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"Here, I want you to have this," a client said, handing me an African violet. It was huge (almost two feet across and two feet high), strong, and had beautiful purple blooms.

"Uh, gosh, thanks, but I might kill it," I stammered. "They require such intricate care, and I'm afraid I won't take proper care of it, and it's so pretty."

"Nonsense," she said. "They're easy to care for."

That was ten years ago and I still have that African violet. It's still beautiful, and it is the host plant of several starts I've propagated and given to others.

African violets look delicate, but anything that thrives in Africa isn't delicate, including violets. I live at high altitude in the desert, which is not conducive to plants requiring moisture like African violets do, being native to rain forests; and still they thrive.

If you are in a moist area, care to make sure they have plenty of water is not as critical as it is here. In moist climates, however, there is a higher possibility of fungus. Allow the soil to dehydrate enough to feel dry to the touch before watering the plant. Place the pot in a shallow container and allow the moisture to draw upward into the soil, not watering it from the top of the pot. When the water standing in the pan under the plant is gone, and the top soil feels dry, just add some water to the pan. It's quite easy to care for in that way, unlike some other plants that are much more difficult to water correctly.

The most critical element for flourishing African violets is proper light. They need sun but not direct sunlight. The lady who gave me my first African violet had hers in a window with sheer curtains to protect them from direct sunlight. Mine are in the window with a porch overhang to protect from direct sunlight. In their native habitat, they are protected by overhanging trees limbs and leaves, but with sufficient light reaching them to provide for proper photosynthesis.

With proper moisture and light, watching for fungus and blight, nutrients are the next requirement of which to be aware; too much nitrogen will burn them. A balanced fertilizer is best, but not too often or too much. Read the directions on the package, then err on the side of caution. Once burned with too much fertilizer, they are almost impossible to save.

Occasionally, they will need the brown leaves to be removed to make room for new growth. I water mine once a week, and pick off any ugly leaves when I water. Once a week is not essential, but seems to be correct to keep it looking nice at all times.

Repotting is more necessary in moist climates. Fungus and mildew can contaminate the potting soil. I recommend re-potting at least once a year in normal conditions, less in dry climates and as often as every six months in extremely moist areas.

"I know how much you love plants and I will visit occasionally to make sure it's doing well," she said and left me with that violet, and she was right, I did take care of it, and still think of her when I look at it. She loved the color purple, and there isn't a more beautiful purple in the world than that of African violet blooms, contrasted against the deep green leaves with hits of oranges in the new growth.

Learn more about this author, Will Kester.
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