Most african violet enthusiasts will tell you that you should repot your plants every 6 to 8 weeks. However, with busy schedules it is not always possible to keep up with this timetable. If you find that your plants are getting leggy or that the leaves are crowding the pot, then it is time to repot.
It is best to repot African violets when they become pot bound, or when they start to outgrow their current pot.
How do you know when to repot an African violet?
It is important to repot your African Violet when it becomes rootbound. This is when the roots are growing out and around the rootball. By repotting the plant, you will give it room to grow and flourish.
It’s important to choose a pot that’s on the smaller side when you’re potting an African violet. They do best when they’re slightly pot-bound, so a pot that’s 3-4 inches in diameter is ideal.
How often do you need to repot African violets
Violets are best repotted every 2-3 months when they are in pots smaller than 3”. For violets in 4” or larger pots, they can be repotted every 6-12 months.
If you have an African violet that is starting to struggle, it might be due to overcrowding. African violets like to be a little crowded above ground and below, but if it gets too tight, they can start to have difficulties. In fact, an African violet with too many leaves might even withhold its beautiful blooms—or stop growing altogether! If you think your African violet might be overcrowded, consider repotting it into a larger pot.
What is the lifespan of African violet?
It’s not surprising that African violets (Saintpaulia spp) can last indefinitely, according to the Bay State African Violet Society. With proper care, it’s not unusual for them to live 50 years or more. The key is to avoid overwatering, chilling and direct sunlight — three things that can drastically reduce an African violet’s lifespan. By taking good care of your African violet, you can enjoy its beauty for many years to come.
Plants need sunlight to grow, but too much direct sunlight can be harmful. The best place to grow plants is 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.
Are clay or plastic pots better for African violets?
Terra Cotta is 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.
You can water African violets from the top or bottom, but it’s important to use lukewarm or warm water, not cold water. If you water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun, to avoid leaf spots.
Should African violets be misted
African violets are susceptible to crown rot, so it is important that the crown (the section of the plant at soil level) is not saturated with water. Water on the foliage may cause permanent leaf spotting, so it is important to not mist the foliage. Use water that is room temperature.
The plants mentioned in the text need a bright but indirect sunlight, meaning they should not be placed in direct sunlight. Too little sunlight causes the plant to grow towards the light in an attempt to get more sun, and as a result, the plant produces fewer or no flowers. Too much sunlight can damage the leaves of the plant. The ideal place for these plants is an east-facing window, with a sheer curtain to diffused the light. The plants also need eight hours of darkness every night to rest.
How do I get my African violet to bloom again?
If you want your African Violet to bloom again, here are 8 ways to make it happen:
1. Let There Be Light – African violets need plenty of light to bloom, so make sure it is getting at least 12 hours of light each day. If you can’t provide natural light, you can use grow lights.
2. Turn Up the Humidity – African violets love humidity, so mist the leaves every day or use a humidifier.
3. Replenish Essential Nutrients – African violets need to be fertilized every 2-3 weeks with a fertilizer made specifically for them.
4. Keep it Pleasant – African violets do best in temperatures between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Choose the Right Soil – African violets need a light, well-draining soil. You can buy a special African violet mix or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.
6. Protect From Pests & Disease – Keep an eye out for common African violet pests like mealybugs and spider mites. If you see any, treat them immediately.
7. Constrict the Roots –
If your African Violet plant has been over-watered, the soil will retain too much water. This retention of water will cause the leaves and/or leaf stems to turn soft, limp or mushy. If you see these signs, cut back on watering and allow the soil to dry out somewhat before watering again.
Why do African violets need special pots
There are a few things you can do to help your African violet thrive in high humidity:
-Pick a pot that will help boost the humidity in the air around it.
-Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent the plant from sitting in water.
-Water the plant from the bottom, so the leaves don’t get wet.
-Fertilize the plant regularly to help it thrive.
To ensure that your African violet is able to thrive, it is important to create slightly acidic conditions with a pH of between 58 to 65. This can be done by using peat moss to lower the pH in the potting soil. By creating the ideal conditions, your plant will be able to efficiently absorb the nutrients it needs to grow and prosper.
Should African violets be watered once a week?
When watering your African violets, it is best to water from the bottom of the pot. This allows the water to seep up through the soil and prevents the leaves from getting wet. Only water when the soil is almost dry, as too much water can be harmful to the plant. Depending on the temperature and the season, you will usually need to water once a week.
It’s best to avoid brushing the leaves of your african violets, as this can repetitively damage the plant and cause a decrease in quality and size. Keep your hands off, and enjoy the pretty view from afar!
Warp Up
African violets typically need to be repotted every 12 to 18 months.
African violets typically need to be repotted every six to twelve months, depending on their rate of growth. Over time, the plant will become rootbound in its pot, which can lead to stunted growth and decreased blooming. Repotting African violets is relatively easy to do, and will keep your plant healthy and vigorous.
