Question
I am growing African violets under grow lights in my home due to limited window light. I have fluorescent grow lights wide spectrum, several different light stands - some with one light tube, some with two or four.  Most of my African violets are a pale green despite my having cut the amount of light time down quite a bit because it was burning the leaves.  Though everything I've read says they need 8-14 hrs. a day mine can only tolerate 3-4 hrs.  under the grow lights I have, and the lights are as high up as possible.  About 2 or 3 feet above the plants.  These are bright lights.  The plants are not reaching up for more light so I think not enough light is not the problem.  I fertilize with 1/4 t fertilizer each time I water.  I am trying several different fertilizers.  I use the African violet soil sold by the professionals, not what's in the regular store.  I have lids with pebbles %26 water to increase the humidity.  My plants rarely bloom and are not dark green.  Do I need to use more fertilizer?  More or less light?  
I took some of the plants to work and every morning I put them in my western window for a couple hrs before it gets too bright.    They are greener than the ones at home and two are blooming.  Any advice appreciated.  I want to grow them successfully in my home and the grow lights are my only option there.

Answer
Tricia,

I would question if you are using a fertilizer that is labeleed for African Violets? They tend to like a more acidic fertilizer. They also like magnesium sulfate in the form of epsom salts. Put 1 teaspoon of epsom salts on the surface of the soil in each pot and water it in. Within 3 months it should be blooming. Other than needing fertilizer and epsom salts it may be getting too much light. You may also want to check them closely for spider mites. Use a magnifying glass to look for the fine webs. If you find them spray them twice aq week with rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. It will kill any live insects on the plant. Spray iit twice a week for 3 weeks.

Here is a website with good pics showing African Violet problems and how to solve them.

http://www.steverd.com/violets/leaves/leaf-id.htm

Good luck.
Darlene