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There are many different varieties of African violets all with different flower colors, double flowers, single flowers, ruffled flowers and even some with variegated leaves on them. There are even little mini violets too!

African violets are a great house plant to grow, but people often have problems getting them to reflower and continue growing. The key with keeping them flowering is sunlight. They need a lot of sun, especially in the winter, so this time of year (December and January) place them in a south facing window or under some grow lights.

Once it gets a little warmer, you want to put then in an east facing window because if they get too much sun, you'll get brown spots and edges on the leaves. It's a sign they're getting too much light.

They love the indoor temperatures we normally have in the house, 70F during the day, 65F or so at night. And they also like humidity, and the way to take care of that is to create what we call a humidity or pebble tray. Just add some gravel in a flat tray or bowl and put some water in it,  Put enough water in the tray so it's visible but doesn't submerge the rocks. Then you just put your little African violet right on top of the rocks. It's not actually drinking out of the bottom of the tray, the water is evaporating keeping it nice and humid around the plant.

If you have an African violet you really love there's a simple way to propagate them. Just take one of the leaves and cut it off so the petiole is about an inch and a half or so long. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder. There are many different brands available. Then stick the cutting in a little pot. Keep it well watered, out of direct sun, and in about 3 weeks or so, you'll have roots. In another 3 weeks you'll have a new plant, and you can share it with your friends!

By Charlie Nardozzi