Question
Hello,
    First I would like to say thank you to all involved in setting up this free service.   I just found it about 10 minutes ago and from looking at the high ratings others have given I feel certain I too will have great things to say about the Experts I recieve answers from.

    My question about caring for African Violets in the house is 1)what is proper watering method?  Someone told me they were to be watered by leaving water in bottom of pot holder so they are watered from the roots up.  But it was my understanding that houseplants were to be watered from top of pot and letting water drain out because otherwise the roots would rot if they were left setting in water. 2) What type of plant food should I use for feeding and how often?.   3) I have my first African Violet facing East so that it gets the cooler morning sun and that seems to be really good for it because this little 99 cent plant I purchased about 3 weeks ago is looking really good and with your advice I can keep it that way.
Thank you very much,
Kathleen

Answer
Kathleen: Things have settled just a little so will try to answer your questions. You can water your violet from the bottom or from the top. If you choose to water from the bottom, don't let the plant sit in the water for more than one hour. Letting it sit in the water all the time will cause the roots and the soil to be too wet and your plant will either drown or get root rot. If you choose to water from the top, do so when the soil feels dry to the touch. Then water thoroughly. Your plant may not need watering again for several days or it may need it again in just a few days. But always check the soil first.  The fertilizer you use can be any good brand you find at most stores. Peters African Violet formula (12-36-13) is good. I use the constant feed method--in other words I fertilize every time I water. I have a 10 by 30 plant room with ten lighted plant stands so I mix 42 gallons of fertilizer water at a time! But you should only use 1/4 tsp of fertilizer per gallon of water. Take a clean milk jug and put the fertilizer in it then fill with water. Leave the cap off and let it sit overnight so it will be at room temperature and any cholrine gas in the water will be gone. Then water as usual. Your plant will be getting "fed" every time you water but not too much to cause fertilzer burn. Try this formula on your other houseplants--they will love it.  The East window is fine. Turn the plant a quarter turn every two days so that it will get the light evenly and not start to "reach" towards the window. Direct hot sun on the leaves will burn them so keep that in mind. I hope I have answered all your questions. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me. Maybe the weather won't keep me from turning on the computer!  Best wishes and happy growing.  Mary Hill, Tulsa
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