WHY WONT MY VIOLET BLOOM?
There are many reasons why a violet does not bloom:
1. Needs more light. Test the light by placing your hand between the light source and the plant. If your hand casts a shadow, the light should be okay. Too much light is also not good for the plant. Protect it from direct sunlight with a sheer curtain.
2. Needs a cooler room. Violets prefer daytime temperatures between 68 and 75 degrees; night temperatures in the low 60's.
3. Needs fresh potting mix. Repot every six months, oftener for the miniatures. The mix breaks down and becomes too acid.
4. Needs a change in fertilizer. Select a fertilizer with a high number in the middle.
5. Needs less fertilizer. Too much promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
6. It has been over-watered. The soil should be kept damp - not soggy. When the pot seems light when lifted, it is probably time to water. Potting mixes which contain sand or actual soil from the garden will be heavy and you cannot use this test. Use a soilless mix plus perlite. Stick your finger in the soil. Water when needed, not when it is convenient.
7. Needs circulation of air but dislikes a draft. Keep away from open window or door, or the breeze from a fan directed on the plant.
8. Too many crowns. Suckers which develop into crowns will compete for space, food, and moisture. Grow one crown to a pot, except for trailers.
9. Needs consistent care. Give your plant attention, turning it every few days,
when dry, open the curtains on cloudy days, close them when the sun beats in, pick off the old blooms, dust the leaves with a soft brush, and wash the leaves occasionally to remove house dust and repot when necessary.
10. If you do all these things and the little rascal still refuses to bloom, get a variety which has a reputation for being a good bloomer. Not all kids are perfect, you know, even if we like to think that ours are!
BSAVS
