Background
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a water-based solution instead of soil. African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are a type of plant that can be grown hydroponically.
Advantages of Growing African Violets Hydroponically
African violets that are grown hydroponically can have a number of advantages over plants that are grown in soil. These advantages include:
• Faster growth: plants grown hydroponically can grow up to 50% faster than those grown in soil.
• Greater yields: hydroponically-grown plants can produce up to 20% more flowers than those grown in soil.
• Cleaner plants: since hydroponically-grown plants are not grown in soil, they are less likely to be affected by soil-borne pests and diseases.
• Easier to care for: hydroponically-grown plants generally require less attention than those grown in soil, since they are not as susceptible to environmental stressors such as drought.
If you are considering growing African violets, hydroponics may be a good option for you.
I don’t know if you can grow African violets hydroponically, but I imagine it would be possible.
Can you grow African violets in water?
Cuttings can be propagated in either potting mix or water, and both methods are easy to follow. Cuttings propagated in potting mix usually result in a new, healthy African violet. Cuttings propagated in water may not result in as vigorous of a plant, but it is a good way to start new plants.
African violets are best suited for African violet pots, which are small (4- to 5-inch) ceramic or plastic self-watering containers. Growing plants in these pots will provide the proper amount of continuous moisture to the plants, resulting in healthier and more vibrant specimens.
Can African violet leaves be rooted in water
It’s easy to root African violets from leaves! Simply take a leaf from an existing plant (or ask a friend for one), and place it in a cup of water. The leaf will soon sprout roots, and you can transplant it into a pot of soil to grow a new plant.
African violets need indirect sunlight in order to thrive. Direct sunlight can actually burn the leaves of the plant, so it’s best to choose a north- or east- facing window for best results. Additionally, keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light. During winter months, you can extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light.
How long should African violets sit in water?
It’s important to make sure the water you give your African violet is either tepid or at room temperature. letting the water sit for 24-48 hours is ideal, but if you can’t, then at least let it stand for an hour. This will help your plant stay healthy and happy.
Some plants prefer more acidic soil and seem to respond well to a weekly watering with coffee. This includes African violets, impatiens, Norfolk Island pines, Phalaenopsis orchids, and Dieffenbachia.
Do African violets like bigger pots?
It’s best to choose a pot that’s on the smaller side for African violets. This will help keep them slightly pot-bound, which is ideal for their growth. A professional tip is to use a pot that’s 3-4 inches in diameter for standard African violet plants.
Terra cotta pots are ideal for African violets because the porous material allows the roots to breath better and prevents the soil from staying too wet. African Violet roots don’t go very deep; they like to go sideways, so don’t use a deep pot. Your pot must have suitable drainage holes so you can water from underneath.
Is it better to propagate African violets in water or soil
Water propagation is a great way to get healthy, large African violets!
If you notice excessive moisture on the crown leaves of your violets, it is highly advisable to check for signs of deadly pathogens such as Crown Rot and Pythium. These diseases can quickly kill your plants, so it is important to take immediate action if you suspect they are present. Much less serious, but still alarming, are the brown or yellow leaf spots which can result from leaving water on the leaves. These can be unsightly and may indicate a lack of proper care, so be sure to investigate the cause and take steps to correct it.
Can you touch the leaves of an African violet?
While brushing the leaves of your African violet may seem like a way to give it a little extra TLC, it’s actually not recommended. That’s because repeated brushing can actually decrease the plant’s quality and size over time. So, if you want to keep your African violet healthy and thriving, it’s best to just leave it be.
African violets are easily propagated by leaf cuttings. Select a firm, healthy leaf and cut it off with a sharp knife. Leave 1 to 1½ inches of the leaf stem (petiole) attached to the leaf blade. Fill a pot with a moistened 50:50 mix of vermiculite and coarse sand.
Why are African violets so hard to grow
If you want your African violets to flower, make sure they’re getting enough light. Insufficient light is probably the most common reason for failure to flower. The leaves will become darker green and thinner, and the petioles or leaf stems will be very long and weak. The plants will flower very little, if at all.
When watering your African violet, be sure not to mist the foliage as this can cause permanent leaf spotting. Use water that is room temperature and water the plant at the base, taking care not to saturate the crown as this can lead to crown rot.
Does Epsom salt help African violets bloom?
Epsom salts are a great way to provide your plants with the essential minerals magnesium and sulfur. Simply mix one and a half teaspoons of the salt in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Then, water your African violets (below the leaves) with the solution once a month.
If you’re not sure about the quality of your tap water, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use distilled or purified water for your African violets. Chlorine levels can fluctuate depending on the season and in some areas, tap water may have high levels of chlorine, chloramines, or dissolved solids. All of these things can adversely affect your African violets, so it’s best to use water that is as pure as possible.
Final Words
You can grow African violets hydroponically, but it is not recommended. African violets are typically grown in soil and need specific nutrients that are not typically found in hydroponic solutions. In addition, African violets require a humid environment, which is not always possible to duplicate in a hydroponic setup.
African violets can be grown hydroponically, but they require special care. They are sensitive to light and temperature changes, and their roots are easily damaged. If you are not experienced in growing African violets, it is best to grow them in soil.
