Question
Hello Patricia, after setting my African Violet out side in a warm summer light rain, I was told by my friend that was bad for violets and could kill them. My violet has never looked prettier, the leaves are so shiney & bright. My violet hasn't bloomed for awhile now & I thought the rain would give it more nutrition; still no blooms but beautiful leaves. What is your opinion on this way of watering violets and also what can I do to encourage my violet to bloom? The violet sits by a south window but not in direct sun. I have Miracle Grow violet food. Thanks so much.

Answer
Debra,
What a beautiful picture you described-- violets sitting in the warm summer showers!  I am certain the foliage is thriving in it.  The only thing about this scenario that could kill a violet would be if it got direct sunlight, which is much too strong for violets.  OR, if the temperature outside rose to a very hot level, say over 95 or so.   You didn't say which zone you live in, but if you live in an area with high humidity in summer, like the South, then your violet was doubly happy.  They LOVE humidity.  Just make sure while your violet is outdoors that it is in good shade; even dappled sunlight could be harmful in summer.  I have found personally that my violets take extended rest periods between blooming.  I am certain the outdoor light is very beneficial for your violet if it is enough, of course.  Your plant is just probably taking a rest before it blooms again.

Miracle Grow food for violets is very good.  I use that when I cannot find my usual brand, Optimara.  I fertilize with every watering.  My violets sit in an EAST window, and receive about 4-5 hours of INDIRECT sunlight a day.  (NOTE the sun rises in the east, so the sun is pretty much directly outside that particular window; I am very fortunate to have several windows facing this direction).  It is felt that if an eastern window is not available that a south facing one is second best.  The light should  be indirect in spring/summer; that is, through a sheer curtain.  I will be honest and say that occasionally I have let my violets get direct sunlight from my east window during fall and winter.  I will also add that that is NOT what the experts or the books recommend!  I have just always done it that way, and for very full, healthy violets it has always been fine.  If you notice some of your older plants with their full layers of leaves; it can be very difficult to get enough light into those dark little crevices.  Symptoms of too much, or rather too STRONG light would be slight curling of the leaves on the outside of the plant, and occasional light spotting, although spotting usually occurs when leaves are touched by cool water.

It sounds like you are very in tune to what your violet(s) needs, and as long as it does not appear sunburned it will be fine until temperatures start to drop.  Actually, when you do bring your plant(s) in for the Fall, they might have some mild shock from the lower humidity, so maybe you could run a humidifier for a week or longer.  At least try to mist frequently.

Good luck Debra.  It sounds like you are doing a great job. I would love to hear back on how your violet is doing when it blooms again.  The summer light and rain water should pay off!