I have 3 African Violets and they have been very healthy all winter but no blooms. I tried Epsom Salt diluted in Distilled water and watered them. I held my breath while doing this because I was terrified to ruin my AVs. It worked. My “Harmony’s Cotton Candy” started to show blooms within 2 days and today looks about to bloom. My purple AV has flower buds now but not as close to blooming as the Cotton Candy. So excited. First time having Blooming AV!!!!
Congratulations! I love AVs 🥰 There are plenty of cool hybrids and cultivars to choose from.
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Oh this is beautiful! Are they easy to grow? I have killed all my plants in the past 😞 I would love to have some more flowering ones.
0 likes I was told when I bought this plant that I was crazy for trying to grow an African Violet. I’m glad that I didn’t listen. I planted mine in African Violet specific soil. I used a white Ceramic Self Watering (wicking) pot 4” diameter. I use distilled water for the tank at the bottom of the pot. Every other fill I put in African Violet liquid fertilizer squirt. That ends up to be about once a month. Once a month it’s top feed with 1 & 1/2 teaspoon Epsom Salt completely dissolved in a quart of room temperature distilled water. Water carefully beneath the leaves. Let it drain through into the sink without the water tank. Then refill the water tank with fresh distilled water and replace the planter on the water tank. Done. The water tank last for close to 2 weeks, just refill when it gets close to empty and sit back and enjoy your AV!!! I hope you give it a try. I am glad that I did.
1 like Cool! It sounds a bit advanced for me. But maybe I will give it a try! I love the pink and velvety leaves on yours 💕 How do you get distilled water? Do you boil it first?
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It doesn’t help boiling the water. That’s just a myth. You need to buy distilled water or use rain water or reverse osmosis.
0 likes I have a distiller but you can purchase gallons of it inexpensively at your pharmacy or Grocery store.
0 likes Actually, it’s rather easy. You can buy the soil and fertilizer at any garden center or on Amazon. The pots were from amazon and were also inexpensive. They usually come in a 3 or 4 pack. I also use the plastic ones with the clear bottom tank. Very easy to set up and wonderful to not have to worry about over or under watering. Epsom Salts from any pharmacy, grocery store or, again, amazon. It’s common and everywhere. You just mix the Epsom Salts in your choice of water in the ratio given and feed from the top once a month instead of in the tank. It’s super easy and worth the effort.
0 likes Thank you for sharing your experiences with African violets. I’ve killed a bunch in the past. Probably overwatering. But now I know better. I’ve seen a variegated one at the nursery. Maybe it’s time to give it a go now when I have some more knowledge.
1 like Go for it!! You will be happy!
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