Question
Are the water devices that are sold at home stores (e.g., Lowe's) work for the African violets.  I am referring to the ones that the pot sits in the water and "absords" the water as needed by the plant?  Thanks.

Answer
They only work if the plant it big enough for it.  The rule of thumb for African Violets is the pot should be 1/3 the size of the plant.  They like to be root bound.  If the roots do not take up most of the pot it would sit in water and rot instead of "drinking" what is in the soil.  If you have a plant that fits this then yes have fun with it.

Personally I like to just water from the bottom once a week.  Then I have no water worries.

I hope this helps
Happy Growing
Kristina