AFRICAN VIOLETS: Proper care, supplies, auctions, stores, clubs, links and more!

African Violets

African Violets make great houseplants.
With a good environment and regular care they will reward you with blooms all year.

On this site you will learn about the proper care of African Violets.
I also provide links directing you to more in-depth information, supplies, instruction, groups, and more!

Where to buy African Violets:

You can purchase African Violets at the grocery store, at a nursery, through online stores, and even on eBay! You can also pinch a leaf off of a friend's plant and start a new plant of your own. Obtain great starter leaves from other African Violet fans on eBay, plus you'll find online groups that exchange leaves and clippings with each other. When your plants grow larger, sometimes they'll multiply or divide and you'll end up with several plants in the same pot. Now you can split them, re-pot them, and share them with friends! You could also join your local chapter of the African Violet Society of America (AVSA link below) and obtain or trade starter leaves from other members, or just attend one of their sales.

African Violet Leaves, Clippings and Plants

Start or expand your African Violet collection!

Keep your eye on eBay. People often list leaves and/or plants for sale.
Also, you'll find various leaf exchange groups on the internet, including the one listed here.

African Violet Leaf Exchange: Exchange leaves and clippings with others!

African Violets Right Now on eBay !

Place a bid for your favorite African Violet

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NEW: African Violet Store Review

As time permits I will be reviewing different online African Violet stores.

Drew's Violets: I recently placed a few bids for African Violet leaves
listed for auction on eBay by Drew's Violets.
I received my order, and WOW!! what a nice little package.
The leaves were in perfect condition
with complete instructions and more!
Way to go Drew! Two green thumbs up !!!

Visit Drew at: DrewsViolets.com

How to Propagate an African Violet

Start a new plant from just one leaf

Propagate a new African Violet plant from just one leaf!
Obtain an African Violet leaf from a friend, or purchase one on eBay,
and start your African Violet garden!
There are slightly different ways to propagate.
You'll find instructions in the links below.

African Violet Propagation: Propagation information and video instruction too.
African Violet Propagation: Another method of propagation.
African Violet Propagation: This link includes photos illustrating how to cut the stem for propagation, and walks you through the process.
Cedar Creek Violets: Supplies and Potting Mix
Easy African Violet Propagation: Create more African Violets!
EVEN EASIER Propagation: I just came across this blog describing propagation using a ziplock-type bag!! Check it out... "Cuttings in a Bag"

Propagation:

The most common method of propagation is by leaf cutting in the Spring. Any healthy, firm leaf will do. Remove the entire leaf with stem by snapping or cutting it off at the base of the stem, and then trim the it to about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length. Then make a hole in the growing medium (such as a half sand, half vermiculite mix) with a pencil, insert the leaf stem into the hole, and water thoroughly. Roots normally form 3 to 4 weeks under good conditions and leaves of the new plants appear at the surface 3 to 4 weeks after the root formation. In two to six months, young plants start from the bases of the stalks, which you'll be able to repot once they've formed two to three leaves.

African Violets may also be propagated by division. When you find yourself with multiple plants in the same pot, simply cut each crown away from the plant carefully so that each plant has its portion of the root system, and plant each division in whatever African Violet potting mix you're using.

More African Violets Right Now on eBay...

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Proper Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for a healthy plant and good bloom. Thin, dark, blue-green leaves with long stems indicate insufficient light levels. While moderate light is needed, direct light for long periods can be damaging. Too much light usually produces leaves that are small, crinkled, leathery, and yellow. Generally, areas in your house that have North or East facing exposures are best for African Violets. However, if this is not possible, African Violets will be happy under artificial lighting as well. Fluorescent lights suspended approximately 8 inches above the plants for 12 to 16 hours per day will produce sufficient light to initiate blooms.

LED Grow Lights on eBay

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More Indoor Garden Grow Lights

Glentronics PL-1 Intelligent Plant Light

Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 07/13/2009)

Hydrofarm JSV2 2-Foot Jump Start T5 Grow Light System

Amazon Price: $74.94 (as of 07/13/2009)

Agrosun Dayspot Grow Light Kit

Amazon Price: $23.99 (as of 07/13/2009)

Temperature

African Violets require temperatures between 65 and 80F. Temperatures below 50F usually cause the leaves to darken, become water-soaked, and wither. Temperatures above 85F will slow the growth and flowering of African Violets and may injure the leaves as well. Water temperature becomes important during the winter months, as cold water directly on the leaves will damage them quickly.

Watering

Watering African Violets is often the most difficult part of their care. They require a moist, well-drained soil. If the soil is too wet, the plants may rot. If the plants are too dry, they will not grow or flower well. Many people "sub-irrigate" African Violets. This means placing the plant in a saucer of water and allowing the plant to soak up water from the bottom of the pot. This prevents injury from cold water on the leaves and insures the entire soil area is moist. However, care must be taken not to allow the plants to sit for long periods in water as they may rot quickly. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry before sub-irrigating again. African Violets can also be watered from the top if room temperature water is used and the foliage remains dry. Actually, it is recommended that you water them from the top occasionally to prevent salt accumulation. "Wick" watering is another method that is increasing in popularity. This is a continuous watering system with a water reservoir at the base of the plant and an absorbent wick that connects the soil and the water reservoir. This method is effective in maintaining an even moisture level of the soil. However, periodic watering from the top might be necessary to prevent the accumulation of salts.

African Violet Growing Tips

Wick watering and more...

African Violet Growing Tips: This is a long page but has great infomation and photos. Wick watering is also explained.

Fertilization

Regular fertilization is needed to encourage plants to bloom throughout the year. A complete fertilizer at a low rate is recommended. Excessive fertilization leads to vigorous leaf growth, poor flowering, and the accumulation of salts in the soil. The accumulation of salts can ultimately damage or destroy foliage. Flush soils occasionally with clear water to eliminate salt buildup in the soil.

African Violet Fertilizer

Jack's African Violet Fertilizer, 8 Oz

Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 07/13/2009)

Schultz African Violet Plant Food Plus Micronutrients

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)

Soil, Pots and Containers

A loose, porous, fertile soil or "soil-less" mix that is slightly acidic is needed for growing African Violets. Peat-based soils that have been pasteurized are best. Regular garden or field soil is not satisfactory alone since it is often poorly drained and compacts easily. There are many commercial soil-less mixes available at your local nursery or home and garden store.

Plastic pots are suitable and seem to be the most popular for growing African violets. With clay pots, fertilizer salts may accumulate around the rim and any leaf stems resting on them will develop spots and eventually rot.

I tend to leave my African Violet in it's original plastic container for a while and set it inside a decorative pot or basket. Thrift stores are great places to find unique pots, planters or baskets.

An African violet can live for years in the same pot. The plant's spread should be at least three times the width of the pot before it is repotted. Wait until spring to do so, and then place the plant in a pot that is just slightly larger than the original one. Many people who have trouble getting their African violets to flower are simply growing them in pots that are too large. Because the stems are quite fragile, it is best to let the plant dry out somewhat before removing it from it's pot.

eBay: African Violet Supplies, Potting Mix, and More...

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Online African Violet Stores

Selective Gardener: Order African Violets online.
Become a Violet-of-the-Month club member!
Drew's Violets: Visit's Drew's eBay store for violets, leaves, and supplies.

More on African Violets

Making Money with African Violets: Raise African Violets at home to sell
African Violet Fact Sheet: Intersting information from the History of African Violets to the Care of African Violets.
African Violets in the News: Research drives market for African Violets
African Violet History: The backstage story behind this lovely plant dates back to the year 1892. It's at this time that the African Violet plant came into knowledge and its colors spread beyond Africa.

Blogs and Posts

What are other people saying about African Violets?

Garden Fairies African Violet Blog: Check out Carol and her Garden Fairies
at her MayDreamsGardens blog!

African Violet Society of America

AVSA: African Violet Society of America: You'll find lots of information in this organization's website,
and they publish a great magazine too!
Find a Chapter in your area
and join a group of extremely nice and helpful people.
African Violet - National Convention: Attend the next African Violet National Convention

Gifts for the gardener!

Mugs, clocks, tiles, cards and more !!

Do you know anyone who enjoys flowers and gardening?
Find unique mugs and other items with original photos of
beautiful flowers, bees, butterflies and more!
Perfect gifts for MOTHER'S DAY, for ANY day, or for yourself !!

Bees and Flower - Large Mug

From: JoMug.com

Price: 16.99

ROSE Wall Clock

From: RoseGift

Price: 17.00

Keepsake Box

From: KMC Photo Art Gifts

Price: 26.50

Books about African Violets

You Can Grow African Violets: The Official Guide Authorized by the African Violet Society of America, Inc.

by: Joyce Stork

Amazon Price: $17.05 (as of 07/13/2009)

African Violets Back to the Basics: Your Questions Answered

by: Melvin Robey

Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 07/13/2009)

African Violets: The Complete Guide (Complete Guides)

by: Joan Hill, Gwen Goodship

Amazon Price: $18.72 (as of 07/13/2009)

Unique Slate Vases for Floral Arrangements

An attractive and easy way to display cut flowers

Slate Stone Vases: One of a kind vases made from natural slate.
Perfect for simple arrangements using most any cut flower.
Visit: SlateStoneVases.com