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AFRICAN
VIOLET CARE SHEET
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The
African violet is America's most popular blooming house plant.
Well-grown violets flower easily and almost continually on the
windowsill or under fluorescent light. No other plant is as versatile,
adaptable and potentially satisfying as this blooming indoor
ornamental.
By following
the violet's basic care requirements explained on this sheet,
your plants will reward you with flowers throughout the year.
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1.
Light
Bright,
indirect light is the single most important requirement of an
African violet for good bloom. A bright windowsill is best in
fall or winter, but do not allow the sun to shine directly
on the plant. As days lengthen and sunshine becomes more
intense, you may want to shade plants somewhat to avoid overexposure.
A light meter is very helpful in verifying proper intensities.
We recommended daytime light intensity in the range of 500 to
1500 foot candles. A good general rule is that more light helps
to bring the shy bloomer into flower.
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2.
Fluorescent Light
Fluorescent
light is very satisfactory for violets and related plants, and
fluorescent gardens illuminated with cool white and warm white
tubes are best. Lights should be on for 12 to 14 hours and tubes
should be 8" to 10" from the tops of the plants. Try
to maintain at least 500 foot candles at the plant level. Two
fluorescent tubes, each four feet long, are sufficient to light
an area four feet long and 18" wide. A general rule is to
provide about 15 watts of fluorescent light for each square foot
of growing area.
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3.
Water
Water in
moderate supply is important. Violets are most conveniently watered
from below by adding water to the saucers or trays. However, do
not allow plants to remain in wet trays for more than a couple
of hours. Water should be used up completely before more
is added. About once a month you should top water your plants
with room temperature water. This helps redistribute fertilizer
and maintains uniform moisture throughout the soil.
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4.
Temperature
The temperature
requirements of violet plants and homeowners are happily about
the same. A 65o F night temperature is satisfactory
and day temperatures between 70o F and 80o F
are good. The higher temperatures can prevail on the brighter
days.
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5.
Humidity
Humidity
is difficult to control in the home. If plants are kept continually
moist, humidity is not of paramount importance. When humidity
is low (generally during the winter), plants will dry out more
quickly and more frequent waterings are needed. Watering with
lukewarm water can help improve humidity. Some African violet
growers improve the humidity by placing the plants on trays filled
with moistened pebbles.
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6.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer
should be used in moderation. We suggest using Oxygen Plus African
Violet Food by the recommended amounts on the package.
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7.
Soil Mixes
Soils should
be well-drained and disease free. You will need soil if you are
rooting, cutting, or re-potting older plants. Roger's Potting
Soil makes an excellent soil for African violets.
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8.
Pots
Pots should
be carefully selected. A new self-watering planter has recently
arrived on the market, and Roger's suggests that you consider
this product. Whatever you choose, it is essential that the container
have good drainage capabilities. Regular 4-inch plastic pots
are excellent for the long-term growing of most standard varieties.
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9.
Grooming
Grooming
of plants improves blooming. Violets are best if grown as single
crown specimens (one plant per pot). Extra plantlets crowd each
other and should be removed.
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