See below charts of my african violet's water usage since I put it on my membrane osmosis watering system at the beginning of February 2001. I've included an exploded chart with clearer detail of the increase in water use prior to flowering.

The plant was originally about 4 inches in diameter. Its peak size was about 16 inches between the second and third flowerings. As it begins its 10th consecutive flowering, the diameter is about 12 inches. The average leaf size is now smaller and more regular than during the earlier flowerings - there are 4 (maybe 5) concentric leaf rings compared to 2 - 3 rings at the beginning.

I think it is interesting to see how the overall rate of water use has decreased as the plant has grown in size. I guess this is due to the larger plant being able to hold and retain more water in its structure. I think that I am also seeing a pattern of 2 flowerings per season. From beginning to end, flowerings last on average 10 weeks.

I have not used any specialist fertilizers, just regular houseplant Miracle Gro Pour and Feed (capful every 2 - 4 weeks directly into the compost). The plant has been re-potted once.

I have kept watering pattern data on many plants including chrysanthemum, begonia, basil, rosemary, poinsettia, hedera (ivy), small conifer, orange tree (from seed), cyclamen and others. They all show variations in the rate of water use (like rolling steps) but differ from the african violet in that the water use generally increases as the plants get bigger.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...gPattern01.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...gPattern02.jpg

Hope this helps
Chris