Natural Light:
* Direct sunlight: African violets absolutely hate direct sunlight. It will scorch their leaves, leading to browning and even death.
* Bright, indirect light: This is their ideal condition. Think of the light that filters through a sheer curtain or a bright room with windows facing east or west. This provides the necessary light for growth and flowering without burning the leaves.
* Low light: They can tolerate low light conditions, but they will grow slowly and are unlikely to flower.
Artificial Light:
* Fluorescent bulbs: These can be a good alternative to natural light, especially during winter or if you don't have enough bright, indirect light. Choose cool-white or full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs and keep them about 12 inches above the plants.
* LED lights: These are becoming increasingly popular for growing African violets. They are energy-efficient and can be tailored to provide the specific spectrum of light that African violets need.
Signs of too much or too little light:
* Too much light: Brown spots or scorched leaves, leaf curling, stunted growth, and lack of flowering.
* Too little light: Pale green leaves, elongated stems, and a lack of flowering.
Other factors to consider:
* Light duration: African violets need about 12-14 hours of light per day, whether it's natural or artificial.
* Leaf color: Darker green leaves indicate a need for more light, while paler green leaves suggest sufficient light.
In summary:
African violets thrive in bright, indirect light. They are very sensitive to direct sunlight and can tolerate low light, but they will grow slowly and flower less. By understanding their light needs and providing them with the right kind of light, you can ensure that your African violet remains healthy and blooms profusely.