African violets are one of the most popular houseplants, and for good reason! They are relatively easy to care for and can bloom year-round with the right care. One of the most important things to remember when caring for African violets is how often to water them.
Most African violets need to be watered about once a week, though some may need a bit more or less depending on the size of the pot and the climate. If the leaves start to droop, that is a sign that the plant needs to be watered. Over watering can be just as harmful as not watering enough, so it is important to find a happy medium. Once you have a routine down, you will be sure to enjoy beautiful blooms from your African violets for years to come!
Water your African violets when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry.
Should African violets be watered from the top or bottom?
It is perfectly fine to water your African violets from the top or bottom. Just be sure to use lukewarm or warm water, as cold water can shock the plant. Also, if you choose to water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun. This can cause leaf spots.
Watering your plant is very important to keeping it healthy and encouraging blooming. Make sure to keep the soil moist to dry, and allow the soil around the roots to dry out before watering again. The best way to water your plant is from the bottom, using room temperature water. To do this, simply place the plastic grower’s pot in a bowl or sink of water and allow the plant to absorb the water for no more than 30 minutes.
Do African violets need direct 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 the amount of daylight that the plant receives by placing it under a grow light.
African violets need to be kept moist, but not wet. The best way to water them is to use lukewarm water and to water from the bottom, so that the leaves don’t get wet.
Is tap water okay for African violets?
If you are unsure about the quality of your tap water, it is best to err on the side of caution and use filtered or distilled water for your African violets. Chlorine levels can fluctuate depending on the season and in some areas, tap water may have high amounts of chlorine, chloramines, or dissolved solids. All of these things can adversely affect your African violets, so it is best to use filtered or distilled water if possible.
When watering your African violet, be careful not to mist the foliage as this can cause permanent leaf spotting. Use water that is room temperature, and avoid saturating the crown of the plant as this can lead to crown rot.
What do Overwatered African violets look like?
If you notice that your African Violet plant’s leaves are looking soft, limp, or mushy, this is likely a sign that the plant has been over-watered. When this happens, the soil retains too much water which can cause these symptoms in the plant. Be sure to check the soil before watering your African Violet in the future to avoid this issue.
Plants need light to grow, but too much direct sunlight can be damaging, causing leaves to scorch or fade. Bright, indirect light is ideal, and a plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is a good spot to start. Plants will still grow when situated next to north- or east-facing windows, but they may be spindly and have fewer blooms.
Do you water violets from the bottom
If you’re potting African violets, make sure to not over-water them. African violets are prone to getting rot, so it’s important to keep the potting mix on the dry side. When you do water, be sure to water at the base of the plant, not on the leaves.
African violets are known for their long lifespan, and repotting them is important to prolong their lives. McEnaney suggests doing so every two to three years.
Do African violets need bigger pots?
African violets need to be slightly pot-bound in order to thrive. This means that you should choose a pot that is on the smaller side. A professional tip is to use a pot that is 3-4 inches in diameter for a standard African violet plant.
Without fertilizer, your African Violet will not have the necessary nutrients to stay healthy throughout the year. during the spring and summer, you should fertilize your African Violet once every 14 days to ensure that it gets enough nutrients. However, in the fall and winter, you should not fertilize the plant at all to prevent over-fertilizing.
Do African violets like to be watered from the bottom
If you are looking to water your African violet plant the best way, then you should water from the bottom up. Place your plant in a shallow tray of water for 30 minutes, allowing the soil to soak up the water through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. By watering from the bottom up, you will ensure that your plant gets the moisture it needs without over watering.
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 a lot of indirect sunlight, so make sure to place them near a window.
2. Turn Up the Humidity: These plants love humid conditions, so mist them regularly or place them on a pebble tray.
3.Replenish Essential Nutrients: Fertilize your African violet every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer.
4. Keep it Pleasant: African violets like temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure your home isn’t too hot or too cold.
5. Choose the Right Soil: These plants need a well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter.
6. Protect From Pests & Disease: Inspect your African violet regularly for pests and disease. If you see any, take appropriate action to treat them.
7. Constrict the Roots: Once your African violet is about two years old, it’s time to start constricting the roots. This will encourage new growth and more blooms.
8. More items: Be sure to keep your African violet potting
Why do you water African violets from the bottom?
It is important to keep the roots of African violets aerated in order to prevent them from becoming soggy. Watering from the bottom will help to keep the crown of the plant dry. African violets like warmer water, around 70 degrees.
Coffee grounds are slightly acidic and contain nitrogen, which helps plants grow healthy foliage. Occasionally sprinkling used coffee grounds on top of your African violet potting soil can be good for the plant.
Conclusion
Twice a week, or when the leaves start to look wilted.
From our research, we have concluded that African violets need to be watered about once a week. However, this may vary based on the size of the pot and the climate.
