African violets also love to lavish in a bath and then drip dry.
The soil should be a mixture of 2/3 good quality potting soil and 1/3
perlite, the little white pellets found in potting mixes. Even bags marketed as
African violet soil can generally stand an extra helping of perlite.
It's particularly important for the successful growth of African violets that
they be potted in a wicking container. They like to keep their feet wet. There
are lovely ceramic pots fashioned specifically for African violets. Typically,
they have a pot-within-a-pot characteristic, with the larger pot holding water
and an overflow spout, and the smaller pot holding the soil and plant. The lower
pot will hold enough water to reduce care of the plant to a weekly session. The
only drawback to pots is their price, and they are not absolutely necessary. As
long as the pot holding the plant has a hole in the bottom and some receptacle
beneath (like a saucer) that will hold water, the African violet will live and
bloom in comfort.
Speaking of water, violets can be a little persnickety in the water
department. They don't like to be watered directly and will demonstrate their
displeasure by curling up and dying if water gets on their leaves. (Dramatic,
aren't they?) They will tolerate very light misting as long as the moisture can
sink in before the histrionics begin. It's entirely possible, and perhaps
advisable, to take the calm, safe route and water entirely from the bottom.
Food
Although African violets get nutrition from sunshine and soil, the soil's
nutrients can be depleted over time so it will be necessary to feed it.
Commercially available African violet food can be found at nurseries, hardware
stores, and even the grocery. It only takes between 7 and 10 drops of the liquid
added to the water reservoir on a semi-monthly basis to keep the plants healthy
and encourage blooming. One bottle of food can feed several plants for an entire
year, but it should be replenished annually with a fresh bottle.