The African Violet is a very beautiful houseplant that is very easy to take care of. It has a few features that make it a little picky but it is an excellent resident of the house only requiring indirect light and the odd drink.

African violets require water only when the soil is dry. The best method I find is only water your plant when the pot its in gets rather light in weight, use your own discretion. You will then immerse the pot into water halfway up the pot and let sit until the soil below the leaves of your violet gets moist and soft.

The dirt you choose to use should be specifically designed for African violets and will usually contain coconut fiber and peat moss to keep moisture and sometimes a small amount of sand to provide drainage. Only fertilize your violet every other month for bright flowers and leaves.

One other thing to be noted is, when your plant looks like it is starting outgrow its pot, it probably is. You need to do this when the plant is very dry so it slips out of the plant pot easily, and into the new pot with violet mix. Set in some water and wait until the soil is very damp and return to your favorite spot.

With these simple steps you will have a beautiful plant that will last many years.

Learn more about this author, Travis Kragh.
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