African violets are well suited to production in artificial potting media composed primarily of peat moss mixed with vermiculite, pine bark, perlite or styrofoam beads. Care must be taken, however, to be sure plants receive sufficient water, since drying out will suppress growth and flowering. Soil pH should be in the range of 5.5 to 6.5 and soluble salts levels below 500 ppm at initiation of growth. The best way to irrigate African violets is by use of capillary mats, since this keeps foliage dry and prevents leaf spotting. Use of a perforated black overlay product is recommended to obtain desirable leaf shape.
Plants grow and flower best at high relative humidity.
Suggested air temperatures for growing African violets are between 70 and 85 F. Lower temperatures reduce growth rate as do temperatures above 85 F. Care must be exercised in selecting cultivars to grow in Florida, since some are heat sensitive and will not produce marketable plants in summer, even if maximum temperatures of 85 F or below are maintained. Atmospheric mercury did not affect blooming of violets. Chlorosis Symptoms - Leaves are light green or medium green with chlorotic edges. Control - Increase fertilizer level or decrease light intensity if blooming is satisfactory. Also, check to be sure micronutrients were included in the potting medium or are included in the fertilizer program.