Since they were first discovered in the late 1800’s, African violets (Saintpaulia) have been a poplar houseplant. Most varieties grow 6-8 inches tall and wide, with some new hybrids reaching up to 12 inches. They are relatively easy to grow and flower profusely. Africa violets come in many colors, including blue, violet, pink, white and red. The African violet is not really a violet at all, but is in the Gesneriad family which includes such diverse plants as the Streptocarpus (Cape primrose) and the Aeschynanthus (Lipstick plant).
Assuming you would like tips on caring for Miniature African Violets:
1) Place the African Violet in an east or north facing window. The African Violet needs bright light, but not direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
2) African violets need to be watered about once a week, when the soil is dry to the touch. Be sure to not over water, which can lead to root rot. Use room-temperature water and water from the bottom by filling a dish and letting the plant sit in the water for 10-15 minutes.
3) Fertilize your African Violet about once a month with a fertilizer made specifically for African Violets.
4) To help your African Violet bloom, set the plant in complete darkness for 12 to 14 hours once a week.
5) Pinch off any dead leaves or flowers.
How do you take care of a miniature African violet?
African Violets need just enough water to keep the soil moist, but never soggy. Be mindful, because too much water will leave Violet susceptible to such deadly pathogens. It is always important not to get water on the leaves. The only exception is when you are misting to increase the humidity around your plants.
Miniature African violets are small, delicate plants that make a beautiful addition to any home. They are easy to care for and don’t require much attention. These plants typically grow to between 3 to 6 inches in diameter and usually don’t get any taller than 6 inches in height.
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 be harmful to the plant. 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.
A wicking system is a great way to make sure your African violets are never over watered. By only watering the plants once a week, and allowing the plants to completely dry out between waterings, you can ensure that the roots will never be waterlogged.
How do I keep my African violet blooming?
If you want to grow healthy impatiens, provide them with bright, indirect sunlight. Too little sunlight will cause them to stretch for the light and produce few or no flowers; 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 plants to have the best color and blooms, grow them in bright, indirect light. An ideal location for a plant stand is three feet away from a west- or south-facing window. 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.
Should African violets be misted?
Water your African violet carefully to avoid leaf spotting and crown rot. Room temperature water is best. Avoid getting the crown of the plant wet, as this can lead to crown rot.
It is best to water African violet plants from the bottom up. Place the 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.
Are clay or plastic pots better for African violets
If you’re looking to pot your African violets, terra cotta is the way to go! The porous material allows for better root breathing and prevents the soil from staying too wet. Keep in mind that African violet roots don’t go very deep–they like to spread out sideways. So be sure to use a shallow pot with appropriate drainage holes. Watering from underneath will help your violets thrive.
It is important to be aware of the quality of your tap water when growing African violets, as different levels of chlorine, chloramines, and dissolved solids can all have negative effects. In general, though, tap water should be fine in most locations. Just be sure to keep an eye on levels and adjust accordingly.
Do African violets need bigger pots?
As a general rule of thumb, African violets do best when they are slightly pot-bound. This means that you should choose a pot that’s on the smaller side, as this will help to encourage new growth. Professional Tip: If you have a standard African violet plant, your starter pot should be about 3-4 inches in diameter.
Using a spray bottle to clean your African Violet leaves is a great way to avoid potential damage to the plant. Fill the spray bottle with room temperature or tepid water and spray the leaves. Use your fingers to rub the top and bottom of the leaves, then rinse with clean water. You can also use the spray bottle method to clean the leaves with liquid soap.
What do Overwatered African violets look like
If your African Violet plant has been over-watered, the soil will retain too much water and cause the leaves and/or leaf stems to turn soft, limp or mushy. If this happens, you will need to let the soil dry out completely and then water your plant again.
If you water your African violet with water that is too cold, your plant will suffer. Make sure the water is either tepid or at room temperature before giving it to your plant. It’s best to let it sit for 24-48 hours, but if you can’t, then let it stand for at least an hour.
How long do African violets live?
African violets typically need to be repotted every one to two years, according to McEnaney. He notes that you’ll know it’s time to repot when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes of the pots.
African violets need bright, indirect light in order to thrive. Direct sunlight can be too intense for their delicate foliage, so it’s best to keep them a few feet away from any south- or west-facing windows. An east- or north-facing window will provide the best lighting without the risk of burning the leaves. Artificial lighting can also work well.
Final Words
To care for mini African violets, water them regularly and keep them in a bright, warm spot. Be sure to fertilize them monthly and pinch back the stems to encourage new growth.
Mini African violets are a type of houseplant that is easy to care for. They require little water and can thrive in a variety of different climates. To care for your mini African violet, simply water it when the soil is dry and give it bright, indirect light. Fertilize your plant every other month and trim off any dead leaves as needed. With a little bit of care, your mini African violet will thrive for years to come.
