I’ve always adored African violets. Their delicate blooms and fuzzy leaves just have this charm that brightens up any windowsill. But, for the longest time, mine just wouldn’t bloom. I kept wondering, *What am I doing wrong?* After some research, trial, and error, I realised that African violets are a bit picky about their environment. Once I understood their needs, they finally started to flourish. Here are seven reasons why your African violets might not be blooming—and how I managed to get mine bursting with flowers again!
1. Not Enough Light
African violets love light, but not too much of it. I made the mistake of putting mine in a shady corner, hoping they’d appreciate a bit of indirect sunlight. I learned that they need around 10-12 hours of bright, indirect light each day. They love being close to a window, but avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
Fix: I moved mine to a north-facing window, which provides indirect light, and it made all the difference. If you’re struggling to find the perfect spot, a grow light works wonders in the darker months.
2. Overwatering or Underwatering
Watering African violets can be tricky. I overwatered at first, thinking they needed constant moisture, but it only led to soggy soil and root rot. Then I went the other way, underwatering to be safe, which left the poor plants parched. African violets are happiest when the soil is slightly moist, not soggy or bone-dry.
Fix: I started watering them from the bottom by setting their pots in a shallow tray of water, letting them soak up what they need. I do this about once a week and avoid splashing the leaves, as they’re quite sensitive to water.
3. Improper Soil
At first, I planted my violets in regular potting soil, not realising they have specific soil requirements. African violets need a light, well-draining mix that allows their roots to breathe. Ordinary soil can get compacted, which suffocates their roots and hinders blooms.
Fix: I switched to a specialised African violet potting mix, which is airy and drains well. You can even make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. My violets perked up almost immediately once I repotted them!
4. Humidity Isn’t High Enough
I discovered that African violets love a bit of humidity. My home is quite dry, especially during winter, and it turns out these plants need a bit of moisture in the air to stay happy. Low humidity can cause the leaves to dry out and discourage flowering.
Fix: I placed a shallow tray of water near the plants to increase the humidity around them. Sometimes, I even put a little pebble tray underneath, so the water evaporates and boosts the humidity. It’s a small change, but it made them much happier.
5. Temperature Fluctuations
African violets are fussy about temperature. They like it warm and steady—around 18-24°C (65-75°F) is ideal. My violets were sitting by a drafty window, which, I realised, subjected them to fluctuating temperatures. They weren’t thrilled, to say the least.
Fix: I moved them to a more stable spot away from drafts, heaters, and open windows. Consistency is key with these plants. If they’re exposed to sudden chills or heat, they’ll refuse to bloom as a form of self-preservation.
6. Lack of Fertiliser
I had been neglecting fertiliser, assuming they’d get enough nutrients from their soil. But African violets are heavy feeders and need a bit of a boost to produce those lovely blooms. Without regular feeding, they lack the energy to flower.
Fix: I found an African violet fertiliser and now feed them once a month. It’s a low-dose, balanced fertiliser with the nutrients they need. The change was incredible; they seemed to thrive on that extra bit of nourishment.
7. Crowded Roots
Finally, I noticed that my violets were starting to look a bit cramped. They had outgrown their pots, which can stunt growth and discourage blooming. African violets don’t mind being slightly pot-bound, but when they’re too crowded, they won’t bloom.
**Fix**: I carefully repotted each plant into a container just one size larger. After that, the difference was night and day. Not only did they look healthier, but they also rewarded me with beautiful blooms soon after.
Bringing African Violets Back to Life
Getting my African violets to bloom felt like a little victory in my gardening journey. Once I understood their quirks, I felt like I’d finally “cracked the code” to keeping them happy. It just took a bit of patience and adjusting to their specific needs. If your African violets aren’t blooming, try tweaking their light, water, soil, and feeding routines. With a few mindful adjustments, you’ll likely see them thriving in no time.
Happy gardening, and may your violets flourish! 🌸