Why are African violets so HARD to grow/keep alive?

I can't seem to do anything right when it comes to African violets! :( Despite the fact that I'm a pretty good greenthumb when it comes to growing outdoor trees and flowering plants, as well as growing happy houseplants, I'm a failure with African violets!!



- I give them too much water, and they die,

- I give them too little water, and they die.

- I don't expose them to enough light (from any source), and they decline.

- I expose them to too much light, and they burn.



No matter how many times I try, the plants end up dying. WHAT is up with African violets? I feel like keeping them alive is like walking a darn tight rope!! (It's especially shameful for me, since I'm so good with most other plants). *blush*



Any thoughts/tips/etc.? :) Thank you!

Why are African violets so HARD to grow/keep alive?
Hi i also used to have a lot of problems but now i have a new mother in-law who told me her secrets,

north light but not direct

don't touch the leaves

water from the bottom never the top

pinch off any dead leaves or flowers at the base

water when almost dry ,but don't let it sit in water for any amount of time,

have fun, i love all plants and have them all over my house
Reply:My mom has grown these for years indoors by a bright window; she would freak when we'd turn the blinds and the sun would hit them directly. She always keeps them by a bright window.

People ask whats her secret and she says talking to them... I swear she talks to her plants. My aunt followed my mom's instructions, except for talking to the plants and hers always died.

I say mom is nuts but my mom swears by this. She calls them beautiful... if one starts looking bad, she babies it... she praises them when they look good. Yep, they would stick her in the nuthouse but it seems to work.
Reply:Don't despair. Find a local grower and buy from them. Plants at grocery store and home depot, etc come from who knows where. Plants at store are cheaper so you could just buy and grow until they need to be replaced and tell no one.



I',m usually good with plants but have no showy african violets. Seems some people have the "touch" and are not always willing to share their entire secret, not unlike a special food recipe-always leaving a little something out.
Reply:lol i tried those once, mine died from some weird ''mites'' they had webs under the leaves, it was weird........the mites got there from a sick plant that i unknowingly introduced to the other healthy plants.

talking to plants is good, because of the carbon dioxide that is present when we exhale.
Reply:well first of all dont water the leaves they die really guick and they like a lot of sun and dont overwater or fir. them and they should do great
Reply:Your question made me laugh! I have a houseful of plants, but I can't grow African violets either.

Some people do great with them, senior citizens who won't tell me their secrets, and guys who forget they even have the plant.

Looking forward to reading other contributor's answers.

Need more spider plants?lol
Reply:Great answers. I laughed, too. My secret ... I stopped caring about them at all and that's when they went nuts. Go figure. I think they must be related to cats somehow.
Reply:they are grown in a green House first of all in the same environment they came from and second it's a make money scam for you to buy them and 3rd we do not live in the part of the world from sun rays to atmosphere.so enjoy the time you have with them there not going to make it unless you have a green house
Reply:My mum used to keep one in the bathroom. The humidity in there helps keep them moist and the light from a window was enough. However, my mum was famous for neglecting plants and having the best garden.

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