If you live in a colder climate, you may need to take some extra steps to protect your African violets during the winter months. Here are a few tips to help you care for your plants during this time:
1. Bring them indoors – African violets are tropical plants, so they won’t do well in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, move them inside to a bright spot near a window where they’ll be protected from the cold.
2. Protect them from drafts – Drafts from doors or windows can cause the leaves of African violets to wilt. To prevent this, you can either move them away from any sources of drafts or make a makeshift barrier by placing them on a tray or in a box lined with a towel.
3. Water them less – African violets don’t need as much water during the winter months since they’re not actively growing. Allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings, and don’t fertilize them during this time.
By following these tips, you can help your African violets survive the winter and enjoy them for many years to come.
First, you will need to bring your African violet indoors if you live in an area with cold winters. Once the plant is inside, place it in a spot that gets indirect light. You will also need to water the plant more frequently than you do during the spring and summer months. Be sure to let the soil dry out slightly between watering. Lastly, fertilize your African violet every other week during the winter months.
How often do you water African violets in the winter?
This is a great question that does not have a definitive answer. The best guide is to feel the top of the soil: if it is dry to the touch, then it is time to water. African violets should be allowed to dry out between each watering for best results. Overwatering can kill a plant.
Violets are best kept at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and should not be exposed to prolonged periods of cold temperatures (below 60 degrees). Be aware of drafts from windows and keep your violet plants insulated from them. For more information on proper temperature and other factors affecting air quality, see “Caring for African Violets.”
Should you feed African violets in winter
The best time for fertilizing African violets is in spring when the plant is actively growing. Avoid feeding African violets in winter.
A wicking system is a great way to make sure your African violets are never over watered. The way it works is you place the African violet in a container with a wick. The wick will draw water up from the bottom of the container and into the African violet. This way, the African violet will only get the water it needs and will never be over watered.
Where is the best place to put an African violet?
If you want your plants to have vibrant colors and blooms, it’s best to grow them in bright, indirect light. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location. While plants will still grow when situated right beside north- or east-facing windows, the leaves will be thin and spindly, and the plants less likely to bloom.
If you are not sure about the quality of your tap water, it is best to err on the side of caution and use distilled or filtered 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 may adversely affect your African violets, so it is best to use distilled or filtered water if you are unsure about the quality of your tap water.
Should you water African violets from the bottom?
Watering your plant correctly is important to encourage blooming. To water from the bottom, place the plastic grower’s pot in water and allow the plant to absorb the water for no more than 30 minutes.
When choosing a pot for your African violet, it’s best to go with a smaller size. African violets do best when they are slightly pot-bound, so a pot that’s on the smaller side will be perfect. Professional Tip: If you have a standard African violet plant, your starter pot should be about 3-4 inches in diameter.
Can you water African violets with ice cubes
It’s best to avoid using ice cubes to water your African violets. The cold water can damage the plants, and the slow melting process can actually cause the soil to become too wet. Stick with room temperature water instead to keep your violets healthy and happy.
Epsom salts are a great way to provide your 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.
Is coffee grounds good for African violets?
Coffee grounds are a popular addition to many gardens and are known to be good for plants. African violets are no exception and can benefit from the occasional sprinkling of coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are slightly acidic and contain nitrogen, which helps plants grow healthy foliage. Be sure not to overdo it, however, as too much coffee grounds can make the soil too acidic for African violets.
self-watering pots are the best for African violets because they require less maintenance than other pots. They are also available in a variety of colors and sizes to suit your needs.
How do I keep my African Violet blooming
If you’re looking to keep your Christmas cactus healthy and blooming, they need bright, indirect sun. Too little sunlight will cause them to stretch for the light and produce few or no flowers, while too much sun can burn the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, especially with a sheer curtain to block the sun’s harshest rays. They also need eight hours of darkness every night.
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 bright, indirect sunlight to bloom. If you don’t have a spot in your home that gets enough light, you can use grow lights.
2. Turn up the humidity. These flowers like it misty, so misting them regularly or setting them on a pebble tray will help them bloom.
3. Replenish essential nutrients. African Violets need to be fertilized every few weeks with a specialized African Violet fertilizer.
4. Keep it pleasant. African Violets like it between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, so try to keep your home at that temperature.
5. Choose the right soil. A good African Violet potting mix will be light and fluffy, and drain well.
6. Protect from pests & disease. These flowers are susceptible to pests and disease, so it’s important to inspect them regularly and take action if you see any problems.
7. Constrict the roots. Once your African Violet is blooming well, you can stop watering it as frequently. Letting the soil dry out a bit between
What do Overwatered African violets look like?
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. Also, the flower buds may drop off the plant and the flowers themselves will be small and pale. To correct this problem, stop watering the plant for a week or so and then resume watering, being careful not to over-water again.
Pruning African Violet leaves is an important part of keeping your plant healthy. By removing three or more bottom leaves every month, you will help make room for new growth and give the remaining foliage space to stretch out. To free up even more energy, remove any dead or dying flowers during leaf pruning.
Final Words
If you live in an area with a true winter, African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) may require special care to survive the cold months. These tips will help you keep your plants healthy and blooming:
1. Give them bright light. African violets need plenty of bright, indirect light to bloom well. If you can’t provide enough light from a south- or west-facing window, supplement with fluorescent grow lights.
2. Keep them warm. African violets prefer temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If your home is cooler than that, consider using a space heater or placing the plants on a heat mat designed for seedlings.
3. Water carefully. Over-watering is the number one cause of death for African violets, so it’s important to only water when the soil is dry. The best way to water is to use a self-watering pot or to bottom-water by submerging the pot in a dish of water for a few minutes. Allow the plant to drain thoroughly before putting it back in its normal spot.
4. fertilize sparingly. African violets need a light fertilizer applied every other week or so. Use a water-
One of the best ways to care for African violets in winter is to give them a little extra humidity. If the air in your home is particularly dry, you can set your pots on a tray of pebbles and water or use a humidifier. African violets also benefit from a winter rest, so you can cut back on watering and fertilizing. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, and fertilize every other month. Finally, don’t forget to give your plants a little extra light in the winter months.
