My african violet isn't doing so well, should I just throw it out?

It hasn't bloomed since last April. Months ago I repotted it with African Violet soil and added some time-release fertilizer. But it still hasn't bloomed yet. It is in a cute tin mini-bucket. I put holes in the bottom and rocks in the bottom for drainage, then added the soil and fertilizer.





Some of the bottom leaves started dying before I repotted it so I cut them off. Now the plant is so small. There is small growth coming in on the top, and its very green. Should I just give up? I don't think it's going to bloom again.





Or do you have any tips to make it bloom?

My african violet isn't doing so well, should I just throw it out?
Repot it and when doing that, put some dirt in th bottom, and then flat rocks about the size of a silver dollar like 4 or 5 then more dirt. This will give the roots something to hang onto. Also water it really really good till it can't hold anymore and then put it in a really dark closet for about a week, then bring it out into direct sunlight. Don't forget it in the closet though.
Reply:1. Avoid the metal containers -- African violets actually like plastic pots.


2. For the most part, leave the plant in the container it came in -- if it is plastic. (Also, African violets tend to like to be root bound.)


3. Don't place an African violet in direct light.


4. Don't water it until the soil is dry and don't get water on the leaves (some people water from the bottom).


5. Fertilize it but do so sparingly and don't overdo the nitrogen.


5. Make sure that the pot it is in has drainage.





I hope this helps you and your African violet. If all else fails, throw it and buy another one. These are tempermental little plants and it takes a while to learn how to take care of them.
Reply:Well it really depends on what the flower is actualy reacting too... Example: Violets don't like alot of direct sunlight. They prefer diffused lighting or artificial lighting. Also try to avoid spraying water onto the leaves, violets can sometimes be susceptible to fungus and other bacteria which will rot their leaves, thus killing the plants. Soil that is rich in phosphates also seem to work best.





Here is a quick plan to try and help:





1) Change the current soil, and use Miracle Grow potted plant soil mixture. AVOID using metal containers... Metal and plants don't mix very well.


2) Insert a straw into the soil and use this to deliver water.


3) Avoid sunlight and place the flower in a location that gets light, just not direct sunlight like an office a desk or other location.


4) I've also found a neat trick that works on a lot of plants like your violet, use a piece, a small piece of orange peel and bury it under the soil so it can't be exposed to air. This acts as a natural fertilizer and will help over time...
Reply:short sweet and simple put the violet on the window sill in the bathroom in front of the half that doesn't open it Will love it
Reply:Make sure when you are watering it you don't get water on the leaves.
Reply:During the winter months plants will go dormant. They usually start to come back when spring is approaching. The won't bloom during the winter months either. I feed mine a violet food that is made just for them. Water the plant from the bottom and avoid getting water on their leaves as it will kill the leaves. I keep my plant in direct sun, it grows like crazy every spring and continues through the summer months. Cut any dead leaves or flower stems from the plant as best as you can. As they rob the plant of nutrients.