How do I keep my African Violet alive?

Following is the information i got from AVSA home page plus what i think is important. It works fine for me. hope it helps you.





Basic Care for African Violets





Water


In general, African violets need just enough water to keep the soil moist, but never soggy. Too much water will leave your African violets susceptible to root rot and crown rot. Overwatering can also cause de-nitrification, a condition, which prevents plants from getting the nitrogen they need. One method is to put water in the saucer under the pot so the soil can absorb amount of water they need when the soil feels dry and the pot too light (about one a week or two). Discard any water left after 30 min. The water should be room temperature. Water too cold can cause leaves to curl down as the water is absorbed into the plant. It is always important not to get water on the leaves. The only exception to this is when you are spray misting for purposes of quick feeding or increasing the humidity around your plants. Never use soft water and avoid using highly chlorinated water.





Grooming


Look for potting soil or other debris, which may have accumulated on the leaves. Dust, dirt and other debris may be removed using a soft-bristled brush, such as a small artist paintbrush or make-up brush. Note, however, that any brush of this kind should be reserved exclusively for use on your plants. Next, inspect your African violets for spent blossoms. Also, keep your eyes alert for leaves that are damaged. Spent leaves and flowers encourage rot that, under the right conditions, can spread to healthy parts of your African violets. Damaged leaves and flowers leave your African violet vulnerable to bacterial diseases, viruses and other microorganisms, such as Nematodes. Finally, your grooming routine should always include an inspection for insects and other pests. Often, the pests themselves will be clearly visible. Even if you do not see them, however, most pests will leave symptoms. The appearance of any unusual characteristic on your African violets should be cause for further investigation. Remember that insects and other pests are easier to treat when their presence is discovered early.





Light Requirements


The amount of light that an African violet receives is important for its health and overall performance. African violets need light for photosynthesis. While photosynthesis is most often associated with a plant’s green leaves and stems, its most vital function is to convert carbon, hydrogen and oxygen (in the form of carbon dioxide and water) into usable energy called plant carbohydrates.


If an African violet does not get enough light, it will stop flowering and its leaves will begin to turn yellow. It is also likely that the African violet which is not getting enough light, will become rangy as it develops elongated leaves and stems. African violet should be placed near the window facing east. If sun light is too hot, use thin curtain on the window.


It is important to remember that African violets need at least eight hours of darkness, each day, in order to bloom. While African violets need a sufficient duration of light to produce florigen (flowering hormone), florigen itself does not trigger blooming until it is dark. For this reason, African violets should receive light for no more than 16 hours a day. To properly regulate the duration of light, you may want to consider getting a timer for your grow lights.





Temperature and Air Quality


In terms of temperature, humidity and other factors of air quality, African violets thrive in an environment that most people would consider pleasant. Therefore, if you feel comfortable, chances are, your African violets are feeling comfortable as well.


In general, you should keep the air temperature around your African violets as close as possible to 70 degrees F. Also, while extreme variations in temperature should always be avoided, do not be concerned about slight fluctuations between day and nighttime temperatures. Good air circulation, especially when the air is damp, helps prevent the growth of such fungi as Botrytis and Powdery Mildew.





Propagation


Choose a leaf that is fresh and fairly young but full size. Cut the stem at an angle, leaving a stem below the leaves that is 1 - 2 inches long. Fill a small pot (that has drainage holes) with a very light potting mix. (It can be bought at the Home Depot) Set the leaf into the prepared pot at an angle. Do not set it into the soil very deeply. Water and allow the excess moisture to drain away. Place the potted leaf into a clear plastic bag (zip-loc bags work well) and seal it tightly closed. You may wish to blow into the bag as it is sealed to puff it up with air. Set the leaf in a bright location out of direct sunlight. It normally takes about one month for the leaf to root and another month for the plantlets to appear.

How do I keep my African Violet alive?
Your African violet will thrive if you find a spot for it where it gets lots of REFLECTED light -- not direct sunlight, but reflected light. Get some African Violet plant food and feed it by putting the drops, in water, in a dish and sitting the potted plant in it so it will soak upthe nutrient through the roots. African violets don't do well if the leaves get wet, so this is the best way to water and feed them.


If you do this,you'll have sturdy and prolific flowering plants.


Enjoy!
Reply:put it at a sunny window if you have one, get a plant light if you don't have a sunny window. remember to water but not to soak the roots in water, be sure the water can drain out at the bottom.


may be you should add some details on how the plant is doing.
Reply:With my African violets, I start with the a soil specially made for African violets. You need a pot with good drainage, and you need to keep the soil moist ( not soaking wet). I also use a fertilizer specifically made for them too. Always be very careful not to get any water or dirt on the leaves. When this happens to me, I quickly get a paper towel and start dabbing the water off. There are even special brushes made for cleaning dirt from the leaves, but all I do is use the spray can air used for my keyboard to get the dirt and dust off. Also, African violets do need sun to promote blooms, but never in a window with direct sunlight lasting more than 4 hours. Good luck with your violets! Hope this helps.
Reply:water
Reply:sun