replicate it.
I hear you.
Before you reach the point of frustration, contemplating tossing your little plant into the trash while expressing your grievances, take a moment to peruse this list of secret tips.
I assure you, coaxing African violets to bloom is a relatively straightforward process. Nevertheless, they come with particular requirements that must be addressed.
Once you manage to meet those needs, your violet will reward you with almost continuous blooming. Yes, you read that correctly—almost continuous blooms.
If you incorporate these tips, diligently care for your plant, and patiently wait a month or two, and your violet stubbornly refuses to bloom, I’ll be the one reaching for the garbage can for you. No need to worry about contributing to the swear jar; I’ve got you covered.
1. Light. No, more than that. Yup, a bit more.
If you’re a plant enthusiast, chances are you’ve encountered the phrase “bright, indirect light” so frequently that it’s practically become your daily mantra.
Here’s the catch with this seemingly magical guidance for houseplants – understanding just how much bright indirect light our plants require is equally crucial, especially for flowering plants. We often place a plant in what we believe is the right spot with bright, indirect light, only to find that nothing significant happens.
So secret number one to get your African Violets blooming all year – go straight for the grow lights.
My sweetheart has this fantastic room boasting a massive window with southern exposure – I’m talking a generous 10’x6′ window. I’ve gifted him several houseplants, and they all thrive in that space, including a couple of African violets. Those violets are in a perpetual state of bloom, and he’s practically beaming with pride, saying, “I don’t understand why everyone thinks these are challenging to grow.”
The Violet Barn, a grower based in upstate NY, has been dedicated to cultivating and breeding African violets since 1985. According to their expertise, they recommend providing these delicate plants with 12-13 hours of bright light each day. (Disclaimer: I can’t be held accountable for any potential spending spree if you decide to check out their link.)
My sweetie doesn’t need to grow lights. However, most of us do.
If dealing with a full grow light setup seems like a hassle for just one or two African violets, consider the convenience of a halo grow light. Alternatively, you can take a page from my book and go for the GE Grow Light Balanced Spectrum LED bulbs,. They easily fit into standard E26 light sockets and seamlessly blend in with your existing lighting. Most importantly, my plants are thriving and content with them.
If you’re genuinely committed to having blooming violets, it’s worth investing in a proper grow light – don’t cut corners on this essential aspect of their care.
2. Feed me, Seymore!
Are any fans of Little Shop of Horrors out there? Well, African violets share a common trait with the infamous plant from this beloved Broadway musical – they’re always hungry. At least, if you want them to grace you with their beautiful flowers.
With the abundance of African violet fertilizers on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, but the truth is, you just need a well-balanced indoor plant fertilizer to keep them content. Here’s secret number two: the frequency of feeding is key. Make it a habit to feed your violet every time you water, and you’ll keep those blooms coming.
