Light One reason African Violets do well in most homes is because they are basically shade-adapted plants. Light intensity is the primary factor regulating both the time to flower initiation and the number of flowers produced. The usual recommendation is for 800 to 1200 foot-candles measured in the middle of a clear day. However, this depends on the temperature and season. Plants receiving too much light produce hard brittle growth and are generally stunted, with short petioles and bleached foliage.
Excess light can actually burn both flowers and leaves.
Without enough light, plants have long petioles, large thin leaves, and few, if any flowers. Shading can be applied to the greenhouse glazing in March and a second application, if required, in May to reduce light intensity. This should be removed in October. The installation of an automated shade cloth system can provide a finer degree of control over light levels. Shade systems are often placed under computer control.