A few tricks and your violets will bloom 10 months a year!

There are over 1,500 known species of indoor violets (Saintpaulias). It's unlikely anyone will remain indifferent to these miniature flowers in a variety of shades and shapes. Proper care can help ensure abundant violet blooms. Failure to meet certain conditions will primarily affect flowering.

Pot size and suitable soil

Violets bloom year-round and are a joy to behold. To ensure the plant thrives, several conditions must be met:

1. Violets prefer small pots. If the container is too large, the root system will begin to grow vigorously, and the plant will devote all its energy to maintaining it. A pot that is too small will prevent the plant from growing properly.
2. To plant violets, you'll need a general-purpose soil or one specifically designed for Saintpaulias. Garden soil isn't suitable, as it may harbor pest larvae. It's also important to ensure adequate drainage. While many other houseplants can thrive without it, violets absolutely require it.

Lighting and temperature conditions

When caring for Saintpaulias, it's important to monitor the room temperature and ensure the plants receive sufficient light. Consider the following:

1. Although violets require light, direct sunlight should be avoided. It's best to place Saintpaulias on north- or west-facing windowsills. If the windowsill is on the sunny side of the house, light curtains or mosquito netting will diffuse the light.
2. Although violets love warmth, excessively high temperatures are harmful. They should be protected from drafts and cold air. Temperatures should be maintained between 16 and 21 degrees Celsius.

Fertilizing and watering

Some complain that violets don't take root and quickly die. This often happens due to improper watering and fertilizing. To ensure your violets bloom profusely year-round, follow these recommendations:

1. When spraying the plant, proceed with caution. Use only a small amount of water, but avoid letting it come into contact with the flowers. Watering should also be done carefully. If water gets on the leaves and flowers, they will rot. It's best to pour the water into a tray.
2. Don't overdo it with fertilizer. Ideally, apply it once a month. Feeding violets too frequently can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

To achieve a neat and lush rosette of leaves, pay attention to its formation. This requires regularly removing dried flowers and leaves, as well as small rosettes that have appeared nearby. Regularly turning the violet so that its orientation is different and the light source is clear and free of any extra leaves will ensure a uniform and beautiful rosette.

It's nice when your favorite violets bloom year-round. But without proper houseplant care, you shouldn't expect good results.