Question
I am getting ready to re-pot most of my African violets into self-watering pots, as well as add in a special soil mixture for violets. I wonder if I can add Osmocote slow release pellets to the soil mix.  I have some which I purchased for my other houseplants.  For my violets I have always used a water soluable fertilizer such as Peter's or Optimara, but since I was repotting anyway, I wondered if Osmocote would be at all acceptable.  The analysis of the Osmocote product I have is 19-6-12.  Thanks in advance.

Answer
Patricia,

I think mixing the Osmocote with the soil would be fine. Just don't fertilize again until the Osmocote has worn out or you will overfertilize them. I would be more hesitant about the self watering pots. My experience with the wick type self watering pots is that they keep the soil way to wet and the roots tend to rot. If you are going to use them I would suggest that you buy some extra perlite and mix 2 parts of the African violet soil with one part perlite. It provides better drainage for the soil so it will hopefully not stay too wet. If you ever have trouble getting one to bloom try mixing a teaspoon of epsom salts in the water and that should make them bloom within a month.
Good luck.

Darlene