THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 28, 1996 TAG: 9601260117
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
NOW THAT WINTER is upon us, it's time to think about houseplants. One that provides more color than almost any other - but also requires more care - is the African violet.
``They sulk when they're dry or cold,'' says Virginia Tech horticulturist Diane Relf.
One of the big problems with African violets is getting them to rebloom. Many householders buy a plant in beautiful bloom but are unable to get it to repeat its blooms.
African violets flower best in bright light but not in extreme heat or humidity. East or west windows are best, and fluorescent lights work well. They prefer a daytime temperature of 72 degrees, and night temperatures should not be below 62 degrees.
African violets are extremely sensitive to dryness. Check soil moisture daily and water them when the soil feels dry to the touch and before it becomes hard. Use lukewarm water only, because cold water causes irregular-shaped, white colored spots on the foliage.
Contrary to what you may have been told, you can water violets from the top, as well as the bottom. Just keep water off leaves and make sure the plant is watered deeply.
Excess water should flow out a drainage hole in the pot, and any excess water should be poured off.
If watering from the bottom, remove the pot from its saucer as soon as you see soil at the top of the pot turn wet. If you leave the pot standing in water, it can saturate the soil and eliminate air spaces essential for healthy root growth.
If you normally water from the bottom, switch to top watering occasionally, Relf recommends. This helps prevent the accumulation of crusty, white salts on the soil surface and edge of pots. Leaf stems can become soft or discolored if they lay on soluble salts on the pot rim. This problem occurs most often when the plant is in a clay pot.
If you want to avoid constant watering, use a self-watering wick system. They can be purchased in garden centers or by mail.
You must have a good soil mix for African violets, especially one that provides good drainage. Relf recommends two parts peat moss to one part perlite.
African violets need a regular supply of plant food. Use a special liquid African violet fertilizer, applied every two to four weeks.
But the most important requirement for all African violets is proper light. If yours have not done well, keep moving them around until you find the spot they like best. Then they'll reward you with blooms and more blooms. MEMO: To learn more, you can join the Tidewater African Violet Society. The
group's next meeting will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Norfolk Botanical
Garden. It normally meets the fourth Sunday of each month but will not
meet today. Call 479-3681. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
JIMMY MILLER
African violets bloom best in bright light but not with too much
heat or humidity.
by CNB