If you want to add a splash of color to your home, try growing African violets. These gorgeous plants are relatively easy to care for, and can brighten up any room. Here are a few tips on how to grow African violets inside:
Choose a spot in your home that gets moderate light. African violets do best in bright, indirect light.
Water your plants regularly, but be sure not to overwater. Allow the soil to dry out a bit between watering.
Fertilize African violets about once a month with a specialized fertilizer.
Be sure to keep an eye out for pests, and treat promptly if you see any.
With a little care, you can enjoy vibrant African violets in your home for years to come!
The first step is to choose a location in your home that has bright, indirect sunlight. African violets need at least 12 hours of light every day, so a south- or west-facing windowsill is ideal.
Next, you’ll need to purchase a potting mix specifically for African violets. This type of mix is lightweight and drains well, two essential characteristics for African violets.
To pot your African violet, fill the pot about halfway with potting mix and then gently remove the plant from its current pot. Carefully loosen the roots and position the plant in the center of the new pot. Then, fill in the remaining space with potting mix, being sure to tamp it down gently.
Water your African violet thoroughly, being sure to evenly moisten the potting mix. Allow the excess water to drain away and then empty any water that has collected in the saucer beneath the pot.
Now that your African violet is potted, you’ll need to provide it with the right environment to thrive. African violets prefer temperatures of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They also like high humidity, so misting the leaves regularly
How do you take care of African violets indoors?
African violets need indirect sunlight in order to thrive. Direct sunlight can actually burn the leaves of these delicate plants. For best results, choose a north- or east- facing window. You should also keep the plants away from cold glass, and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light. During winter months, you can extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light.
You also want to keep your violets away from the cold glass of the window and make sure to rotate them so that they get an even amount of sunlight.
Should African violets be watered from the top or bottom
It is best to water African violets from the bottom. This allows the water to go directly to the roots without wetting the leaves. It is important not to use cold water; lukewarm or warm is preferred. If you water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun; this is to avoid leaf spots.
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 pot with a wick that goes down into a container of water. The water will then slowly be wicked up into the pot, keeping the African violet hydrated.
What kills African violets?
If you’re looking to selectively kill wild violets without damaging the grass, you should use a broadleaf killer that contains 2,4-D or Dicamba. Another great option is Drive (quinclorac).
African violets are beautiful plants that add a touch of color to any room. They do best when they are slightly pot-bound, so choose a pot that’s on the smaller side. Professional Tip: If you have a standard African violet plant, your starter pot should be about 3-4 inches in diameter.
Should African violets be misted?
When watering your African violet, be careful not to mist the foliage as this can cause permanent leaf spotting. Use room temperature water and avoid getting the crown of the plant wet, as this can lead to crown rot.
African violets are best watered 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. This will help to avoid waterlogging the soil and prevent the leaves from getting too wet.
How long should African violets sit in water
Make sure the water you give your African violet is either tepid or at room temperature. 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 you’re not sure 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 levels can fluctuate depending on the season and location, so even if your tap water is typically fine, it’s possible that it could cause problems for your plants. If you’re concerned about any of the things that might be in your tap water, filtration or distillation is the best way to ensure that your plants get the cleanest water possible.
What kind of pots do African violets like?
Self-watering ceramic pots are an ideal choice for moisture-loving African violets. The inner pot is unglazed, allowing the water to slowly penetrate through to the soil from the outer pot. This allows the roots to stay moist, but not wet, which is perfect for African violets.
When you see your African violet starting to wilt, it’s time to give it some more room to grow! Repotting into a larger pot will help it to continue to grow and thrive. Just be sure not to go too overboard – a pot that’s too large can result in the roots getting too wet and causing the plant to wilt.
How do I keep my African violet blooming
If you are growing amaryllis indoors, they prefer bright, indirect sun. Too little sunlight causes 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.
Coffee grounds are a great way to add nitrogen to your African violet potting soil. Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth, and coffee grounds are a good source of it. You can also use coffee grounds to make your own compost. Just mix them with some other organic materials and let them sit for a few weeks.
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. Discard any excess water from the saucer and do not water again until the soil is dry to the touch.
If powdery mildew on African violets is getting worse, try spraying the plants lightly with a mixture of 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda in 1 quart (1 L) of water. You can also spray the air around the plant with Lysol or another household disinfectant, being careful not to get too much spray on the leaves.
Final Words
You can grow African violets indoors with some basic supplies and a little bit of knowledge. Here are the basics of what you need to get started:
1. A healthy African violet plant. You can get these from a nursery or online.
2. A pot that is appropriate for the size of your plant. Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom.
3. A light source. African violets need a lot of light, but direct sunlight can be too harsh. A south-facing window is ideal, but you can also use grow lights.
4. African violet potting mix. This is a lightweight mix that drains well and contains the nutrients your plant needs.
5. A watering can or other method of watering that won’t damage the leaves of your plant. A mister can be helpful for this.
Here are the steps to take to plant your African violet:
1. Fill your pot with potting mix, leaving room at the top for watering.
2. Gently remove your plant from its current pot, taking care not to damage the roots.
3. Place your plant in the new pot and fill in around it with potting mix.
4. Water your plant lightly,
If you would like to grow African violets inside, there are a few things you will need to do. Start by choosing a spot in your home that has bright, indirect sunlight. Then, you will need to purchase a potting mix that is specially made for African violets. Once you have your pot and soil, you will need to water your plant regularly and fertilize it every few weeks. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy beautiful African violets in your home for years to come.
