Alternatively, the plant may be set back from the window, or curtains or blinds used to shade it somewhat from the bright light. Finally, the plant should be turned one quarter turn at each watering or once or twice a week to preserve its symmetry. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to offer African violets ideal growing and light conditions. Some amateur growers have only windows that receive little sun, causing the plant to become etiolated, characterized by excessively long leaf stems. In such conditions, the plant will not bloom.
Artificial lighting is a simple solution to compensate for a lack of natural light.
Plants grown under fluorescent tubes will remain symmetrical and bloom almost constantly. African violets require at least twelve hours of light daily in order to bloom.