Hello, human. I am your African Violet. I am not feeling well, and I am trying to communicate my needs to you. My leaves are drooping, my flowers are gone, and my vibrant color is fading. Please, listen to my pleas and help me recover. Here is what I need from you, from my perspective.
My distress likely begins where you cannot see: at my roots. Your kindness with water may be drowning me. My roots need oxygen as much as they need moisture; constant sogginess suffocates them, leading to root rot. Conversely, if my soil is hard, dry, and pulling away from the edges of my pot, I am severely dehydrated. Gently lift me from my pot. Do my roots look dark, mushy, and smell bad? Or are they brittle and sparse? The soil should be moist but not wet, like a well-wrung sponge, and it should be light and airy, not dense and compacted.
Water is life, but its method of delivery is critical. Please, never pour cold water directly onto my crown or my leaves; it causes unsightly spots and can rot my central growth point. I prefer room-temperature water. The best method is to water me from the bottom. Place my pot in a saucer of water and let me drink for about 30 minutes. I will pull the moisture up through my roots and drainage holes. After that time, discard any excess water left in the saucer. I never want to sit in water. Let my soil approach slight dryness between these waterings.
I crave bright, indirect light. Direct, harsh sunlight, especially through a window, will scorch my leaves, leaving brown marks. A north or east-facing window is often ideal. If you only have a south or west window, place me a few feet away or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light. I also dislike drafts and sudden temperature changes. Please keep me away from heating vents, air conditioners, and frequently opened doors. A consistent, comfortable room temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) is where I thrive.
If my basic needs are met but I still refuse to flourish, I might be hungry or cramped. During my active growing season (spring and summer), I benefit from a gentle feeding. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for African Violets, and dilute it to half the recommended strength, feeding me every 4-6 weeks. Furthermore, if I have not been repotted in over a year, my soil may be exhausted of nutrients and too compacted. A fresh, peat-based, light potting mix can work wonders. If my roots are circling the pot, I might need a new home that is only slightly larger, as I bloom best when my roots are a little cozy.
