There does not seem to have been any response to this query. I grow some African violets and do use most of the time the commercial mixes. My plants seem to do well as long as I am careful about overwatering. I have some of the violet pots but they did not seem to be absorbing the water like I expected. So my DH drilled 2 holes in the sides of them lower down. I set the inner pots into the outer pot which contains water. The water enters the inner pot through the holes instead of relying on absorption through the sides - seems to work. So I can use the pots (which were relatively expensive) although not exactly as I expected.
Yesterday I received 3 little plants from The Violet Barn (my first order from them). All three are very healthy and actually have blooms. I am really happy with them and will definitely order again. So glad to have found a choice besides Lowes and HD - so many varieties to choose from. The shipping costs but they pack wonderfully.
Hope your plant is doing well. AFs are actually fairly tough plants and can take a lot - tap water is fine as long as it is not too cold. Just don't overwater and rot the leaves. Good luck.
