1, 2, 3 . . .

My friend, Michelle, at Boulderneigh has been charged with taking care of a colleague's African violet while the friend is out on leave.

That's what goes through the heart of someone who thinks that African violets are the most difficult plants to care for.

Here's a little secret . . . they're not.  They are easy to grow and easy to care for once you know a few simple truths.  So, Michelle, here's what you need to know:

1. AVs like bright, indirect light.  
2. They like the same temps/climate conditions we do.
3. They don't like to have their feet wet for any great length of time.

Easy as 1, 2, 3  ;-)

Here are the details:

1. If it's growing well where it is, leave it there.  If your co-worker plopped it down on your desk, then, if you have a fluorescent light - like an under-ledge light where you can place it, that's great.  If you don't have that, an AV will be very happy in a northeastern exposure.  I used to grow what I called "The Big Box Violet" in an eastern window on the north side of my sunroom with no trouble at all.  
2. Violets suffer above 85 degrees and below 65.  They also don't like to be in a draft.
3. Overwatering is the most common cause of violet death, so don't let it sit in standing water.  Water it well, and then after about 20 minutes, toss any water left standing in the saucer.

Michelle, I think you're going to be great at this!