Feed every three to four weeks in spring and summer. Spring through fall is the usual active-growth period. Skip winter feeding unless artificial light keeps the plant actively growing.
How to fertilize Saintpaulia ionantha
Feed an African violet with a dilute liquid houseplant fertilizer during active spring and summer growth. Use the product label rather than a greenhouse ppm target.
Plant coveredSaintpaulia ionanthaAfrican violet · indoor container
Check for active growth
When to fertilize
Reduce or omit feeding in winter when growth is slow, unless artificial light keeps the plant active. Resume when growth and light return.
Follow the product label
Fertilizer type and dose
Use a complete water-soluble fertilizer or one formulated for African violets. A balanced 15-15-15 or 20-20-20 product is one supported option. Follow the product label for household use.
For a home plant, use a general balanced fertilizer at one-half or one-quarter strength, within the product label’s directions.
Inspect a stressed plant before feeding
When not to fertilize
Too much fertilizer can cause salt accumulation, tight centers, rusty new leaves, excess vegetative growth and poor flowering. Too little can show as paler leaves, slower growth or reduced flowering.
Sources
- University of Florida IFAS ExtensionProduction; fertilization paragraph; Physiological Problems and EC guidance
- Royal Horticultural SocietyOngoing Care > Feeding
- Iowa State University Extension and OutreachFertilization; Potential Problems > No Flowers
- Purdue University ExtensionFertilization