African violets are a type of houseplant that is typically kept indoors. However, they can also be put outside in the summertime. African violets need filtered sunlight and should be protected from direct sun exposure to prevent leaf scorching. They also need to be kept in a location with high humidity, such as near a water source or in a covered porch. With proper care, African violets can thrive both indoors and outdoors.
No, African violets cannot be put outside in the summer. They are a tropical plant and cannot tolerate the heat and direct sunlight that summer brings.
How hot is too hot for African violets?
African violets are well adapted to indoor environments. They prefer a temperature between 65°F and 80°F with about 80% humidity. It is important to avoid temperature and humidity fluctuations, including sudden drafts.
If you want your plants to have the best color and blooms, grow them in bright, indirect light. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location. Plants will still grow when situated right beside north- or east-facing windows, but leaves will be thin and spindly, and plants less likely to bloom.
Can African violets tolerate full sun
African violets need indirect sunlight and a north- or east- facing window for best results. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light. Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.
Violets are happiest when the temperature difference between day and night is no more than five degrees. They will tolerate temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees, but they will perform best under these conditions.
Can I leave my African violet outside?
African violets are not at all tropical plants from East Africa. They make good indoor plants because they would never survive outdoors in most US climates as a normal violet would.
A wicking system is a simple way to make sure your African violets are never over watered. By only watering once a week and allowing the plant to completely dry between waterings, you can ensure that your plants stay healthy and vibrant.
Do African violets need bigger pots?
If you are growing an African violet plant, it is best to choose a pot that is on the smaller side. This will help to keep the plant slightly pot-bound, which is ideal for its growth. A professional tip is to choose a pot that is 3-4 inches in diameter if you have a standard African violet plant.
As tempting as it may be to brush the leaves of your african violet, it is not recommended. Repeated brushing can actually decrease the plant’s quality and size. So resist the urge and enjoy your beautiful plant from a distance!
How do I keep my African violet blooming
If you are growing these plants indoors, they prefer a bright, indirect sun. Too little sunlight causes them to stretch for the light and produce few or no flowers; too much sun can burn the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, especially with a sheer curtain to block the sun’s harshest rays. They also need eight hours of darkness every night.
Replanting your African violet is important because they typically have a long lifespan. It has been said that these flowers can last up to 50 years with proper care. Because of this, it is crucial to ensure that they are planted in fresh soil every couple of years in order to help them thrive.
How often do you feed African violets?
African violets need fertilizer to stay healthy. During spring and summer, you should fertilize African violets every two weeks. In fall and winter, don’t fertilize the plant to prevent over-fertilizing.
If you water your African Violet too much, the soil will become soggy and this will make the plant susceptible to deadly pathogens such as Pythium, Root Rot, and Crown Rot. Too little water will cause the plant to wilt and may eventually kill it. The best way to water an African Violet is to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Do African violets prefer morning or afternoon sun
African Violets need bright to moderate indirect or filtered light to thrive. They can grow in direct light, but only early in the morning and late in the afternoon. If you place your hand over an African Violet receiving sunlight and can feel the heat or its too warm, then the light is too intense for the African Violet.
If you don’t want your indoor plants to get wet, don’t put them out in the rain. Fuzzy-leaved plants in particular don’t like having raindrops fall directly on them, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. African violets are a good example of a plant that doesn’t do well in the rain, although there are some experts who think it’s fine to expose them to a light shower now and then.
What happens if African violet leaves get wet?
If you notice any of the following symptoms on your violets, it is important to take action immediately in order to save your plant. Excessive moisture on the crown leaves leaves violets highly susceptible to a number of deadly pathogens, such as Crown Rot and Pythium. Much less serious, though still alarming, are the brown or yellow leaf spots which can result from leaving water on the leaves. If you see any white residue on the leaves, it is important to remove the leaves and let the plant dry out completely before adding any more water.
African violets thrive in humid conditions, making them ideal for kitchen or bathroom plants. If you provide a humidity tray for your African violets, they will grow quickly and flower for an extended period of time.
Conclusion
No, African violets should not be put outside in the summer. They are tropical plants that require high humidity and temperatures that do not typically occur outdoors in the summer months. If you live in an area with a summer climate that is similar to that of Africa, then you may be able to put your African violets outside. However, most people do not have this type of climate, so it is best to keep them indoors.
While African violets can tolerate some sun, they are typically grown as houseplants. African violets need temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and consistent humidity to thrive. If you live in an area with harsh summers, it’s best to keep your African violets indoors.
