Question
We have several African Violet plants.  They sit side-by-side in south facing windows in our kitchen and breakfast area. The light appears to be just right.  All but one have lovely flowers.  The one who doesn't flower is the oldest of them all. It has Never flowered! It is in a 6 inch "African Violet" pot. It takes up the entire pot. All of our plants are watered from the bottom.  They are potted in soil made for African Violets and are given fertilizer regularly.  What can we do to get this one to bloom?  It has lovely leaves, but we want flowers too.  Thank you.

Answer
James,
I have had this problem.  It seems to only affect older plants.  Sometimes there are violets that just will not bloom.  But, that is the exception rather than the rule.  What I would suggest to you is what I have found helpful.  That is to repot the plant-- not necessarily into a larger pot, but for the purpose of adding fresh, vitamin-enriched soil.  This will also give you the opportunity to inspect the soil, roots, etc. for anything that does not look "right".  Sometimes when we have had plants for a long time the soil becomes depleted of nutrients.  I don't suggest, however, that you fertilize it more at this time.  We must always be cautious to not over or under-fertilize.  What a tough tightrope to walk!  But, if this plant is getting the right sunlight, water, fertilizer, and humidity, then  repotting it into new soil may do the trick.  Give it time, though; up to several months.  Also, keep in mind that violets prefer a "tight shoe" situation; in other words, they bloom much better when slightly pot-bound.  I wish you much luck, and congratulations for your success with all your other specimens.