African Violet help

[Gord]

The kids and I bought Mom an African violet for Mother's Day. It is not a happy plant.

It started out great but something went wrong. Most of the leaves went yellow and it doesnt put out any flowers. New leaves start out promising but as they get larger they go yellow as well.

Right now, it's on a windowsill and gets some sun. We watered it about once a week. We have backed off on the water and maybe the leaves are looking better.

I know nothing about non-native plant species! I expect it's getting too much water and/or the light amount is no right.

Help!

[Ruth Beeke]

Hi Gord - Even though I am not a member of this forum I read and enjoy it regularly, especially when we are back in China. My mom always had the best luck with violets when she had them in a north facing window - good light but no sunshine. I think watering once a week sounds great - they do not like lots of water. Hope this helps somewhat. Keep up the good work with this forum. We love it!

[deb&tony]

Hi Gord-
I'm with you on native plants but I have heard that African violets prefer to be watered from underneath, that is, fill the saucer with water and then remove it after about 10 minutes since the roots are very sensitive to overwatering.
I agree with Ruth, keep them out of direct sunlight and also allow them to dry out between waterings. Plant them in a small pot and preferably one that is not filled to the rim with soil. Only water from above prior to applying a water soluble fertilizer -they'll also bloom when stressed.
Good luck,
Deb

[Gord]

Thanks for the advice! We have moved the plant and will modify the watering. Out of habit, we tried to keep the leaves dry when watering. Goes back to the days when I had a garden to care for and I didnt want the leaves to sunburn.

Will keep you all posted on how the plant does in its new home!

Any specific kind of fertilizer or is just a basic houseplant kind suitable.

Ruth, thanks for the kind words and it was good to meet you among the clouds of mosquitoes at Island 22! Feel free to share what you guys see over there!