I just got my first African violet. The flowers are dieing so what do I do cut them off stem and all?

just pinch off the dying flowers and remember to water from the bottom of the plant by putting water in the saucer that the pot is sitting on.

I just got my first African violet. The flowers are dieing so what do I do cut them off stem and all?
adding to all the other tips on african violets...get a quart jar or something of that size and go ahead and fill with water and miracle gro fertilizer for african violets.keep a lid on the jar or whatever you use to keep other things from getting in the water...that way the water will always be at room temperature when you need it.



also you can water from the top on occasion...just gently pull the leaves aside and very slowly trickle the water onto the soil at the edge of the pot...make sure it is being soaked up as you water...do this in 2-3 spots around the pot...when i am rushed for time this is how i water mine and they are just fine...just keep the water off the leaves



also keep the violet a bit root bound....to big a pot and it will not do good at all..these are about the only plants i know of that enjoy being root bound...if it has been in the same pot for 2-3 yrs and needs repotting find a pot that is slightly larger than current one and transplant to new pot..they only need to be repotted every 2-4 yrs or that is all i repot mine and they bloom 10-11 months out of 12
Reply:Hi



Easy to grow and maintain, the inexpensive African violet packs a powerhouse of color and cheer in a plant small enough to fit on a windowsill.



Adequate light, regular fertilization, and constant moisture are all these beauties require.



Morning sun from an east- or north-facing window will keep plants in bloom virtually non-stop year round. Fluorescent light exposure of ten to twelve hours per day is also adequate.



Fertilize with a liquid plant food labeled specifically for African violets or a general fertilizer with balanced N/P/K ratio.



Water when the soil surface is slightly dry to the touch. Don't over water or allow plants to stand in water. Roots will quickly decay, and the plant will die.



Avoid splashes of cold water on the foliage, as this will lead to a dead spot on the leaf where the water has contacted it. This spot is unsightly but harmless. Use tepid water instead and periodically rinse dusty plants under a stream of warm water. Allow to dry away from the sunlight.



Give an African violet these bare essentials and step back and behold the beauty and cheer that will grace your windowsills even during the cold dreary days or winter or those long summer days when it's too hot to be anywhere but inside!













African violets have long been favorite house plants. By understanding their basic and simple cultural needs, they will grow and bloom for a long time.



Light: Several hours of sun daily or artificial grow lights are needed for healthy plants. Too much sun turns foliage yellow and causes the leaf edges to burn. Too little light produces lovely dark green leaves but few, if any, blooms. Plants should be turned a complete 360 degrees every month so that all leaves will receive an equal share of sunlight. An easy way to do this is to give each plant a quarter turn each week when watering. Remember to always turn the plants the in the same direction.



Temperature: When grown indoors, African violets will be comfortable if you are. Daytime temperature should be around 72 to 75 degrees; night, in the low 60's. Excessive heat and excessive cold (below 55 degrees) will harm your plants.



Watering: Proper watering depends on the size of the pot, the weather, and the plant itself. Use tepid rather than cold water.



Fertilizing: Use balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-5, once a month during spring, summer and fall. Another option is to use diluted fertilizer and feed each time you water during the growing season. Never fertilizer sick or newly potted plants.



Soil: The soil should be porous, almost fluffy. Many commercial mixtures potting mixes are available.



Follow these easy steps, watch for insects and disease, and enjoy these beautiful houseplant...hope this helps...I own 6 of them!!.:)
Reply:NO!



My mother loved and grew them, they are not for direct sunlight. They do best in the early morning sun and in the shadows for the rest of the day. She used to play music for her plants (country music) and my sister got some at the same time my mother did and mom's plants did three time better than my sister's plants.



Don't cut them, just do like I've said and they will (hopefully) recover, if it's not too late.
Reply:take the flower stem between finger and thumb and cut with your finger nails cut as low as you can and they should continue to flower

do not cut off all the flowers

have fun

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