Great video, thank you. I have an African Violet that's been blooming like mad since the spring, after doing nothing for about 3 years! My Dad (died 10 years ago today, Nov.6th) always used to win awards for his African Violets (an English gardener!) with the Horticultural Society in Dartmouth NS. We must have had at least 40 of them in the house! Plus dozens in the basement that he'd tend before bringing them upstairs.
Thank you, and thank you for sharing your Dad’s story on his amazing African Violets; that is so awesome. I would love to know how much light you give them to keep those blooms going. 😀🪴
@@LETSGROWGARDENDESIGN Thank you! Happy to have subscribed to your channel! It's on a dining room table that gets good but relatively indirect light from the north and east over the course of the day and turn it each watering. I water it once a week or so, from the bottom, and I remember my Dad always said to use standing water, i.e. room temperature water that has sat a few days. It's getting pretty big, with a lot of leaves competing for room and I'm a bit unsure of how to thin it out without doing any harm, so would love to see a video on that. Also, I have a massive Christmas Cactus that blooms in November and again in January (but skips Christmas ha!) which will soon need to be repotted...any tips on that?
@@harbourdogNL Wait until your Christmas Cactus is done blooming before you repot. On soil- I would use a cactus or bromelaid potting mix with some perlite 90% cactus mix + 10% perlite. You want well drained mix. you can also add in a little bit of worm castings to richen the soil but dont add too much. On pot size, go a little bit larger than the pot size she is growing in now. Christmas cactus roots like to be crowded in a pot. Hope this helps. sorry for late reply. I have been swamped.
Thank you so much! And it's all the wonderful encouraging comments from folks like you that helps me strive to make better gardening & houseplant videos. Thanks again, you made my day. 😀🪴
Thank you so much, this is so informative. It's my first time to take care of african violets, just wanna make sure I'm doing it properly because I almost destroyed her by wiping her leaves with wet cloth turns out she wants them dry 😬 my bad. Glad I was still able to correct it. I hope she would be happy here. Will definitely go back to your video to review points you've given! 👍
Hi there! We can send you a plant care document via email, just send us a request at LETSGROWECO@GMAIL.COM. in the email subject line add- African Violet Plant Care instructions, that will help us find your email quickly. Thanks😀🪴
Great video! I'm struggling trying to get my African violet to bloom. I believe it's the lighting -- the leaves are reaching up rather than laying flat. My windows are not appropriate facing. Are you able to recommend a grow light?
Hi! I am still testing out several grow lights, so I don’t have a recommendation yet, but I am leaning to recommending full spectrum led grow lights ( white light) with flexible goosenecks. But thanks for the interest, I will do a video about grow lights in the future 😀🌳
Several years ago I HAD a wonderful collection of African Violets. A well meaning relative came over to my house while I was on vacation to check on things and thought they would do me the favor of watering my plants. Needless to say all my AV died from overwatering. No problem I thought, I will have fun scouring the internet for new wonderful varieties. But much to my chagrin, I could not find any suppliers. I realized then that plants go in and out of fashion. Do you know of any African Violet suppliers that sell plants retail? Great presentation. Thanks
Hi! we like to stick our finger or bamboo skewer down about 2" into soil. If your finger (or skewer) has dirt sticking to it and is damp, hold off on watering for a day or so. But if your finger or skewer comes up dry and soil just slips off, then you ready to water again. Hope this helps 😀🪴
Streptocarpus is also in the Gesneriad family (Gesneriaceae), African Violets are in the genus Saintpaulia. Saintpaulia ionantha is the common variety African Violet. Other wonderful genera include Sinningia, Gloxinia, Episcia, Streptocarpella, Columnea, Nematanthus, Gesneria, Hypocyrta, Codonanthe, Kohleria, and Achimenes to name a few.
Hi! And yes, we use artificial lights in some areas to help boost our plants light levels. I currently use some red/blue spectrum led grow lights , but i now prefer full spectrum lighting (white light color render)😀🪴
You're adorable too. As for me, I started with two African Violets and ended up with twenty using an east facing window. Simple as pie. But California isn't Florida, is it?
Hello Sr. My sister gave 3 African violets when there were really small . I’ve had them for maybe 4 years but not there are starting to Lon-gate and I don’t know what todo . They flower all year long the leafs are really nice fuzzy and big and it seats on my kitchen window but I don’t know what to do .can you give me an idea please. Thank you🙏🏼
That will happen sometimes if your pot is too small, or if your African Violets have grown too big for the pot. Try repotting up to a larger pot using the soil mix we recommend. 😀🪴
Hi! They don't carry it anymore :( . But I just ordered another one from amazon ( for my sister) here is the link if you want to ry it out, and its on sale!!! 😀 🪴 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CL1BYWZ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AW694070RUE6Z&th=1
I have been growing them since I was 16 and I am now much older than that. Lol OL I have never been on out them for a half a century but lately I’ve been looking for sources for more unusual violence. There used to be quiet if you smile Dealers in my area but not quite a while. Could you send me a comment telling me where you would consider ordering some of them are unusual. I know about Linden line and robs African violet barn but you have any others you would also recommend. I am obsessed with them Well my interest waxes and wanes they have as I sent Ben a constant companion. They’re a great plan.
Also if your plant has suckers (baby plantlets) growing off the momma it sucks all the energy away so just snap them off. Violets should be repotted every 6 months also which makes them thrive. It is super easy, just use a bread knife and cut straight across the bottom taking about a inch off, gently scrap the skin off the exposed trunk above the soil to prime it to root and put back in the same size pot and cover that top inch of the trunk with fresh potting mix.
I share your love of fuzzy plants 😂 you gotta check out the fuzzy Sinnigua plant. I also have these weeds in the yard in Vegas that remind me of an African violet but the flowers aren't cute, silvery leaves. I let those weeds stay :)
You're the first person that I listen to that have said you can plant more than one plant in a pot they're always talking about separating and putting one in a pot and I don't understand that why can't you have a big pot with more than one plant they're always saying just one crown
They are too adorable not to touch. Just be gentle and touch her only occasionally. Be careful to not have any perfume, oils or lotion on your hands cause she won't like that, and when touching her, pet the leaves hairs only, ever so slightly, if you press her leaves too hard they can break. Hope this helps. 😀🪴
@@LETSGROWGARDENDESIGN Thanks for that info. I have pretty good luck with them. I only have the pink and purple one's. Love yours. I have started 6 with leaves I have broken off. I now have a total of 8. Which I adore. Thank again.
I LIVE IN ARK, AND WE GROW OURS IN EAST WINDOW, THEY GET A LOT OF LIGHT BUT NOW SUN, I ALSO HAVE GROW LIGHTS IN THAT WINDOW AND THEY ARE NOT NEAR OR IN THE WINDOW, I ALWAYS WANT RED ONES THEY ARE HARD TO FIND, I BEEN GROWING THSE FOR 50 YEARS AND I NEVER EVER TOUCH THE LEAVES OR GROW THEM IN CLAY POTS AS THE LEAVES TOUCHING CLAY IS NOT A GOOD IDEA
african violets are a hard plant, they will do well for a while then, the leaves tend to curl up, or fall off, they simply dont like a lot of sun, but a lamp is also a good idea, i have about 12 half of them died, now, so i replace them often, but same thing in 50 years they tend to do that to me, i recall a long long time ago,i used to put mine under the sink and give them a good wash about every 10 days, they did great, back then, i had tons of blooms, doesnt work for me any more ugh
Hi there, sorry to hear about your A violets. Have you tried repotting with new soil after a few years? We have tried that process, and it definitely helped us invigorate, sluggish growers.😀🪴
Great video, thank you. I have an African Violet that's been blooming like mad since the spring, after doing nothing for about 3 years! My Dad (died 10 years ago today, Nov.6th) always used to win awards for his African Violets (an English gardener!) with the Horticultural Society in Dartmouth NS. We must have had at least 40 of them in the house! Plus dozens in the basement that he'd tend before bringing them upstairs.
Thank you, and thank you for sharing your Dad’s story on his amazing African Violets; that is so awesome. I would love to know how much light you give them to keep those blooms going. 😀🪴
@@LETSGROWGARDENDESIGN Thank you! Happy to have subscribed to your channel!
It's on a dining room table that gets good but relatively indirect light from the north and east over the course of the day and turn it each watering. I water it once a week or so, from the bottom, and I remember my Dad always said to use standing water, i.e. room temperature water that has sat a few days. It's getting pretty big, with a lot of leaves competing for room and I'm a bit unsure of how to thin it out without doing any harm, so would love to see a video on that.
Also, I have a massive Christmas Cactus that blooms in November and again in January (but skips Christmas ha!) which will soon need to be repotted...any tips on that?
@@harbourdogNL Wait until your Christmas Cactus is done blooming before you repot. On soil- I would use a cactus or bromelaid potting mix with some perlite 90% cactus mix + 10% perlite. You want well drained mix. you can also add in a little bit of worm castings to richen the soil but dont add too much. On pot size, go a little bit larger than the pot size she is growing in now. Christmas cactus roots like to be crowded in a pot. Hope this helps. sorry for late reply. I have been swamped.
Your videos always leave me feeling happy. Thanks. 🌱❤️
Thank you so much! And it's all the wonderful encouraging comments from folks like you that helps me strive to make better gardening & houseplant videos. Thanks again, you made my day. 😀🪴
Thank you so much. You're so passionate. Suscribed!!!
You’re welcome! So glad you found it helpful!😀🪴
You make me so happy,i love my african violets have many different colrs,have been very successful propagating,
That's awesome! When I see mine flowering, it just makes me smile!😀🪴
Great video
Thanks! So glad you found it helpful.😀🪴
Super helpful! I've had quite a few African violets and I've killed a ton! I just recently acquired 2, so hopefully this will help me not kill them
Hi there, I am sure your 2 new African Violets will be happy with your new care knowledge!😀🪴
Very informative video, thanks for sharing
Glad it was helpful! 😀 🪴
Great video thanks!
Im glad you enjoyed it! And Happy New Year ! 😀🪴
Thank you so much, this is so informative. It's my first time to take care of african violets, just wanna make sure I'm doing it properly because I almost destroyed her by wiping her leaves with wet cloth turns out she wants them dry 😬 my bad. Glad I was still able to correct it. I hope she would be happy here. Will definitely go back to your video to review points you've given! 👍
Thank you and I'm glad it was helpful!😀🪴
Hi! I have a question! Is it okay to put the AV on windowsill but with window open, without direct sunlight? Is summer wind bad for them? Thank you!
Hi! Summer breezes will not be a problem, but make sure she is secured on your window sill, you don’t want her to blow over in a big wind . 😀🪴
@@LETSGROWGARDENDESIGN thank you for replying! 😁😁
you are most welcome@@banena90 😀🪴
So informative even for someone without a green thumb
Thank you Lisa!❤️
Hi! Loved your video! How can I get the written instructions at the end of your video on African Violet? Thanks!
Hi there! We can send you a plant care document via email, just send us a request at LETSGROWECO@GMAIL.COM. in the email subject line add- African Violet Plant Care instructions, that will help us find your email quickly. Thanks😀🪴
THE LEAVES ARE SO FUZZY
Thank you!
You’re welcome Tonya! 😀🪴
Love the videos!
Aww thank you ! So glad you enjoy them😀🪴
Great video! I'm struggling trying to get my African violet to bloom. I believe it's the lighting -- the leaves are reaching up rather than laying flat. My windows are not appropriate facing. Are you able to recommend a grow light?
Hi! I am still testing out several grow lights, so I don’t have a recommendation yet, but I am leaning to recommending full spectrum led grow lights ( white light) with flexible goosenecks. But thanks for the interest, I will do a video about grow lights in the future 😀🌳
Several years ago I HAD a wonderful collection of African Violets. A well meaning relative came over to my house while I was on vacation to check on things and thought they would do me the favor of watering my plants. Needless to say all my AV died from overwatering. No problem I thought, I will have fun scouring the internet for new wonderful varieties. But much to my chagrin, I could not find any suppliers. I realized then that plants go in and out of fashion. Do you know of any African Violet suppliers that sell plants retail? Great presentation. Thanks
Hi there, you can try Galloway Farms in Miami. They often get African Violets in stock. 😀🪴
Great video. Could you please explain the technique in order to know if the plant needs watering?
Hi! we like to stick our finger or bamboo skewer down about 2" into soil. If your finger (or skewer) has dirt sticking to it and is damp, hold off on watering for a day or so. But if your finger or skewer comes up dry and soil just slips off, then you ready to water again. Hope this helps 😀🪴
Thanks for tips on how to care for the African violets I love them they are so beautiful! I have only 4 colours,I'm trying to get more 👍❤❤
You are so welcome! Congrats on your kaleidoscope of African violet colors!! 😀 🪴
Streptocarpus is also in the Gesneriad family (Gesneriaceae), African Violets are in the genus Saintpaulia. Saintpaulia ionantha is the common variety African Violet. Other wonderful genera include Sinningia, Gloxinia, Episcia, Streptocarpella, Columnea, Nematanthus, Gesneria, Hypocyrta, Codonanthe, Kohleria, and Achimenes to name a few.
Awesome info! Thanks😀🪴
Great video!! Do you know if artificial house plant lights are okay to use if you dont have enough light in a room?
Hi! And yes, we use artificial lights in some areas to help boost our plants light levels. I currently use some red/blue spectrum led grow lights , but i now prefer full spectrum lighting (white light color render)😀🪴
whoah AV my favorite plant
That's awesome! 😀 🪴
You're adorable too. As for me, I started with two African Violets and ended up with twenty using an east facing window.
Simple as pie. But California isn't Florida, is it?
Nice! Wow, Your African violet groupings must be so nice to see! 😀🪴
I have had African violets for years and have them in the east facing window directly in the sunlight and they are fine.
Thats great! Your violets must love that morning sunshine!😀 🪴
Hello Sr. My sister gave 3 African violets when there were really small . I’ve had them for maybe 4 years but not there are starting to Lon-gate and I don’t know what todo . They flower all year long the leafs are really nice fuzzy and big and it seats on my kitchen window but I don’t know what to do .can you give me an idea please. Thank you🙏🏼
That will happen sometimes if your pot is too small, or if your African Violets have grown too big for the pot. Try repotting up to a larger pot using the soil mix we recommend. 😀🪴
@@LETSGROWGARDENDESIGN thank you Sr . I will do that and I will let you know. Do I cut the big stem ?
Hi, yes, you can cut the big stem and even try propagating her by placing the big stem in water or potting mix! 😀🪴
Do you have a link for your watering can?
Hi! They don't carry it anymore :( . But I just ordered another one from amazon ( for my sister) here is the link if you want to ry it out, and its on sale!!! 😀 🪴
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CL1BYWZ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AW694070RUE6Z&th=1
I have been growing them since I was 16 and I am now much older than that. Lol OL I have never been on out them for a half a century but lately I’ve been looking for sources for more unusual violence. There used to be quiet if you smile Dealers in my area but not quite a while. Could you send me a comment telling me where you would consider ordering some of them are unusual. I know about Linden line and robs African violet barn but you have any others you would also recommend. I am obsessed with them Well my interest waxes and wanes they have as I sent Ben a constant companion. They’re a great plan.
Hi! I am checking around with some contacts to see if I can find you some rare A violets. I will circle back when I get some more info for you. 😀🪴
Where do you buy your African Violets? Your friend Ester from Texas
Hello Ester! I believe we picked up ours from Galloway farms nursery (in south Miami) several years ago.
Mine is growing very well but no flowers. How do I get it to flower
Hi, I would start with providing more light if you can ( but no direct sunlight) and liquid fertilizer. Hope this helps.😀🪴
Also if your plant has suckers (baby plantlets) growing off the momma it sucks all the energy away so just snap them off. Violets should be repotted every 6 months also which makes them thrive. It is super easy, just use a bread knife and cut straight across the bottom taking about a inch off, gently scrap the skin off the exposed trunk above the soil to prime it to root and put back in the same size pot and cover that top inch of the trunk with fresh potting mix.
How many AVs would you put in that clay pot?
Hi, 2 A violets max for a pot that size. 😀🪴
I share your love of fuzzy plants 😂 you gotta check out the fuzzy Sinnigua plant. I also have these weeds in the yard in Vegas that remind me of an African violet but the flowers aren't cute, silvery leaves. I let those weeds stay :)
I will thanks ! 😀🪴
Should I cut off expired flowers?
Hi, yes you can. They will form new ones next flower cycle.😀🪴
Linda🥰
Muchas Gracias!😀🪴
You're the first person that I listen to that have said you can plant more than one plant in a pot they're always talking about separating and putting one in a pot and I don't understand that why can't you have a big pot with more than one plant they're always saying just one crown
Yes, you're right ,just get a big pot and plant a few of them together. It's no different than in nature, A Violets grow next to each other. 😀 🪴
I love violets just can’t get them to bloom
Im sorry to hear that. Is it a new plant? Sometimes they need to adjust to a new home.😀🪴
UA-cam watering your baby African violets 10:54
I was told the leaves don't like to be touched.
They are too adorable not to touch. Just be gentle and touch her only occasionally. Be careful to not have any perfume, oils or lotion on your hands cause she won't like that, and when touching her, pet the leaves hairs only, ever so slightly, if you press her leaves too hard they can break. Hope this helps. 😀🪴
@@LETSGROWGARDENDESIGN Thanks for that info. I have pretty good luck with them. I only have the pink and purple one's. Love yours. I have started 6 with leaves I have broken off. I now have a total of 8. Which I adore. Thank again.
I LIVE IN ARK, AND WE GROW OURS IN EAST WINDOW, THEY GET A LOT OF LIGHT BUT NOW SUN, I ALSO HAVE GROW LIGHTS IN THAT WINDOW AND THEY ARE NOT NEAR OR IN THE WINDOW, I ALWAYS WANT RED ONES THEY ARE HARD TO FIND, I BEEN GROWING THSE FOR 50 YEARS AND I NEVER EVER TOUCH THE LEAVES OR GROW THEM IN CLAY POTS AS THE LEAVES TOUCHING CLAY IS NOT A GOOD IDEA
Hello there! Thank you for the great info! 😀🪴
african violets are a hard plant, they will do well for a while then, the leaves tend to curl up, or fall off, they simply dont like a lot of sun, but a lamp is also a good idea, i have about 12 half of them died, now, so i replace them often, but same thing in 50 years they tend to do that to me, i recall a long long time ago,i used to put mine under the sink and give them a good wash about every 10 days, they did great, back then, i had tons of blooms, doesnt work for me any more ugh
Hi there, sorry to hear about your A violets. Have you tried repotting with new soil after a few years? We have tried that process, and it definitely helped us invigorate, sluggish growers.😀🪴