Question
QUESTION: I have an African violet that normally has green leaves.  I was away for awhile and when I returned it was no longer blooming and was a bit puny.  When I was away the plant did not get as much sun as usual and I can't remember if the leaves were yellow when I returned.  Now it is back in its usual spot, the plant is beginning to grow again, flower stems are starting, but some of the new leaves are yellow around the edges, it almost looks variegated.  Other than the yellow, it looks healthy.

ANSWER: The main question I would ask you is, how long were you away?? A violet's leaves shouldn't become pale or yellowish from just a few days or even a week. Also, remember that African violets do not bloom continuously, but rather periodically over the year. They will bloom for a month or so, then rest for another month or so. It is very important to remove wilted or "spent" blooms by simply pinching them off gently. This enables the plant to put its energy into the rest of the blossoms or even back into the foliage.

If you would like a more definitive answer you could send me a photo of the plant's leaves. I'd also like to know just how long you were gone, and what location your plant was in, i.e., how much sun exposure did it lack?

Let me add one more thing: You know that violets need moisture and light above all things. Make sure your plant is in INDIRECT light, such as behind a sheer curtain. In wintertime I keep my violets on a windowsill in direct eastern light. However, in summer I move them back because the stronger sunlight may burn the leaves.

Get back to me if you like to and I'll try to help more.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response.  I was gone about 4 weeks.  I'm not sure what light it had.  Someone else was keeping it for me (I think in indirect light - definitely not direct).

It's usual place has too much sun this time of year, so I've moved it back from the window a bit.   I can't take a picture now (camera broken) but I will try to borrow one and send it next week if I can.  

Meanwhile, here is a description of what it looks like now:  The plant is not big.  About 2/3 of the lower leaves have yellow tips and the rest are green with yellow in the creases.  There are a few blooms in the center.  The plant sits in a small plastic pot (the one I got it in) and that sits in a nicer pot on a layer of stones.  I keep water in that larger pot (so I won't wet the leaves and to provide a little humidity).

Thanks again!

Answer
It almost sounds as if your violet is a variegated type with the yellowing. I would much rather see that than yellowing from disease or lack of care! You certainly have a good watering system and the stones always add so much humidity. Even I don't do that regularly. I photo would really help, but I understand camera problems. Yellowing leaves could mean several things: A lack of nutrients, not enough water (though this doesn't sound likely), not enough light, or even a fungal infection. In fact, yellowing leaves is the most common question of ALL houseplants, violets or not. If the NEW GROWTH in the center leaves looks nice, green and healthy, then you could probably just continue what you're doing and it should be OK. Don't worry about blooms, because as I said previously, violets only bloom when conditions are right, and then only 3-4 times a year, but those several times a year are worth the wait! Let me know if I can help further. Here is the website I go to when I'm stumped: It's the African Violet Society of America. They have a plethora of information and even take Q&As for free. But, you can follow up with me if you wish> I'm happy to try to help. Click or go here: www.avsa.org