How do I get my African violets to bloom again?

Q: A few months ago I purchased a purple African violet with an abundance of blooms. It lost its blooms within a few weeks, and shows no signs of reblooming. The leaves seem healthy -- how can I get it to bloom again?

A: African violets require care that is quite different from most houseplants. It sounds silly, but if you know what NOT to do to an African violet, you will grow abundantly blooming plants quite easily.
Don't place them in direct sunlight or in dark areas.
Don't subject them to temperature extremes.
Don't get water on the leaves.
Don't use cold water to water them.
Don't use any container other than a cheap 4-inch
plastic pot.
Don't use peat moss.
Don't leave dead flowers or leaves on the plant.
Don't forget to fertilize.
- Rockford Register Star