In this article, we will be discussing how to pot African violets. African violets are a beautiful, classic houseplant that has been around for many years. They are small and dainty, and they come in a wide variety of colors. African violets are relatively easy to care for, and they make a great addition to any indoor space.
To pot African violets, use a well-drained, African violet potting mix. To promote drainage, add 1-2 inches of horticultural charcoal to the bottom of the pot. Be sure to use a pot with a drainage hole.
Fill the pot with potting mix, and make a small depression in the center. Gently remove the African violet from its current pot, and loosen the roots. Place the plant in the pot, and fill in around the roots with more potting mix. Water well.
What kind of pot is best for African violets?
African violets are best suited for small pots, as they require continuous moisture to thrive. African violet pots are typically made of ceramic or plastic and have a self-watering feature, making them ideal for growing these delicate plants.
African violets prefer slightly acidic conditions, between 58 to 65 pH. In conventional soil, your plant won’t be able to efficiently absorb nutrients. Generally, peat moss is used to lower the pH in African violet potting soil.
Do African violets need deep pots
African Violet roots don’t go very deep, so they like shallow pots that are breathable and have good drainage. You can also get African Violet specific pots that have a terra cotta sleeve you plant in, and a water reservoir.
Many successful growers of African Violets recommend repotting with fresh potting soil, twice a year or more. At the very least, an African Violet should be repotted whenever the plant becomes rootbound, ie, the Violet has outgrown its current pot to the extent that its roots are growing out and around the rootball.
Do African violets like bigger pots?
When potting African violets, it is best to choose a pot that is on the smaller side. This will help to keep the plant slightly pot-bound, which is ideal for its growth. If you have a standard African violet plant, your starter pot should be about 3-4 inches in diameter.
Hi,
Just wanted to make a quick note about African Violets and their water needs. These plants do best when they’re not near any sources of drafts or cold air, like floor vents, fans, or entrance doors. Keep them watered, but make sure the soil isn’t too soggy, as this can lead to deadly pathogens like Pythium, Root Rot, and Crown Rot.
Is it better to root African violets in water or soil?
The good news is that it’s easy to root these flowering beauties. The quickest and easiest way I’ve found to root African violets is in water using a leaf. You can take the leaf from your existing African violets, or even from a friend’s plant.
A wicking system is a simple and effective way to water your African violets without the risk of over watering. All you need is a piece of cotton string or wick, a container, and some water. Simply place the wick in the container and add water until the wick is saturated. Then, place the container under your African violet pot and allow the water to wick up into the pot. The African violet will only take up as much water as it needs, so you never have to worry about over watering.
Is it better to propagate African violets in water or soil
African violet leaf propagation in water will take longer to root as compare to soil but the plant will be healthier.
Hi, just wanted to share my experience with African Violets. I bought one from a private grower and the blooms were huge! The grower suggested using special potting soil for African Violets when transplanting, so I used Miracle-Gro and the plant went crazy with blooms.
Where is the best place to put an African violet?
African violets need bright, indirect light in order to thrive. A spot near an east- or north-facing window is usually a good option. However, it’s important to not place them in direct sun, as this can be damaging. If a suitable window isn’t available, African violets can be placed under a fluorescent light fixture that contains two 40-watt fluorescent tubes.
Your African violet is a delicate plant that needs specific care when it comes to watering. Make sure the water you use is tepid or at room temperature, as cold water can shock the plant and cause damage. If possible, let the water sit for 24-48 hours before using it on your plant, as this will allow any impurities to dissipate. If you can’t let the water sit that long, let it stand for at least an hour before using.
Should African violets be watered once a week
To bottom water African violets, simply place the plant’s container in a sink or tray of water so that the water can come up from the bottom and soak into the potting mix. Allow the plant to soak for about 15 minutes, or until the potting mix is evenly moist. Make sure to discard any water that remains in the saucer after the plant has finished soaking.
African violets need indirect sunlight, so a north- or east-facing window is best. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light. Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.
Do violets like to be root bound?
African violets are a type of houseplant that prefer to be root-bound in order to bloom well. It is good practice to periodically repot these plants in order to refresh the soil. You can often repot African violets into the same pot after cleaning it well, using fresh potting mix.
It can be a bit of a puzzle to figure out how many leaves an African violet should have. On one hand, they like to be a little crowded above ground. But on the other hand, if it gets too tight below ground, they may start to struggle. In fact, an African violet with too many leaves might even withhold its beautiful blooms—or stop growing altogether!
Final Words
The best way to pot African violets is to use a specialized African violet potting mix or a mixture of 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 perlite, and 1/3 vermiculite. The pot should have a drainage hole and saucer. Water the African violet when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Allow the excess water to drain off and do not let the violet sit in water. Fertilize African violets every two weeks using a half-strength solution of a water-soluble fertilizer.
Houseplants are a great way to add a touch of nature to your home, and African violets are a beautiful option. These delicate flowers are relatively easy to care for, and with a little effort, you can have them blooming all year round. To pot an African violet, you’ll need a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. Water your plant thoroughly, then let it drain before gently removing it from its current pot. Place it in the new pot, and fill in around the roots with potting mix. Water again, and then place the pot in a bright, indirect light. With a little TLC, your African violet will thrive!
