Roses are not the only flowers that can prosper indoors with the proper care. Many gardeners are surprised to learn that African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are not only easy to grow, but will also bloom continuously with the right environment and fertilizer. While African violets are relatively tolerant of a wide range of soils, they do prefer soils that are slightly acidic.
African violets need slightly acidic fertilizer. A range of 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal.
What are the best fertilizers for African violets?
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best fertilizer for African violets. First, it should be African violet-specific. Second, it should be 100% water-soluble. Third, it should be urea-free.
African violets are beautiful flowers that add a touch of elegance to any home. They grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. This type of soil helps to keep the roots of the plant healthy and prevents the plant from becoming overwatered.
How do I make soil acidic for African violets
If you have African violets that are not doing well, it may be because the soil is too acidic. Vinegar can be used to lower the pH level of the soil. Dilute vinegar (one or two teaspoons of vinegar per gallon of water) and use that to water your African violets.
Epsom salts are a great way to provide plants with essential magnesium and sulfur. These two minerals are needed to produce beautiful blooms and healthy foliage. To use, mix one and a half teaspoons of Epsom salts in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Water your African violets (below the leaves) with this solution once a month.
What is the best African violet fertilizer for blooming?
Many growers have the best success fertilizing once a week with a mild fertilizer designed for African violets. A balanced formula such as a 20-20-20 or one that has slightly more phosphorus, like a 15-20-15 will do well in most growing situations.
1. Let there be light: African violets need 12 to 14 hours of light every day, so make sure to place yours near a window. If you don’t have enough natural light, you can supplement with grow lights.
2. Turn up the humidity: These plants love humid conditions, so try misting them daily or setting them on a pebble tray.
3. Replenish essential nutrients: Every few weeks, give your African violet a balanced fertilizer designed specifically for them.
4. Keep it pleasant: These plants prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Choose the right soil: African violets need a light, well-draining soil. You can make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
6. Protect from pests & disease: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and mealybugs. If you spot any, treat them immediately with an appropriate pesticide.
7. Constrict the roots: African violets bloom best when their roots are slightly crowded. So, every few years, transplant them into a pot that’s just one size larger.
8. Be patient: African
Can you use Miracle Gro on African violets?
African violets grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix 88L is specially formulated to provide indoor plants like African violets with just the right growing environment. The mix contains peat moss, which helps to hold moisture and keep the soil slightly acidic. It also contains perlite, which helps to improve drainage.
If powdery mildew appears on your African violets anddon’t see improvement with traditional methods, spraying the plant lightly with a mixture of baking soda and water can be effective. You can also spray the air around the plant with Lysol or another household disinfectant, although be careful not to get the spray directly on the leaves.
Should African violets be misted
It is important to not mist the foliage of African violets as this may cause permanent leaf spotting. Use water that is room temperature to avoid the risk of crown rot.
Sulfur is an effective soil amendments for lowering soil pH. It’s especially useful for areas where plants are sensitive to aluminum sulfate. While elemental sulfur takes longer to react, it’s a safer option for soil acidification.
Can I acidify soil with vinegar?
Alkaline soils can be acidified using a vinegar solution. To make the solution, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Then, use the solution as a soil drench. This will help to lower the pH of the soil and make it more acidic.
Vinegar is a great way to lower the pH of your soil and make it more acidic. Depending on the type of vinegar and how it’s processed, it may also contain other nutrients like vitamins.
Is it best to water African violets from the bottom
It is important to water your plants regularly to keep them healthy and encourage blooming. Water from the bottom by placing the plastic grower’s pot in water, and allowing the plant to absorb the water (not more than 30 minutes). This will help to keep the soil around the roots moist without over watering the plant.
Epsom salt is a great way to improve the health of your plants! Simply dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salt per gallon of water, and substitute this solution for normal watering once a month. Your plants will love you for it!
How often should African violets be watered?
A wicking system is a simple way to make sure your African violets are never over watered. Basically, all you need to do is set up a container with a wick that goes all the way to the bottom. Then, you just fill the container with water and wait for the water to be absorbed by the wick. Once the wick is saturated, it will stop drawing water from the container. This means that you can water your African violets once a week and they will never be over watered!
Your African Violet needs fertilizer to stay healthy throughout the year. During the spring and summer, you should fertilize your African Violets once every 14 days. In the fall and winter, you shouldn’t fertilize the plant at all to prevent over-fertilizing.
Conclusion
African violets need to be fertilized with an acidic fertilizer to keep them healthy.
Yes, African violets need acidic fertilizer. The ideal pH for African violets is between 6.0 and 6.5. A pH that is too alkaline will result in nutrient deficiencies and poor growth.
