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plantermunn

Continuous flowers

9 years ago

If I get four African violets. Could I have at least one blooming at all times?

Comments (11)

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    It is possible, ... if you take really good care of them ( I.e. correct watering, the proper amount of light, good fertilization, protection from AV pests, etc.).

  • 9 years ago

    Aegis is correct, intense continual care may keep them blooming always. But I will caution that although they may stay in bloom continuously, they will slow down some. They will need to re-group eventually. Take a rest, as it were. But the rest doesn't usually last long and they before you know it you have a full head of blossom again. I feel it is important for a violet to dance to its own music,,,,bloom when it is ready (based on care, food, watering etc) and power down when it is a little tired! Just my take on it. Rosie

  • 9 years ago

    Just to clarify, I think the OP is asking if they buy 4 plants, can at least 1 always be in bloom - not can he make all 4 bloom all the time... Unfortunately, I don't know the answers.

  • 9 years ago

    I'd say the answer is "not necessarily." Too many variables are involved like the varieties you choose to grow (some are better bloomers than others) and the culture - whether or not you provide optimum growing conditions. Yes, your chances improve the more you have, but I have well over 100 plants and sometimes there are very few in bloom, depending on the time of year and my re-potting schedule.

  • 9 years ago

    Ok thanks. If you have 100 and are lucky to have four blooming. My odds with four would be super slim.

  • 9 years ago

    There are some varieties that basically bloom all the time, or bloom a lot. Some Optimaras do, Also, most trailing types bloom most of the time.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You misunderstand me, Plantermunn. I mean sometimes that is the case that there are few in bloom here. At most times of the year, my stand is awash with color from almost all of the plants in bloom. But even indoors, winter slows things down, (especially anything grown in natural light.) So does re-potting, which I try to do at least twice a year at which time I disbud anything that I have disturbed the roots on when I am grooming and replacing the soil. My point is only that there is no guarantee that you have flowers 365 days of the year, no matter how many you grow.

    And while Perle de Or is correct in saying that some of the Optimaras are more generous, and often trailers are indeed more constant, it's still something that is up to your choices and the care you provide. No one here can give you a guarantee that grow "X" number of plants and you'll always have color. Not that the fact that your plants may be at rest should deter you from growing any at all - on the contrary, sometimes the leaves can be absolutely beautiful on a well-grown plant and give much enjoyment just in themselves.

    For guaranteed bloom, people buy silk flowers. I prefer the challenge and the delight of the real thing. Basically, AV's bloom when they're happy and ready to do so and probably more than many other houseplants. One, four or a hundred, focus on growing healthy plants and not just on flowers - and the blooms will come with it. :-)

  • 9 years ago

    In theory, it's possible. In practice, it takes a while to get to that level as a grower. and oftentimes successful collections are developed through trial and error. Some varieties will do great for you, others wont. Over time you hold on to the ones that do well for you and let go of the ones that dont (unless youre stubborn and find a way to make that one special plant happy)...

    I'd say go for it. Get four plants, maybe not all at the same time, let them grow, bloom, rest and bloom again. Read up on proper care, and once you have happy plants, you can look into disbudding schedules and stagger the bloom of your (probably larger than four plant by then) collection....

  • 9 years ago

    Yes. Mouse Maid and Rob'sBlue Light have not been without flowers between the 2 of them for over a year. When I repot and remove the flower buds and flowers, within 10 days I see new buds pushing out. I have great light, repot mini's at least 2 times a year in ProMix, and feed a diluted mix at every watering. I also frequently flush my plants. And I love them :) I think they can tell. And, get a green variety, like Irish Flirt or better yet, Sassy Sister (RIP my Sassy Sister). The blooms last a long time. Keep trying new plants. Give each one a chance but if a plant makes you frown more than smile, just put it in the trash. Trust me, this feels good. The next day you will look at the empty space and see only opportunity.

  • 9 years ago

    Love your post Amy. I have found some plants do bloom almost all the time for me, it has taken a while to find out which ones. I also continually feed, but I use only a tiny amount of fert, about 1/16th of a teaspoon per gallon (Optimara fertilizer). I re-pot often too.