Question
I have a thriving African violet plant, but it has not produced any flowers since I have had it.  Is there anything I can do?

I also have a spider plant that the ends keep turning brown.  It is alive, but not thriving.  It will also have mold growing on top of the soil.  Am I watering it too much ( only once a week)and what else am I doing wrong?

Answer
Hi Amy
I am sorry about how long it has taken me to answer your question-my mom was just diagnosed with lung cancer and I have not been at home much;
African Violets; The most important factor in getting African Violets to bloom is light-Insufficient light is probably the most common reason for failure of African violets to flower.  They need at least 6-8 hours per day in order to flower.  South or west windows will give you the best light this time of the year.  You can also use artificial lighting.  They do best in daytime temperatures of 70 to 90 and nighttime temps of 65-70.  They also like high humidity, which you can offer by placing the pot into a pebble tray-fill a small tray with pebbles and place the pot into this tray.  Keep filled with water-this will create humidity around the plant.  Never mist an African Violet or any plant with 'hairy' leaves.
Allow the soil to become dry to the touch between waterings.  Pour water until it is coming out of the drain holes.  Try not to splash water onto the leaves.  Add a 20-20-20 fertilizer at least once a month-I believe it is Miracle Grow that makes one just for African Violets.

Your Spider Plant, aka 'Chlorophytum comosum' like a bright, natural light, but also do well under artificial lighting.  They need to have less hours of light in order to produce 'babies'.  The tips normally turn brown due to the chemicals in the water.  Also, watch how much fertilizer you use, this will burn them also.  If you can use distilled water, that will help.  If you cannot, what I use to do was fill a container with water and put a cap on it and allow it to sit for a couple of days before watering.  This will get rid of the chemicals.  
Just clip the brown tips off.
The mold is usually due to a unsterilized fertilizer.  Just spoon it out-it should not hurt the plant.

I hope this has answered your questions Amy-good luck!
Leslie