African Violet Pale Leaves & No Blooms: Light, Fertilizer & Epsom Salts

Tricia grows African violets under fluorescent lights (3-4 hrs/day, 2-3 ft up). Pale green, rarely bloom. At work, western window 2 hrs/day → greener, blooming. Fertilizes 1/4 tsp per watering, tries different fertilizers, uses pro AV soil, pebble humidity trays.

Diagnosis

• Fertilizer: Must be labeled for African violets (acidic). Add 1 tsp Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) per pot, water in → blooms in 3 months.
• Light: May be too much artificial light. Check for spider mites (magnifying glass for fine webs). If found, spray alcohol twice weekly 3 weeks.