My Nana died on Halloween, and I have inherited her African Violets. They have been sadly sans fleurs until today, which gave me quite a lift. They are 
special to me for a couple reasons.
First, they were a constant thing in her home. Maybe like your grandmother, Nana always had African Violets on her kitchen windowsill.
Second, one year I bought us “twins” – they were the most unique African Violets I’ve ever seen – pink with purple dots. Mine didn’t make it, but hers has grown and flourished under her expert care for many years. And now I have it. A second chance.
Which brings me to the advice. My cousin Sharlot tells it best, solemnly recounting the sage African Violet Advice Nana gave to her:
- water them when dry, with lukewarm water, from the bottom up (i.e., put the whole pot in a bath in the kitchen sink overnight)
- use Dr. Schultz fertilizer (not necessarily the African Violet formula – any one will do)
- finally, and this is very important: toss them if they start to look like crap. for heaven’s sake, they are only $1.49 at the grocery store!
Thanks Nana!