How to Grow African Violets With No Natural Light

Place your African violet 12 to 15 inches below fluorescent plant lights. For optimal growth with no natural light, use two 40-watt fluorescent tubes. These produce more light and are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, for better growth.

Expose the plants to light for 16 hours a day if you want the violets to flower. Manually turn the lights on and off, or connect the plant lights to a timer. Align the timer to coincide with actual daylight so the plants' darkness hours overlap with night.

Maintain a constant temperature of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit for best growth, using an air conditioner if necessary in hot weather.

Incorporate water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer, diluted to one-quarter strength, each time you water the plant. Pour fertilizer in a watering can, then add water to dilute it to 25 percent. Water your plant first just to moisten the soil, and then pour on the mixed fertilizer, allowing excess liquid to drain out. Water again when the soil becomes slightly dry to the touch.

Increase humidity in the room by placing the violet on a tray filled with pebbles. Pour water into the tray so it covers the stones but doesn't get to the violet roots.

Watch out for houseplant pests, which can infect your African violet. If you see pests or suspect pest presence from holes in leaves, discoloration of leaves or other signs, treat your plant with insecticidal soap.

Pluck off spent flowers and faded leaves to maintain the appearance and health of your violet plants.