Question
Hi Darlene.

I have some 23w compact fluorescent bulbs, that give off 100w.  Can I grow my African Violet babies under them?  I have  just separated about six that I started with a couple of leaves.  I want to eventually have a small African Violet table with the lights trained on them.  

Right now the six babies are under one bulb.  I really can't tell if they're doing ok yet, because I just placed them under the bulb about a week ago.  

I'm confused about this whole African Violet / fluorescent wattage issue.  Please help!

Answer
Amanda,

It should do fine as long as the light is within 6-12 inches of the african violets such as in a dsk lamp above the plants. They should be close enough that they get lots of light but not touching the bulb.

Also here are some good websites on growing violets under light:

http://www.avsc.ca/light4avs.pdf

http://www.pioneerthinking.com/bavs_africanviolets.html

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/lights/msg1111442330561.html

Good luck.

Darlene