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violets that never seem to bloom
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cornishwoman
Just Arrived
Joined: 26 Aug 2008
Location: T.N.
Posts: 44
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| Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 12:43 pm Post subject: violets that never seem to bloom |
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I have 4 potted violets that never have bloomed,I grew them my self from leaf cuttings.They sit next to another 4 that bloom well,they get the same sunlight ,same feed,all around same conditions,been 3 yrs now,not so much as a bud but pleanty of leaves and they look very healthy,I use that violet grow medium and feed ,in the well known purple bottle,any one have any ideas.cw
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SongofJoy57
Showing Great Promise
Joined: 20 Oct 2007
Location: Foothills of North Carolina Z = 7a & 7b (Map)
Posts: 726
PlantStew: 46 |
| Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 1:55 pm Post subject: |
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Violets love flourescent light or morning sunlight. I had one that did not bloom for 3 years, so I put it under a flourescent light, and it bloomed like crazy til I gave it away to an admirer. I have two that I keep in a window that catches the morning sun, and they have also bloomed . . . not as abundantly . . . but are still blooming. Hope this helps.
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cornishwoman
Just Arrived
Joined: 26 Aug 2008
Location: T.N.
Posts: 44
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| Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 11:53 pm Post subject: |
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thanks songofjoy,I only have one fluorescent light in the house ,thats over the cooker,but I could put them there at night only,any thing is worth a try I will give it a go.cw
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eileen
Moderator & Resident Taxonomist
 Moderator
Joined: 07 Feb 2005
Location: Scotland (Map)
Posts: 11451
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:19 am Post subject: |
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Here are a few basic tips on growing African Violets for you CW. Hope they help.
LIGHT:
As African violets are grown indoors here in Britain and they like bright light just ensure that you place them in filtered sunlight. Do not place in direct sun as they will scorch. They can also be grown under fluorescent lights as Toni said. If you use fluorescent lights then they are usually suspended 12 to 18 inches above the violets for 8 to 14 hours a day.
SOIL:
The soil sold in nurseries, garden centres and DIY stores is too heavy for the roots of African violets (even although it's supposed to be formulated for them). Most groweres use one part peat moss or African violet soil, one part perlite and one part vermiculite.
WATER:
These plants prefer a moist, but not wet, soil. Water before the soil has dried completely. African violets can be watered from either the top or bottom. I've found that bottom watering is better. Use warm or room temperature water. Cold water can cause spotting if watered from above. Before putting the plant back in the light, make sure to dry off its leaves and center with a sponge, paper towel, cotton wool, etc. to avoid damage to the leaves and crown.
FERTILIZER:
African violets like to be continually fertilized especially when flowering. I use feed at one-quarter of the strength recommended on the bottle.
POTS:
For the most flowers on your plant, they should be in a plastic pot one-third the diameter of the plant. For example, if your violet measures 12 inches across, put it in a 4-inch pot.
Good luck!! 
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cornishwoman
Just Arrived
Joined: 26 Aug 2008
Location: T.N.
Posts: 44
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 12:30 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Eileen,thats interesting about the plastic pots,mine are all in clay pots,thats the first thing I do when I buy one,I repot it into clay but I do use that soil mix you mentioned.Ok I shall go hunt down some plastic pots and repot them.The ones I'm trying to get to bloom are all cuttings from a frilly double bloom,very pretty,its white on the inside and pale purple on the outer petal,thanks.cw
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bunkie
On The Way Up
Joined: 07 Aug 2008
Location: eastern washington
Posts: 171
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 3:52 pm Post subject: |
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cw, aren't those new fangled corkscrew bulbs fluorescent? the ones they want us to replace the old incadescent bulbs with? i wonder if those could be used?
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cornishwoman
Just Arrived
Joined: 26 Aug 2008
Location: T.N.
Posts: 44
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 4:12 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Bunkie,yes they are,I have a few in the house,little bit pricy,but I am trying to change over,infact theres one in a lamp on the computer desk,now all I have to do is clear the desk and make a space,thanks for reminding me.cw
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