Question
Hi Mary,
I started with 1 AV and it got huge! I read an article about propagating them and I ended up with 4 plants. That was a yr ago and I can`t seem to get any of them to bloom.I had no problems w/ the "mother" plant prior to this. I have repotted,fertilized,and have even put them under a grow light for about 8 hrs. a day. Still nothing. I have done everything I know to do. Help!!!
Thanks for any advice you can give me. Sheila  

Answer
Sheila: How often do you fertilize?  I use the constant feed method.  I mix 1/4 tsp of fertilizer per gallon of water and water every time with that solution. Then you don't have to try to remember when you fertilized last. Try this formula on your other houseplants they will love it. Sounds like you are doing it all right--suggestions:  Leave the lights on for 10 to 12 hours.  Change fertilizer for a few weeks.  Get a bloom booster fertilizer such as Green Light or Shultz with the middle number at 55 or higher. It should read 12-55-6 or 12-60-17. The high middle number is for phosphorous and that's what makes the plant bloom as well as produce strong roots. Use this fertilizer at 1/4 tsp per gallon of water for 6 to 8 weeks. Has been been a long time since you repotted?  Your plants may need fresh soil. Soil will get old and break down and the plant cannot get the proper nutrients it needs.

If you haven't visited the African Violet Society of America web site you owe it to yourself to do so.  http://www.avsa.or

Best wishes and happy growing. If you have any other questions, just let me know.

Mary Hill, Tulsa, OK
http://www.deshanekennels.com