Tips on growing African violets?

[Kim in CT]

I echo the recommendation of the Violet Barn. I stop by their booth every year at the Connecticut flower show and they are generous with their advice about growing conditions and propagation. As with orchids, there is a lot of misinformation online. Two of my key learnings from the Violet Barn are 1) never use commercial African Violet soil, as it is too dense for good growth, and 2) be patient with leaf cuttings. As long as there is no rot, you're good. I've had cuttings go 6 months before sprouting leaves!

The potting medium sold by the Violet Barn is truly magic. I grew this from a leaf cutting and it's now 14 inches across (4 inch pot). When my orchids are resting/pouting, violets fulfill the need for Must Have Flowers Now.

[early]

Originally Posted by Kim in CT

I echo the recommendation of the Violet Barn. I stop by their booth every year at the Connecticut flower show and theey are generous with their advice about growing conditions and propagation. As with orchids, there is a lot of misinformation online. Two of my key learnings from the Violet Barn are 1) never use commercial African Violet soil, as it is too dense for good growth, and 2) be patient with leaf cuttings. As long as there is no rot, you're good. I've had cuttings go 6 months before sprouting leaves!b

The potting medium sold by the Violet Barn is truly magic. I grew this from a leaf cutting and it's now 14 inches across (4 inch pot). When my orchids are resting/pouting, violets fulfill the need for Must Have Flowers Now.

Lovely Kim. My grandmother grew AVs also but all I remember is her telling me not to get water on the leaves.