AFRICAN VIOLET PLANT CARE TIPS, STEP BY STEP/ SHIRLEY BOVSHOW

[@brans7269]

Great informative video and a beautiful treet from gorgeous Shirley!

[@EdenMakers]

Thank you so much!

[@brans7269]

@@EdenMakers your so beautiful

[@EdenMakers]

brans 🙏

[@chipmcg7766]

I am new to Africa Violets myself. Due to watching videos about them here. I now have more than 30 plants. All are in bloom now. I use one 4 ft led shop light 25 watts total on all day long. Having a sea of pink flowers in winter time in my house is nice. Thanks to all the videos

[@EdenMakers]

Wonderful! Love to hear that! Congrats on your success Chip! Thanks for watching!

[@Ciciolka]

I just bought two bit sad looking african violets at the grocery store discount section for 1 dollar each. I'm very excited to try making them happy and having big, beautiful bloom again. They are so beautiful!

[@EdenMakers]

Thank you so much for watching my video and taking the time to comment! I am happy to hear that your African Violets have found a happy home!

[@DL-hw6gv]

10 months after...how did it go? Do you see flowers?

[@EdenMakers]

Good question. I’d like to know as well. Thank you for watching my video

[@DeeKru]

I love doing that

[@EdenMakers]

Thanks for watching and commenting !

[@amarchadbagan8667]

Khub sundor seyar valo laglo

[@EdenMakers]

Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@justcoffi2092]

Que barbaridad! Como sabes de plantas! 😊Y todas lindas! 😍Siempre aprendo algo contigo y tu animo me contagia para seguir insistiendo en mi jardín, mil gracias Shirley😙

[@EdenMakers]

Saludos, Just coffi, gracias por ver mi video y compartir sus comentarios. Estoy muy feliz de que lo hayas disfrutado.

[@Peterrdee]

I just got one today and it’s a periwinkle colour I love her!

[@EdenMakers]

Hi Peter! That's great! Enjoy your new violet! Thanks for watching.

[@getoverthyself]

Thanks Shirley! My mother used to raise them. We had the light trays/shelves full, and in most of the north and shaded south window sils of the house. There was a dealer in town that specialized in them, which is where she bought everything she needed to raise all of them. We had sooo many different cross pollinations of them. I remember looking forward to seeing the names they had given them. My favorite flower was a deep purple with bright, distinct white edges. They had named it "Jolly Roger Sport"😆. This was 30+ years ago, but has always stayed in my memory. Probably because when my parents went out of town it was up to me to take care of them; over 100! I was meticulous in caring for them because I didn't want her to come home to any "sick" ones, lol. This was a great, brief refresher course, thanks again! 💖

[@EdenMakers]

Wow, that's quite a responsibility, caring for over 100! Great job, D Conway! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.

[@getoverthyself]

@@EdenMakersSorry I sent a "short story", you sparked a beautiful memory ☺. I'm so glad I subscribed to your channel as I no longer watch H&F. I would have missed it ♡

[@EdenMakers]

D Conway 😊💐

[@kcxlub]

I have some African violet saplings,but l am unaware of potting mixture, pls guide me

[@EdenMakers]

@@kcxlub Most garden centers sell specialty "African Violet Mix" which is a soil-less mix. Soilless mixes usually contain sphagnum peat moss and sand, or horticultural vermiculite or perlite and a small amount of African violet fertilizer.

[@joyoshree394]

Love the video, thanks.

[@EdenMakers]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@aida087]

Just got both a Pink and Purple African violet plants!!❤💜❤💜

[@EdenMakers]

Yay! I bet they are gorgeous! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on my video, Aida! I hope you have a great day!

[@aida087]

@@EdenMakers Thank you so much and likewise!!💖😁

[@EdenMakers]

@@aida087

[@colinkelly1156]

Love your enthusiasm and advice. Can you help? Which is best terracotta or plastic pots?

[@EdenMakers]

I would go for plastic, Colin. Here's more info: www.babyviolets.com/what-are-the-best-type-of-pots-for-african-violets/

[@colinkelly1156]

@@EdenMakers Thank you. You are very kind and helpful.

[@lollimeares7504]

I had african violets long before I had any idea of proper care for them. I was just so happy that they stayed alive. It's not until the past couple of years that I watched or read anything about their proper care. I have had 3 of my plants for 12 years plus. The stems are very long and resemble palm trees that have fallen over. Will they survive if I cut them off? I know how to get new plants from leaves. I want to continue to keep these 3 along with the newer ones, but they look strange. They still bloom and get new leaves. Their trunks are just too long. I will have to get larger pots soon as they are hanging off the edges of their current pots .If I could include a photo I would, but.... Please advise if you can . Thanks in advance.

[@EdenMakers]

Hello, Lolli! Thank you so much for watching my video and taking the time to comment! I am so happy to help you, and would love to see a picture of your plant so that I could give you the best advice possible. Would you please connect with me on Facebook? My page is called Edenmakers by Shirley Bovshow. Post a picture in the comment section of any of my posts and I will see it! I always respond to 100% comments and questions on my posts. I look forward to seeing you there!!! Many hugs and blessings to you!

[@matheya]

I love these ! My previous home was in shade and they almost didn't bloom. Now I have a cat and can't have plants inside - but I'll try the violets again on a shelf near a window .

[@EdenMakers]

Good luck

[@prettypothos4me290]

Repot minis and semi minis every six months. You can do that with standards too. They will grow better with fresh soil. You don’t have to pot in bigger pot unless the plant needs it. Mini and semi never more than two and a half inch pot. In too large a pot they won’t bloom well and will rot.

[@Marvin9577]

Muchas Gracias por la informacion muy detallada (muy pocas persona dan ese tipo de informacion completa) Es necesario tener una maceta grande para una violeta peueña? Que bellas sus violetas.

[@EdenMakers]

Hola, Marvin, gracias por la pregunta. En general, si se planta una violeta africana en la maceta del tamaño correcto, el diámetro de sus hojas será aproximadamente tres veces el diámetro de la maceta. Por lo tanto, si el diámetro de las hojas de su violeta africana mide 12 pulgadas, debe plantarse en una maceta de 4 pulgadas.

[@Marvin9577]

@@EdenMakers Muchisimas gracias EdenMakers por haberse tomado su tiempo en responder a mi pregunta. Seguire su consejo :-)

[@EdenMakers]

@@Marvin9577 ¡El gusto es mio!

[@9622paige]

Just got one and I love her! Lol. The fuzzy leaves feel like soft little lamb ears.

[@EdenMakers]

Yes, they do! Enjoy your Violet, Paige!

[@prettypothos4me290]

I bathe mine in lukewarm water occasionally. If the leaves are not in sun it doesn’t hurt them.

[@EdenMakers]

Thanks for watching and sharing, Diane

[@tamekahill2826]

Great video 60-70degrees ok now in the summer when the AC is on should I move the plant to other part of the house? Thanks you.

[@EdenMakers]

Hi Tameka, yes, it is good to try to put in a warmer area, you can use a gentle heat lamp, or a warm room.

[@tamekahill2826]

@@EdenMakers Thanks you

[@zorym6586]

Hi Shirley, thanks so much for this helpful video! I have a question. My African violet has a lot of new healthy leaves growing in the middle/center of the plant. They are blocking the new blossoms. Should I get rid of the leaves? My only hesitation is that they look so healthy and I feel bad removing them.

[@EdenMakers]

Hi! Thanks for watching. Regularly pruning African violets is recommended to promote healthy growth. Roughly three or more bottom leaves should be gently removed about once every month. This can be done by bending the leaves to the side, forcing them to snap, leaving no stub toward the base of the plant. This should help to give your blossoms more room.

[@zorym6586]

EdenMakers thanks for your response! What if the leaves grow in the middle?

[@EdenMakers]

@@zorym6586 It's ok, the flowers will move them out of the way as needed. Just make sure your plant is in the correct light exposure.

[@zorym6586]

EdenMakers thanks so much, again!

[@EdenMakers]

@@zorym6586 My pleasure!

[@Sameoldfitup]

“The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks.” ― Tennessee Williams

[@EdenMakers]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@सिर्फसत्य]

😍😍😍The Little one is so cute 😘😘😘😘

[@EdenMakers]

True, Sunil, it is! Thanks for commenting!

[@KittenBowl1]

Another important tip is, it is better to keep the plant smaller to keep it flowering all year long with lots of flowers (a lot more flowers should be there actually). It is not great to grow it as huge as you showed in here. This is why it is imporant to separate the baby plant from the parent plant by cuttin the top off and replant it in sterile medium (vermiculite perlite mix). You can put rooting hormone poweder but it generally is not needed. Cut it the top off where baby leaves are coming out, and separate the two plants. If you keep it that big, it would not flower as much (your larger pot should flower a lot more). If you grow it for 50 years not even separating child plants the plant itself would age too much, so this is imporant to keep offspring plants and repot those. Btw, I know this video is like 5 years+ old but that purplish pink LED lighting is outdated...now we have beige or sun colored LED growin plant, it actually mimics the sun. You can put the lighting far away for African violets and other semi shade loving plants, and for cactus and direct sunlight loving plants, you can put them very close. The LED lighting is quite oudated...maybe 10 years ago, it reminds me of those flouricent lighting from 20 years ago...

[@EdenMakers]

Thank you for watching and commenting! You have so much great info let me know when you make a video and upload it!

[@malinelakhan8982]

I live in the Caribbean and was wondering if the African violet can be outdoors?

[@EdenMakers]

Hi Maline, African violets are tender tropical plants from east Africa. They are likely to do better indoors.

[@rhondabaroli2683]

I git one ! Lol that’s awesome

[@EdenMakers]

Wonderful! Congrats on your purchase and thanks for watching!

[@sheiladiaz2359]

I have 39 violets and when I go to the store I look for the discount ones ! You can kill them with to much water ! And I take cuttings and grow others ! It’s hit or miss and most of the time I have really good luck But occasionally I’ll have one that won’t make it

[@EdenMakers]

That's a pretty good idea! Thanks for sharing 😁

[@nasmaxsdnbhd]

Hai, i have got a problem,i repotted my african violet to a bigger, 4 inch pot but the leaves turn soft, is it dyhyrated or over watered. How do u know when the plant has enough water, tq

[@EdenMakers]

Hi, Noor, it likely is too much water if the leaves are soft. Also, it is very important that no water touches the leaves or they will get soft. You need to water it from underneath only. Put the pot in an inch or two of water, let it sit and absorb the water. Then remove and drain.

[@nasmaxsdnbhd]

@@EdenMakers thx a million, I'm really worried and do u think its a mistake of to use a soil for cactus?

[@EdenMakers]

@@nasmaxsdnbhd It should be okay if you follow my instructions. Let me know if the plant continues to suffer and then I will give you instructions.

[@nasmaxsdnbhd]

@@EdenMakers tq so much😊

[@EdenMakers]

@@nasmaxsdnbhd Anytime!

[@XPrincess30]

Does anyone know where those yellow gold curtains are from in the back??

[@EdenMakers]

Hi! That is a good question! This video was recorded years ago, so I am not aware of where these curtains were purchased. I wish I could give you the answer! Thanks for watching.

[@LadyCatherine538]

How often must they be repotted if the soil is one of the important aspects of growth?

[@EdenMakers]

Thank you for watching and asking. African violet flower when their roots are tight or rootbound.Report every 2 to 3 years or as needed when the roots fill the container or if the soil receeds. Use an African violet soil which is rich but very porous and does not allow water to pool around the roots of the plant.

[@kcxlub]

The video was very useful and thanks a lot for your reply, still expect more advices

[@EdenMakers]

@@kcxlub ok. what is your question?

[@sonyalenz]

I set my African violets on mirrors and they are massively thriving! It's almost a problem! Clearly the reflecting of light is enhancing their growth.

[@EdenMakers]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience Sonya! Congrats on your success! Sounds like they love the extra light from the mirrors!

[@shukyingpang2546]

What are the names of the fertilizer please

[@EdenMakers]

Hi, Thanks for watching. For African violets, you typically want to use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for flowering houseplants or specifically for African violets. Here are a few common types or brands: Schultz African Violet Plus Plant Food: This is a well-known brand that offers a balanced fertilizer specifically for African violets. Miracle-Gro African Violet Plant Food: Another popular choice, Miracle-Gro offers a fertilizer tailored to the needs of African violets. Espoma AV4 Organic African Violet Potting Mix: Although not a fertilizer, this is an organic potting mix specifically formulated for African violets, which can complement your fertilizer regimen. When choosing a fertilizer for African violets, look for one that provides balanced nutrition with a slightly higher phosphorus content to support flowering. Follow the instructions on the package for best results, as over-fertilizing can harm these delicate plants.

[@kcxlub]

Please explain to me the potting mixture for African violet

[@EdenMakers]

African violet mix is soiless. Blend of peat moss, vermiculite and perlite for proper drainage and humidity,

[@joelinyohnapadawewewan2854]

is African Violets brought here in Philippines

[@EdenMakers]

I would ask and check at your local nursery 😊

[@elizabethraegambaccini9336]

How do you know when to change soil?

[@EdenMakers]

Thank you for watching and asking. African violets flower when their roots are tight or rootbound. Re-pot and change soil every 2 to 3 years or as needed when the roots fill the container or if the soil recedes. Use an African violet soil which is rich but very porous and does not allow water to pool around the roots of the plant.

[@mississippiorchidsandtropi7682]

like sphagnum peat moss and perlite???

[@JB-uo6sr]

How to get rid of the white fungus

[@EdenMakers]

Please tell me more about your plant problem So I can answer your question appropriately.

[@sheilabroad8192]

No.. you don't need a grow light.

[@EdenMakers]

No you don’t need a grow light for a begonia that is in a room with less than ideal light but it sure does wonders!

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

I thought African violets don't like moist soil all the time..?

[@EdenMakers]

With any watering method, make sure that the soil does dry out for a few days to keep the roots healthy.

[@pilarrosas9776]

Son tan dificiles. Se me mueren. 😣🇲🇽

[@EdenMakers]

Hola, Pilar Rosas, Lamento que esté pasando. Intenta seguir mis instrucciones en el video. Deberían hacerlo mejor. Gracias por vernos y buena suerte.

[@gemphu1234]

Flowers shown in the videos are plstic.

[@EdenMakers]

Thanks for watching, I can confirm these are real African Violets, grew them myself!

[@lizzysherwood8607]

IDK, these women are too scattered to give a nice steady stream of info

[@EdenMakers]

I'm sorry you feel that way but this is live TV, not the same as taping at leisure and editing it. I shared a lot of detailed info. Maybe you didn't get to it after the initial chitchat which is expected on a TV show.Start at 1:25 for the "meat and potatoes." I hope you give it another chance!

[@juanitasullivan3372]

I've been dealing with plants forever. Decided to try African Violets. Sorry to say, after watching this video, I just tossed the two I have that stopped blooming. I just can't see spending extra money for different types of fertilizer, dirt and plant lights. All I'm seeing here is dollar signs and a higher power bill.

[@EdenMakers]

Wait! Don’t throw out the plant with the bathwater! Do you have a south facing window or a very bright room? The supplemental lights are for those who have only very low light rooms or in winter when sunlight is not as long and powerful. African violet fertilizer is no more expensive than any other general house plant fertilizer which you would have in order to keep any house plant thriving. A small plant doesn’t need so much water that it becomes expensive. Use pebbles in a saucer with water to add humidity. There’s no reason to think African violets can’t earn their keep. They are very Long lived and will contribute velvety green leaves year round if your lighting isn’t adequate to make them flower continuously. Go get them from the trash! They are amazing plants but remember all plants are native to the outdoors. My suggestions are just those given to Make the plants feel more “at home!l