Question
Hi Johnnie,
I have many African Violets. Some are in reg pots and others I have in specialty african violet ceramic pots. Those in the ceramic pots tend to get a moldy looking flower which tells me that the plant is too wet. Am I correct? Aren't they supposed to be continually damp? I have them located about 8 feet from a south facing window. They blossom frequently but don't look the best.  Thanks for any tips.


Answer
Thanks for the question - I hope you had an enjoyable Labor Day!

I have always been mistrustful of African Violet pots - those pots that fit into another pot that serves as a reservoir.  The watering method is based on the "wick" water delivery - which usually works, but I dislike using it.  Over time, mineral crusts form in the reservoir if never cleaned out and the wick slowly stops working.  Usually they come in very beautiful colors and are well made.  My advice for you is to just remove the reservoir pot and plant something else in it that doesn't require good drainage.  AV's are very susceptible to powdery mildew and you might want to check for that.  Spray with a very mild fungicide made for house plants and you get it under control.  Remember to use a good fertilizer and not to fertilize when the plant is bone dry.  AV's do not like to stay wet per se, but slightly damp - teasingly so!  The two extremes of soaking wet and bone dry can easily kill a plant.  Read my other posts regarding proper watering techniques/amounts.  

My advice is if it's working for you - don't change it!