I used to grow African Violets, and I used this method to water when I was gone for extended periods of time: Fill a plastic container (I usually used old margarine tubs) almost full of water. Punch a hole in the top big enough for a cord to go through. For a 6 inch pot, use 3 plies of 4 ply acrylic yarn to wick into the plant container, and then down the hole into the water. Place your pot on top of the container, and that should water it for about a week. Of course, outside in the heat, you'll run up against evaporation and such, so check it every three days. OH! forgot...put three pennies into the water container...it keeps the fungus out. I guess you could put the plastic container into something prettier, like maybe a larger pot, to make it more attractive outside.

I grow both 'crepuscule' and ' San Remo' in a self-watering pot. They looks healthy ... But AV ???? ... Doesn't it mean African Violet or Saint Paulias ? I think "Cups" will have specific answers on the forum covering African violets. -- Denis Here is a link that might be useful: Afr. Vio. Forum

I have one I've overwintered for a couple of years. I put mine in our garage, which is heated to 40-50 degrees I live in Michigan, about zone 5 1/2 where I live. I don't water it either until about March. Then prune and water. Mine is huge too, but I let it be what it is until early spring since I have the room. If I brought it in the house I would cut it back a bit in fall too. They really are a beautiful plant, just loaded with blossoms a couple of times a year, not so much in the hot hot weather though. Mine is still in bloom in the garage in late November.

Tawny, they are made by Santino. The one on the left is called Deco, and the right is Arte. I got them from Amazon for $7-10. I'm not sure if I can put a link from another retailer here... Nil, I hope I won't get the problem you mentioned.... Jimmy, thanks for the advice! I saw some at Walmart too. I heard lots of people like the Walmart ones. But they were a bit too big for me for now :( Do you put gravel or something similar on the bottom? I'm thinking I probably don't need any gravel since my mix is pretty gritty.