It wasn't until 1926 that they were introduced to the commercial industry in the United States. Since their introduction they have become one of the most popular houseplants grown in this country, Goodspeed says. They have been crossed, radiated and mutated to develop new colors and flower shapes. About the only colors African violets are not available in are yellow, orange and a vivid red. Start with a potting soil mix that drains well.
Some nurseries sell potting mixes specifically formulated for African violets.
When creating your own soil mix, be sure it drains well and is not easily waterlogged. Once the soil has been selected, choose a pot that enhances the color of the flowers and has drainage holes in the bottom, he suggests. Sometimes African violets are planted in pots with large drainage holes, but the pot is then placed in a colorful aluminum foil liner that nullifies the ability of the pot to drain. These plants die quickly from root rot. Over watering creates more problems than any insect or disease.