By the way, what happens if the leaves get wet? Does it melt like the
wicked witch of the west? I've only heard that you shouldn't do it, not what
the repercussions are.

If you get cold water on African violet leaves (or the leaves get chilled), you
will get unsightly white or tan splotches. If you water with hard water and
leave drops on the leaves, there will be conspicuous white marks where the
water dries, due to the hairs accumulating excess salts. These are mainly
cosmetic problems, but easily avoided if you water with lukewarm water & don't
allow it to stand on the leaves. Also, be very careful not to leave water
standing in the crown. That will kill the plant. After you water, remove any
water in the crown with a tissue, or blow it out. Use the same caution with
phalaenopsis.

Iris,
Central NY, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40
"If we see light at the end of the tunnel, It's the light of the oncoming
train."
Robert Lowell (1917-1977)