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Violets, African/Questions Answered by Expert Patricia
| Subject | Date Asked |
| blooms+african violet | 2/2/2012 |
| Q: Patrician, how can I get my standard size african violets to bloom? they bloomed one time several ... A: I always tell folks violets NEED three things to be healthy: 1)Water; 2)Light; and 3)Warmth. These ... | |
| ivory spots on African violet plant | 1/30/2012 |
| Q: I just read a question that Brenda asked about white spots and your answer but I don't believe my ... A: So glad you sent the photo. I have had violets with similar looking spots on them. They are caused ... | |
| Dying violet | 12/12/2011 |
| Q: I have two violets. Both close to 18 years old. Both in direct light. Both in violet pots that ... A: Julia, Even though the roots are don't appear too wet it could still be a fungus. Go ahead and ... | |
| Dying violet | 12/10/2011 |
| Q: I have two violets. Both close to 18 years old. Both in direct light. Both in violet pots that ... A: Julia, I completely understand. Having a plant that old is longer than some people have had ... | |
| white spots on flower petals | 9/4/2011 |
| Q: These spots are not powdery. The leaves are healthy and the plant blooms almost constantly in a ... A: Dorothy, A photo would certainly help, if you could get me one. White spots can mean several things. ... | |
| dead flowers! | 7/28/2011 |
| Q: I have read so many things to do I need clarity!! the dead flowers, do you cut them or pinch them ... A: Sharon, don't make things so hard on yourself! If a bloom is dead or dried up, then just pinch it ... | |
| plants | 7/13/2011 |
| Q: I have a green plant my sun brought home from preschool when he brought it home it had a purple ... A: Is this indeed an African violet? I only specialize in them. However, it sounds like white flies ... | |
| blooming | 6/22/2011 |
| Q: Some of my nine African violets have not bloomed in two years. They did bloom for several years ... A: This happens frequently. You will find lots of information on websites and books which discuss ... | |
| blooming | 6/14/2011 |
| Q: Some of my nine African violets have not bloomed in two years. They did bloom for several years ... A: Don't get rid of them. If they appear healthy, the foliage green, putting out new leaves, etc. they ... | |
| Leaving turning yellow but weren't that way before | 6/8/2011 |
| Q: I have an African violet that normally has green leaves. I was away for awhile and when I returned ... A: It almost sounds as if your violet is a variegated type with the yellowing. I would much rather see ... | |
| African Violet repotting | 5/10/2011 |
| Q: My next door neighbor of 30+ years passed away recently and her children, after cleaning out the ... A: Steve, I'm happy to help you with your "many" questions. My hat is off to you for nurturing these ... | |
| Leaving turning yellow but weren't that way before | 4/14/2011 |
| Q: I have an African violet that normally has green leaves. I was away for awhile and when I returned ... A: The main question I would ask you is, how long were you away?? A violet's leaves shouldn't become ... | |
| Violet question | 4/8/2011 |
| Q: I restarted a violet and all of the new leaves are growing in yellow. They are totally healthy and ... A: Deb, That is strange indeed! I can't begin to say what is causing this. Possibly a lack of some ... | |
| Leaves on repotted AV went limp | 3/18/2011 |
| Q: I just purchased an AV from the store. It came in pure peat moss which I deemed too wet. It was ... A: Helen, I don't want to give you bad news, but I feel that you may have killed your violet. You ... | |
| leaves are turning yellow around the edges | 3/10/2011 |
| Q: All of a sudden all my african violets the leaves are turning yellow around the edges of the leaves. ... A: Debbie, I was so glad you included a photo. After looking at the leaves, I'm wondering if this ... | |
| African violet mold? | 2/11/2011 |
| Q: I have attached a picture of the problem. Can this violet be saved or re-rooted? Thank you Marje ... A: I'm so glad I checked my email. I'm getting ready to leave town for the weekend. Anyway, yes white ... | |
| African violet mold? | 2/11/2011 |
| Q: I have attached a picture of the problem. Can this violet be saved or re-rooted? Thank you Marje A: Marje, These look like white flies to me. Besides the telltale white specks, white flies like to ... | |
| bottom water containers for my violets | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: What do you think about the bottom watering systems where you fill the container and put he ceramic ... A: Peg, You ask a good question, because just lately I've been reconsidering my potting technique for ... | |
| african violet | 2/3/2011 |
| Q: Patricia, I have had this african violet for about 12 years. I water it about once a week from the ... A: Marcia, It would take a true horticulturist to explain, or even to understand the reasoning behind ... | |
| Artificial lighting. | 12/27/2010 |
| Q: I recently moved to. Oregon. Cloudy rainy winters.I need artificial light for my AV.I plan on using ... A: Jose, I'm not the best one to ask about lighting requirements, because I live in the southeast US, ... | |
| blooms on starter plants | 12/6/2010 |
| Q: I purchased several starter plants in the past recent months, They seem to have double in size and ... A: It sounds as if they will soon. It also sounds as if you are doing all the right things for violets. ... | |
| droopy african violet | 11/28/2010 |
| Q: I have a dozen or so african violets growing on west facing window sill.They are all doing very well ... A: Gloria, I'm sorry for the delay. Your question got "hidden" away in my inbox. Anyway, yes I do ... | |
| disease of african violet new growth | 10/24/2010 |
| Q: Leaves of the new growth are curled, some are very brittle and some die as soon as they form. ... A: Carol, I don't suppose you could send me a photo? Anyway, when the new growth leaves start to curl ... | |
| self watering pots | 10/21/2010 |
| Q: I use self watering pots for my violets. One plant's stems droop over the pot while the other plant ... A: Nancy, I also use these pots. The plant is watered by osmosis, sort of. You will notice that the ... | |
| African violet, pots and potting | 10/14/2010 |
| Q: we have a violet that i have repotted three times and all looks great, good blooms and leaves. We ... A: I would suggest waiting until the present blooms fade to repot. In fact, I don't recommend repotting ... | |
| White bugs in my african violets soil | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: I have this african violet plant and it sits behind my sink in direct light everyday, I had to move ... A: Lynda, The best I can advise is for you to go to a garden supply store and purchase an insecticide ... | |
| The flowers on my violet are dying... | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: I bought a violet from Publix a few nights ago, and now the blooms are dying. Here's some backgroun ... A: There are some good fertilizers on the market. Optimara is a good one available online. I think ... | |
| The flowers on my violet are dying... | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: I bought a violet from Publix a few nights ago, and now the blooms are dying. Here's some backgroun ... A: Kristen, The plant is not actually dying, the blooms are just fading. I think they're fading early ... | |
| Is This Root Rot? | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: I have an African Violet passed down to me from my grandmother (I'm 35, and my grandma has passed ... A: Liz, This is not root rot per se, but I'm afraid you've done some damage to your plant. I have never ... | |
| center leaves turning inward | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: Do the AV have a life cycle or blooming cycle? Do you keep moist or let it dry out? A: AVs do not really have a life cycle per se. They can live for years, or decades. (Longer than most ... | |
| African violet pests | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: My African violets are in Walmart pots - a pot in a pot - and after 3 yrs., they are dying. I don't ... A: Pat, You are very welcome. I would bake it in the oven in a large container lined with aluminum ... | |
| African violet pests | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: My African violets are in Walmart pots - a pot in a pot - and after 3 yrs., they are dying. I don't ... A: Pat, You've asked a question I've never heard before! Most definitely there is some kind of insect ... | |
| african violet problems | 9/18/2010 |
| Q: HELP!!! After several years of beautiful, blooming African violets, two are failing fast. After ... A: Pat, I feel your distress over these plants. It sounds as if you have white flies or aphids, or ... | |
| african violet | 9/16/2010 |
| Q: My violet is the largest I have seen. It is at least 18 inches across. It appears to be turning the ... A: This is the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. I will answer on Sunday, 9/19. Sorry for the delay. Ok, ... | |
| American hanging violets | 9/16/2010 |
| Q: I have unusually kept US hanging violets from an original cutting 30 years ago and live in the UK. ... A: This is the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. I will answer on Sunday, 9/19. Sorry for the delay. ... | |
| African Violet | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: I have had 2 cuttings of African Violets in the same pot, one of Violet color and the other pink. ... A: Wendy, You may have one for the record books! You have me stumped. I am experienced, but by no ... | |
| dead bloom | 8/6/2010 |
| Q: Should I leave the dead bloom alone or just gently remove the bloom leaving the little spects of ... A: Nancy, I would love to see a photo of your plant just so I know I'm advising you correctly. However, ... | |
| african violets | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: I have an african violet that has white flakes and or spots on the leaves. This appears to be ... A: Kimberly, Very hard to say without seeing the violets. It most likely is a fungal infestation. Do ... | |
| propagating plants | 6/24/2010 |
| Q: I cut 8 leaves from a couple of AV plants that are doing quite well on a north facing window sill. I ... A: Polly, It was good that you started the leaves out in water. They do better when they are allowed to ... | |
| African Violets | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: I have to transplant my violet to a larger pot, how do I do this. A: Make sure you don't use a pot much larger than the one you have. Violets need to be slightly ... | |
| Re-potted African Violet - Not Looking Well | 6/6/2010 |
| Q: I had two potted African violets that turned into three. So I thought it was time to separate the ... A: Jerry, First of all, I have never had any luck with dividing violets, as you described. I know it ... | |
| Re: drooping leaves on African Violet | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: I inherited my African Violets from my neighbor who had them for years and when she passed away her ... A: Dixie, It really sounds like crown rot. There is nothing can be done about this. It comes from ... | |
| More flowers on African Violet | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: The flowers on my African violets, which are about one year old, died some time ago but the plant is ... A: Your flowers will come back. As long as the foliage is healthy and you keep the violet plant moist, ... | |
| leaf problem African Violets | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: My African Violets are usually fine, now I have smallish brown patches on 2 plants on the leaves not ... A: Sandy, I will go with my original suggestion to you, that you consider them water spots. However, be ... | |
| Water damage-- should I prune? | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: When I first got my African Violet, I admit I did not do very much research into the care, and as a ... A: Kathy, I like the way you describe the appearance of the leaves, a lovely mix of yellow, white and ... | |
| inky spots on leaves and stems of African Violets | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: I suddenly have blackish/navy blueish/purplish spots on several of my African Violets. They are ... A: Jane, This is truly odd, and I've never seen it before. All I can suggest is that maybe it is a ... | |
| leaf problem African Violets | 4/29/2010 |
| Q: My African Violets are usually fine, now I have smallish brown patches on 2 plants on the leaves not ... A: Sandy, First of all, THANK YOU for the nice words! I appreciate it when folks recognize that we are ... | |
| trying to identify a plant | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: I received a potted plant from an employer. It looks like an African violet on steroids.Very large ... A: Laurie, The plant sounds like a cyclamen. They look very similar to violets, but are different in ... | |
| stems of blooms droopy | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: i live in Jamaica in the Caribbean i have some African Violets they are doing well, except for one ... A: Simone, It does sound as if the blooms are weighing down the stem. I have a violet with the same ... | |
| follow up | 4/11/2010 |
| Q: I agree that root rot is present but my current concern is with the whit spots seen. Is this another ... A: Do you see any movement at all, even small movement to indicate that the white spots are living? ... | |
| sick plant | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: Please help me id and rx the problem pictured below.The plants are dying, looks like root rot but I ... A: Ellen, I sent you an answer previously, but to address the fungalIf you see no movement, even with a ... | |
| sick plant | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: Please help me id and rx the problem pictured below.The plants are dying, looks like root rot but I ... A: Ellen, unfortunately, it does look like root rot. Do you use a self-watering pot? The rest of the ... | |
| African Violet problems | 3/26/2010 |
| Q: I grow my AV in a pot made just for African Violets, with a porous pot sitting in a reservoir of ... A: Without seeing your plant, I can only guess that it COULD be root rot. You are right when you say ... | |
| micro mini african violets | 3/26/2010 |
| Q: I just purchased several micro mini AV's and was wondering if you had any tips for the proper ... A: You handle these tiny beauties as you would regular violets, just be very gentle when handling them. ... | |
| Violet with brown leaves | 3/22/2010 |
| Q: I bought my violet about two months ago and about a month ago I noticed these tannish- brown marks ... A: Jena, I think if you go to the African Violet Society of America website you'll find anything you ... | |
| Violet with brown leaves | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: I bought my violet about two months ago and about a month ago I noticed these tannish- brown marks ... A: Jena, Other than over-fertilizing and excessive sunlight, the only thing I can think of would be if ... | |
| care of my AV | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: i have some drooping leaves at the bottom part of my av. Should i cut them off or leave them ... A: I can't tell from your question if they are drooping because they are in need of water, or because ... | |
| leaves | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: First the outside leaves start to wilt, and the stems get very soft,i pinch them off then the second ... A: Tricia, This is an UPDATED answer: I found that you entered a comment that I had given you a wrong ... | |
| I'm new at raising african violets any tips and advice would be appreciated | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: I tried raising african violets in the past and I tend to kill them with kindness. I thought I ... A: Judy, The main thing to remember about violets is they they have to have three things: SUNLIGHT ... | |
| Sick African Violet | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: recently my plants leaves have been losing color around the edges. This has happened to most of the ... A: Robert, When my older established violets start losing color around the edges of the OLDER leaves ... | |
| African violets appear to be dying | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: I've had one AV for at least 30 years, the other one for about 15. Until very recently they have ... A: With your plants being as old as they are, it sounds to me as if it could be a fungal infection or ... | |
| My repotted African Violet | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: My beautiful African Violet divided itself into 2 plants. I carefully separated it and repotted each ... A: Marilyn, Wish I could give you a more positive answer, but many older violets often form two plants, ... | |
| small tight center leaves | 2/9/2010 |
| Q: I have always had pretty good luck with my violets, but now a lot of them have very tight centers ... A: Mary, I got your photo FINALLY. See, our hard drive is in the shop. We will not get it back for ... | |
| small tight center leaves | 2/3/2010 |
| Q: I have always had pretty good luck with my violets, but now a lot of them have very tight centers ... A: Mary, I wonder what the leaves on the outer part of the violet look like? If the entire plant is ... | |
| potting and repotting | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: I actually have 2 questions. I have rooted some leaves and have the babies growing in a mixed ... A: Sandy, For the babies, you can successfully pot them up when they have several leaves, at least 3-4, ... | |
| white powder on bloom | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: I have an African violet collection. I keep them in a north facing window which do very well. I live ... A: ADDENDUM to my answer I sent earlier: Holly, it is possible that what you see in the blooms is red ... | |
| re-potting an old african violet | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a 20+ year old violet, that I have brought back from death for the third time now. It has ... A: You sound like a miracle worker. Yes, it sounds as if the plant is ready to pot in soil. Use a ... | |
| no blooms | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: My Violets are beautiful. They have bloomed lots in the past. Now they are thick with beautiful ... A: Joann, Your violets sound very lush and healthy to me. Keep in mind that they won't bloom all year ... | |
| Help me regrow my African Violet flowers! | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: I have been reading the posts on taking care of my African Violet. Mine is in a small sized pot, was ... A: I think your main mistake is a common one. You repotted to a larger sized pot. Believe it or not, ... | |
| Diseases African Violets | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: I have been growing African Violets for many years and have just discovered a leaf issue. They have ... A: Bonnie, You were smart to isolate the unaffected plants. Mealy bugs are very soft-bodied insects ... | |
| African violets dense growth in center of plant | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: I have been growing African violets and recently have had a problem with dense, crowning leaves in ... A: Darlene, First, the white powdery substance is most likely powdery mildew. It often attacks ... | |
| Five AVs all in the same window -- only one won't bloom. | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: I read with interest the question about why Cathy's AV will not bloom, and whether it was a problem ... A: Diana, I wanted to first thank you for the fine rating you gave me! Also, since they all came from a ... | |
| africian violet self watering pots | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: I have several African violet self watering pots, which don't seem to be absorbing the water through ... A: Rose, I actually have had the same problem with my self watering pots. What I am answeing is only ... | |
| Dying african violet hearts | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: My mom has been an avid african violet grower for many years. Over the past year, all her violets ... A: If your mother has successfully raised violets for years, it makes me suspicious of WHERE she is ... | |
| How to replant African Violet | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: I have a violet that I started from a little piece when I was working, it has grown so very well but ... A: Brenda, There are two schools of thought on repotting violets. I adhere to the one who says "Don't ... | |
| My poor little African Violet... Help | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: I bought this little African Violet from the Grocery store and I am trying to save it. I read that ... A: I think your first mistake was to repot it as soon as you bought it. The nurseries grow the violets ... | |
| Snipping back the dead flower | 7/4/2009 |
| Q: I just received an African Violet but I'm not doing a very good job taking care of it. My question ... A: Laura, Let me first apologize for not answering you right away. I receive so many newsletters and ... | |
| knats and african violets | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: I have 7 African Violets in my office, and occasionally I have small knats flying around me. What ... A: The main thing with any insect is to keep your plants as healthy as possible and they will naturally ... | |
| White leaves | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: I have had my African violets for about 8 years. I have repotted them at difference times and about ... A: Laura, This must be my week to get difficult questions! I actually have never heard of this ... | |
| brown spots on white flower | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: I have a white flowered Av that when the flower buds open, the buds dont appear to have any marking ... A: I have had this happen to my flowers before, however, I can't tell exactly why. It usually has to ... | |
| thin a.v.'s | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: i have 2 violets that has been with me for almost 3 years now. i was able to let 1 plant bloom. ... A: Katie, It took several days because I had to do some research. I have never been asked this before. ... | |
| Execum plant | 7/1/2007 |
| Q: I live in New England and I just bought an African Violet plant. Can I plant it outside? Thank you, ... A: Donna, I really do not suggest that you plant your violet outside in New England. African Violets ... | |
| White spots on African Violet | 6/2/2007 |
| Q: Some background on them -- I inherited these violets about 1-1/2 years ago when my mother died. I ... A: Brenda, I'm almost 100% certain what you have is POWDERY MILDEW. This is a very common problem ... | |
| my new plant that came up is white | 5/28/2007 |
| Q: 3 months ago i put down a leaf of rob's shadow magic,well now it has a new baby but the new one all ... A: I have never heard of Rob's Shadow Magic, is it the name of a violet? Anyway, I do not know why ... | |
| Droopy leaves | 5/18/2007 |
| Q: My plant appears healthy, blooming, etc. but the bottom leaves appear droopy. I am watering too ... A: Grace, Check the soil with your finger, and if it feels SOGGY WET then yes, you are watering too ... | |
| African violet | 5/17/2007 |
| Q: I have an African violet that was in full bloom when i got it from the store. since i have replanted ... A: I think your first mistake was in reportting it after purchasing it. I don't believe in disturbing ... | |
| African Violets Not Blooming | 5/11/2007 |
| Q: I fertilize as you have suggested. I have even repotted my plants about two months ago with African ... A: Karen, I need to first apologize for not answering you right away. I had gone into the AllExperts ... | |
| Fluoresent lighting for african violets | 5/2/2007 |
| Q: My question is: I just started my african violet growing hobby in a window that gets light from ... A: Janice, I have been growing violets for most of my adult life, and have never used fluorescent ... | |
| self watering pot | 4/29/2007 |
| Q: If using a self watering pot, how much water should be in container and should it be full or ... A: Cheryl, You can fill a self-watering pot as full as it will hold. If the pot is properly made of ... | |
| mildew on blooms after a short time | 4/26/2007 |
| Q: I want to know how to stop mold/mildew on the blooms of my AFs. They are beautiful at first, but ... A: Janice, I've never seen powdery mildew affect only the blooms of violets, but the leaves as well. ... | |
| Followup question to brown spots answer | 4/25/2007 |
| Q: I'm a newbie at African violets as well as houseplants in general, so there's a lot I could be doing ... A: Veronica, I'm always happy when folks send me followup questions, because I like to help as much as ... | |
| leaves have yellow around the edges | 4/24/2007 |
| Q: My AV is growing and getting new blooms and new leaves but the older leaves have a yellow around the ... A: That still is not a lot of info, Bert! I will give it my best shot. Any time AV leaves have ... | |
| newbie I am | 4/17/2007 |
| Q: Paricia: I am a newbiw at AV's. I have one...and I want more! Is there anyway that you or your ... A: Mike, I went back and re-read your question, and realized you are asking for some actual leaves. I ... | |
| white spots on african violets | 4/15/2007 |
| Q: My mother in law is having some issues with white spots on the leaves that she says is not mildew. ... A: Rick, I remember answering your question this past weekend. I am unsure why you didn't receive it. ... | |
| Leaves turning brown and soft and wilt away | 4/13/2007 |
| Q: I have AV in my office (10 pots at the moment). They have been blooming happily for ~5 years except ... A: Teresa, If I am understanding you correctly, you are describing a leaf rot problem. It indeed ... | |
| propagation of violets | 4/13/2007 |
| Q: i love growing african violets but usually after they bloom they wilt and die so ive to cut some ... A: Do you mean the entire violet plant wilts and dies after blooming? That sounds unusual, because ... | |
| Brown spots on the edges of my leaves | 4/3/2007 |
| Q: I have 4 african violets and three of the four have brown spots on the tips of the leaves. looks ... A: I wonder if ALL the leaf tips are brown and dry? This would definitely indicate a problem, most ... | |
| AV went from white to purple | 3/20/2007 |
| Q: I bought an AV about 18 mos ago, it has bloomed only 3x since then. I am not sure if that is normal. ... A: Jill, let me first apologize for the delay in answering you. Your question was a difficult one, ... | |
| please help me! | 2/21/2007 |
| Q: I am growing African Violets but some have a green color on the back of the leaf and some are purple ... A: Jacob, If you are describing a green back as well as purple colored backs to leaves from the very ... | |
| flowers & leaves | 2/5/2007 |
| Q: The flowers are disappearing except for the yellow part. Some stems look like they have been broken ... A: Brenda, Your question is not entirely clear to me. You did not mention if you have a pet in the ... | |
| A V color change in the flowers. | 1/31/2007 |
| Q: Two of my A V; bi-color red and white have changed colors to nearly all white. Both plants are ... A: Joe, Let me apologize first of all for the delay in answering your question. I applaud you on ... | |
| white spots on leaves | 1/22/2007 |
| Q: I have a large AV that is about 15 years old. I lived in Mobile, AL until June of 2006 when I moved ... A: Leslee, I want to applaud you for thinking to use something like milk on your leaves. It might not ... | |
| flowers | 1/8/2007 |
| Q: We have several African Violet plants. They sit side-by-side in south facing windows in our kitchen ... A: James, I have had this problem. It seems to only affect older plants. Sometimes there are violets ... | |
| African Violet | 1/8/2007 |
| Q: I have an African Violet that got knocked over and now it looks bad, the whole plant came out of the ... A: Melanie, I do apologize for the delay in answering you. I have had this little accident happen to ... | |
| Where leaves touch pot | 12/22/2006 |
| Q: ..I'm at a loss. It's not a problem with over feeding. The plants are healthy, growing, blooming ... A: Cherri, You are quite welcome. I am at a loss, too. Both of the texts that I checked stated what I ... | |
| Where leaves touch pot | 12/18/2006 |
| Q: I have grown africian violets for many years with no problems. Now my leaves are dying from where ... A: Cherri, The reason I took so long to get back to you was that I needed to check a few books. I have ... | |
| Help! | 12/13/2006 |
| Q: My african violet plant has recently developed brown/black wilted edges on its leaves (even ... A: I am perplexed by your question. Usually, when a violet has brown or black leaf edges it indicates ... | |
| african violet soil | 12/2/2006 |
| Q: the soil of my violet smells moldy - the plant looks fine. Anything I can do except repotting with ... A: Louise, I am wondering what makes you think the soil is moldy? Are there any other indications ... | |
| Dead Flowers | 11/21/2006 |
| Q: After my violets bloom, do I cut off the dead flowers or just leave them alone? A: Thomas, it is always best for the health and vitality of the violet to pinch (or cut) off any ... | |
| Brown unopened flowers | 10/30/2006 |
| Q: I am an AV newbie, and my African violets have been very happy in my new place with the filtered ... A: Bonnie, I can't be absolutely certain, but your problem sounds two-fold. First, it sounds like the ... | |
| Plants "upward" | 10/27/2006 |
| Q: My african violets (I'm quite the amateur)have become heavy with growth and they seem to be reaching ... A: Bonnie, This is a common problem. In fact, I myself have several violets that are doing this very ... | |
| African Violet | 10/26/2006 |
| Q: I purchased a violet is "need" at my local grocery store. Transplanted it and was thrilled to see ... A: Jane, I found your question very interesting. Before I try to help could you answer me back and ... | |
| African Violets | 10/20/2006 |
| Q: We have some plants that are growing tall and leggy instead of compact and low. Suspect that the ... A: FOLLOWUP: Jim, I wanted to get back to you about your "leggy" violets. As I told you, I myself am ... | |
| Insects on African Violet | 10/20/2006 |
| Q: This morning while preparing my AV's for watering, I noticed some very small black insects on my ... A: Norma, First let me apologize for the long wait in answering your question. I actually had to do ... | |
| Light for African violets | 10/19/2006 |
| Q: I usually get florescent tubes cool white 34 or 40 watts. I noticed the store where I buy tubes has ... A: FOLLOWUP: Nancy, I have been unable to locate much info that would help you. However, from what I ... | |
| African violet leafs | 10/11/2006 |
| Q: the leaves are on different plants. some plants the leaves grow vertical like there reaching for the ... A: Sandy, I don't know exactly why this happens. It seems that some varieties of violets have this ... | |
| African violet leafs | 10/11/2006 |
| Q: Some of my violets leafs grow flat. and some grow tall.Can you tell me why this is ? what I need to ... A: Sandy, When you say "flat" and "tall" I imagine you mean the leaves are kind of drooping downward, ... | |
| yellowing of leaves | 10/10/2006 |
| Q: I have a yellow violet that has bloomed all summer. Now all of a sudden the once beautiful green ... A: Bonnie, You say all of the leaves are turning yellow? I have never really seen or heard of that. ... | |
| African Violets | 9/26/2006 |
| Q: I have a purple AV that I have had for the past 27-26 years could you tell me approx. how long do ... A: Kate, I have never had an African Violet last 27 years, so I think you actually answered your own ... | |
| lowest temperature for african violets | 9/18/2006 |
| Q: what is the lowets temperature african violets can support in an outside terrace? A: Judith, African violets are one of the few plants which must have warmer temperatures to not only ... | |
| violets | 9/14/2006 |
| Q: what months of the year do violets bloom inbp A: Mike, African violets can bloom any time of the year. They are indoor plants, and as such, are not ... | |
| water on leaves...good or bad? | 9/13/2006 |
| Q: after setting my African Violet out side in a warm summer light rain, I was told by my friend that ... A: Debra, What a beautiful picture you described-- violets sitting in the warm summer showers! I am ... | |
| No Blooms | 8/22/2006 |
| Q: I have had an african violet for about a year now. It has its own little self-watering pot. I keep ... A: Cathy, You know, now that I think about it I don't think I have any SOUTH facing windows either! Oh ... | |
| African Violets | 8/20/2006 |
| Q: One of my African Violets looks very healthy but has always had its leaves growing up from the pot. ... A: Pat, You are finding out just how cantankerous violets can be when they don't get what they want! ... | |
| Repotting probelms | 8/16/2006 |
| Q: I just repotted several african violets 2 nights ago. One is angry about it! It was in a TINY pot ... A: Heather, I want to ask you, is the "angry" plant a MINIATURE African Violet? The reason is ask is ... | |
| Watering | 8/8/2006 |
| Q: I fertilize my plants about every two weeks and when I water them from the top the water when it ... A: Patti, It is quite normal for the drained water to be discolored, even brownish, but the part that ... | |
| Long, ugly stumps on my violets | 8/7/2006 |
| Q: Why do my African Violets have long, ugly stumps growing from the pot? I water from the bottom or ... A: I think I know what you are talking about. You mean the actual STEM from which all the leaves ... | |
| Toxicity of African Violets | 6/30/2006 |
| Q: We have a five year old granddaughter living with us and my wife had heard that the leaves or ... A: Darl, Please accept my apology for not answering you sooner. I was poring over my books to find ... | |
Patricia
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
PLEASE LIMIT QUESTIONS TO AFRICAN VIOLETS. I will accept any question or problem relating to African Violets and their care. If I do not know the answer, I will research it for you. PLEASE NOTE: I DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SAT NIGHT AS THIS IS THE JEWISH SABBATH.
Experience
I learned about African Violets at the knee of my grandmother, who was born in 1895. I have been raising violets for nearly 30 years, and have helped friends and relatives with growing as well
Education/Credentials
At the knee of my grandmother.
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