Miniature African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are a species of flowering plant in the genus Saintpaulia. They are native to Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa. The plants typically grow to between 5 and 20 cm (2 and 8 in) tall, with leaves that are 3–8 cm (1–3 in) long and 2–5 cm (0–2 in) wide. The flowers are 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) wide, with five petals that are violet or lilac in color.
When grown as houseplants, miniature African violets require bright, indirect light. They should be placed approximately 30 cm (12 in) away from a window to ensure they receive the correct amount of light.
Most miniature African violets need to be placed within 12 inches of a light source in order to bloom properly.
How far should grow lights be from African violets?
Many people who grow African violets find that their plants flower and grow best when they are grown under grow lights. The lights should be set at a height of 12 to 15 inches above the tops of the plants, depending on the strength of the bulbs and the size of the plants. A timer should be used to provide 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness each day.
African violets are best suited for growing indoors in North America. This is largely due to the fact that their leaves need to stay relatively dry. For the best color and blooms, grow African violets in bright, indirect light. An ideal location for a plant stand would be three feet away from a west- or south-facing window.
How do I know if my African violet is getting enough light
If you can barely see the shade of your hand over the Violet, then it is getting the correct amount of light. Always give your African Violets plenty of indirect sunlight.
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, it’s important to keep plants away from cold glass and to 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.
Can African violets get too much artificial light?
African violets require bright light for best growth and flowering. Excessive light causes leaves to be pale or greenish-yellow. Some leaves may show dark green areas where they have been shaded by upper leaves. Growth slows when light is too high and plants become very compact.
A fluorescent light fixture suspended 8 to 10 inches above plants and left on for 12 to 16 hours per day should provide sufficient light for African violets. This will help them to grow strong and healthy.
Do African violets like big or small pots?
African violets do best when they are slightly pot-bound, so choose a pot that’s on the smaller side. Professional Tip: If you have a standard African violet plant, your starter pot should be about 3-4 inches in diameter.
It is important to water African violets correctly to avoid crown rot. Do not mist the foliage, as this can cause permanent leaf spotting. Use room temperature water and water the plant at the base, making sure not to saturate the crown.
Should African violets be watered from the top or bottom
African violets are delicate plants and should be treated with care. Whether you water them from the top or bottom, just be sure to use lukewarm or warm water, as cold water can shock the plants. If you water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun, as this can cause leaf spots. With a little care, your African violets should thrive.
Keep your African violet plant healthy by watering it from the bottom. This prevents over-watering, which can damage the plant. Check the bottom pot every two to three weeks and refill as needed.
How do you perk up an African violet?
If your African violet has burnt or dry leaf tips, it’s likely dehydrated. Try placing your plant on a humidity tray to boost the moisture in the air. If your African violet has drooping leaves, it may be suffering from low temperatures. Keep your indoor environment around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night.
You Don’t want to get anything that’s been in a container that does not have drainage. So if you are looking for a place to store your belongings, make sure that the container has drainage holes in the bottom. This will help to keep your belongings dry and protected from moisture.
Do African violets need shallow pots
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. Breathable, shallow pots are ideal for African Violets.
African violets are charming little plants that are often grown indoors. They prefer to be a little crowded in both the root system and the foliage, but if they get too crowded they may start to struggle. An African violet with too many leaves may withhold its beautiful blooms, or even stop growing altogether. If you notice your African violet is getting too crowded, simply thin out the root system and foliage to give it a little more room to grow.
Why do you water African violets from the bottom?
To ensure your African Violet’s roots have enough aeration, water moderately and never let the plant sit in water. Instead, water from the bottom so the roots can soak up the water gradually. Aim for warmer water around 70 degrees to help the plant thrive.
African violets need water when the soil is almost dry. However, this usually only applies once a week. The best way to water African violets is by bottom watering. This means that you should place the African violet’s container in a bowl or sink of water and let the water seep up through the bottom of the pot.
Conclusion
There is no definitive answer, as the amount of light required depends on the particular species and variety of plant. However, as a general rule, miniature African violets should be kept about 12-18 inches away from direct sunlight.
Based on the data collected, it is safe to say that miniature african violets should be placed roughly six to eight inches away from any light source. This will ensure that the plant gets enough light to prevent etiolation, or stretch marks, from developing. Too much light can also cause the leaves of the plant to scorch.
