Question
My other happy African
I read with interest the question about why Cathy's AV will not bloom, and whether it was a problem with light, and which window to place the plant in. My problem is a violet that won't bloom, but it is in a window with four other violets, all of which are blooming profusely, so it cannot be an issue with the window. The leaves are healthy and there is plenty of new growth -- just no flowers. I treat it the same as my other violets, but, again, no flowers. How do I get this violet to show its full potential?
Thanks so much!
AnswerDiana, I wanted to first thank you for the fine rating you gave me!
Also, since they all came from a difference source, you may also want to try what I call "top dressing". That is, just add some fresh potting mix to the top of each plant, mix it in well with a fork or pencil, but be very careful to not injure the tender leaves. This is a simple and quick thing you can do once or twice a year to add nutrients to the soil. Who knows, it might help your shy violet to bloom! Please never hesitate to send me future questions.
Good luck again,
Patricia
Diana,
It is difficult to answer why only one won't bloom. Your others look gorgeous, by the way!!
A couple of questions to keep in mind would be: Did you purchase all the plants at the same place? Do you feed them all at the same time? I'm sure you do. My first thought was that possibly this plant came from another store, in which place the soil content would be different from the others, even if by a small percentage.
Remember that violets all go through a "resting" period several times a year, which means they don't bloom constantly. But, if you are treating the plant correctly it should bloom at least once or twice a year.
Move the plants around a little; rotate them around so they all get the same amount of sunlight. As we enter autumn the sun is at a different angle and not as bright, but if you keep them in an eastern exposure you should be OK. That's what I do.
Sorry, I have no other suggestions. I always like to refer folks to the African Violet Society of America for anything I can't help with. Their site is www.avsa.org. They will take questions free of charge. (Please note the it ends ith ORG, not COM).
Good luck
