Potted African violets are a common houseplant and make a lovely addition to any home. These pretty plants are relatively easy to care for, and with a little bit of knowledge, you can keep them healthy and blooming for years to come. Here are some tips on how to care for potted African violets.
To care for your potted African violets, keep the soil moist but not soggy, and fertilize every other week with a half-strength solution of balanced fertilizer. Place the plant in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Allow the top of the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
How often do you water a potted African violet?
If you only water your African violets once a week, and allow the plant to completely dry between waterings, you can set up a wicking system to make sure they’re never over watered.
If you want your plants to have the best color and blooms, grow them 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.
Should African violets be watered from the top or bottom
African violets are a type of plant that can be watered from the top or bottom. It is important to use lukewarm or warm water, as cold water can damage the plant. If you 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.
This is a great plant to have around for many years to come!
Should African violets be misted?
It is important to water African violets correctly to avoid leaf spotting and crown rot. Do not mist the foliage, and use room temperature water. Water the plant at the base, being careful not to saturate the crown.
If you’re unsure about the quality of your tap water, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use filtered or distilled water for your African violets. Chlorine, chloramines, and dissolved solids can all be harmful to these delicate plants, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
Do African violets need bigger pots?
Choose a pot that is slightly smaller than the size of the African Violet plant. This will help the plant to thrive as they do best when they are slightly pot-bound.
It’s best not to brush the leaves of african violets because it can make the plant less healthy and smaller.
How do I keep my African violet blooming
To ensure your African violets thrive, give them bright, indirect sun. Too little sunlight will cause the plants 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 if you can block the sun’s harshest rays with a sheer curtain. African violets also need eight hours of darkness every night.
If you’re looking for an easy way to water your African violets, self-watering ceramic pots are a great option. The inner pot is unglazed, which allows water to slowly penetrate through to the soil. This is perfect for moisture-loving plants that need a consistent supply of water.
How long should African violets sit in water?
Your African violet is finicky about its water. 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.
If your plant has been overwatered, the soil will retain too much water and this will cause the leaves and/or stems to turn soft, limp or mushy.
What are the secrets to great African violets
African violets are delicate plants that prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight and keep them at least a few feet away from bright south- or west-facing windows. An east- or north-facing window gives them the best lighting without the risk of burning their sensitive foliage. Artificial lighting works well, too.
Your African violet houseplant takes up water through the bottom of the first pot, which prevents over-watering. Keep an eye on the bottom piece and refill as your plant depletes the water (usually every two to three weeks).
How do you know when to repot an African violet?
An African Violet should be repotted whenever it becomes rootbound, meaning the plant has outgrown its current pot and its roots are growing out and around the rootball. At the very least, this should be done to keep the plant healthy and ensure it continues to grow and bloom.
African violets need to have their roots aerated in order to stay healthy. You can do this by keeping them moderately moist, but never soggy. Watering from the bottom will help to keep water out of the crown of the plant. African Violets like warmer water, around 70 degrees.
Conclusion
To care for your potted African violets, water them regularly and fertilize them monthly. Be sure to use a light hand when watering, as too much water can damage the delicate roots. African violets prefer bright, indirect sunlight, so place them near a window where they will receive plenty of light without being in direct sun.
Maintaining African violets is not difficult, but there are some important tips to keep in mind in order to keep your plant healthy and blooming. Be sure to water regularly, using lukewarm water, and fertilize every few weeks. African violets also thrive in bright, indirect sunlight – so a spot near a window is ideal. With a little bit of TLC, your African violets will be blooming for years to come!
