Question
2 years ago we moved to NW Mississippi and found an African Violet left by the previous owner.  That spring/summer it had beautiful pale pink/violet blooms, multiple.  It was not unusual to have 10 or more blooms at one time.  Last year, not a bloom.  Since it is already April and there are no signs of blooming again this year, what should I do?  I keep it in the West window of the Breakfast room where the deck covering provides muted sunlight.  It has been there 2 years.  I keep a saucer full of water under the plant.  Thanks for your advice.

Answer
Judy,

Have you transplanted it?  If not you should in a pot 1/3 size smaller than the plant.  They like to be root bound.  Use a mix of 1/3 peatmoss, 1/3 perlite, and 1/3 vercumlite.  The roots need air so the store bought soil mixes (yes even the ones that say african violet soil) are way too heavy.  Make sure you fertlize your plant with a weak solution of a violet food since the soil holds no fertlizer.  Or you can use a little bit of Osmocote in the soil.  Be careful not to use too much.  If the leaves look a little pale to you then give it a nice dose of fish emulsion once a month.  They love it!  As far as light goes they need between 10 and 12 hours of bright indirect light.  Sunlight will burn them but you already knew that.  If you want to get the most blooms possible I would reccomend a grow light.  You can pick them up at Walmart at a reasonable price.

If I have not given you all of the information you need or would like more...feel free to contact me again at [email protected]

Best of luck to you and your plant.