5100 African Violets 5100 African Violets Because of their ease of propagation and ability to flower throughout the year, African violets are the most popular houseplant. African violets must receive the right amount of light to flower properly. If they are not getting enough light, the leaves become thin and develop long stems. They will usually have normal leaf color but will not bloom. If the light is too intense, growth is less vigorous and more compact.
Leaves become pale or yellowish green.
Often the leaves show darker areas where they have been shaded by other leaves. Flowering is decreased. The day temperature should be 10 to 15 degrees higher than the night temperature. Leaves on plants exposed to low temperatures will first turn dark then appear water soaked and finally die. Plants that are grown on a window sill can be damaged by low temperatures.