If you have an African violet that is in need of a leaf pruning, don’t despair. It’s a relatively easy process that only requires a sharp pair of scissors. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prune African violet leaves.
1. Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut off any leaves that are brown or discolored.
2. Cut off any leaves that are damaged or have been nibbled on by pests.
3. Cut any leaves that are excessively long or have become leggy.
4. Pinch off any flower buds that have not yet opened.
5. Cut the stem of the plant back by about one-third its total length.
How do you cut African violet leaves?
When trimming your African Violet, be sure to cut it at a 45 degree angle. This will encourage root and plant growth. Find a small container and fill it with Espoma’s Organic African Violet Potting Mix. Make a shallow hole, using your finger or pencil. Place your leaf cutting in, stem side down, and firm the soil around it.
If you want to encourage your African violets to produce new growth, you should focus on the plant tips. This is where the plant spends most of its energy, and as such, new growth will tend to emerge from here. However, this also means that the older leaves at the bottom of the plant will eventually die back. over time, this can lead to long-necked African violet plants.
Should I remove damaged leaves African violet
If you have an African violet that is in need of a little TLC, follow these simple tips to get it back on track. First, remove any leaves that are discolored, old, or damaged. Then, remove the plant from the pot and prune any straggly or out-of-place leaves to help maintain its shape. With a little bit of care, your African violet will be looking good as new in no time!
If you have an African violet that is starting to get leggy, the best way to combat this is to repot the plant and give it a fresh space. You can also fertilize the plant with Espoma’s Violet! liquid plant food. This will help keep your plant growing new leaves and will enhance the colors of your flowers.
Where do you cut African violets?
Make sure to cut the stem close to the stalk when pruning your African violet. You can also pinch the leaves off with your fingers. Keep in mind that the leaves closest to the soil are the oldest, and the plant grows from the crown outward.
While brushing leaves of african violets may be tempting, it is not recommended because repeated brushing can decrease plant quality and size. So, for a healthier plant, keep your hands off!
Do African violets like big or small pots?
African violets thrive when they are slightly pot-bound, so it is best to choose a pot that is on the smaller side. A professional tip is to use a pot that is 3-4 inches in diameter if you have a standard African violet plant.
An African Violet can maintain maximum 3-5 rows of leaves, depending upon whether they are miniature, semi-miniature or standard in size. You can learn more about African Violet plant sizes here, “What are the Different Sizes of African Violet Plants?”
How can I encourage my African violet to bloom
African violets are a beautiful type of plant that can brighten up any room. However, they can be tricky to get to bloom. The most common reason African violets don’t bloom is because they aren’t getting enough light. They need indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Choosing a north- or east- facing window for best results. Keeping plants away from cold glass and rotating the pot once a week so all leaves receive light.
If the pores of the leaves are clogged, it can prevent the plant from getting the nutrients it needs.
Should African violets be watered from the bottom?
African violets are delicate plants that should be watered with care. Whether you water from the top or bottom, be sure 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 is to avoid leaf spots.
If you think your African Violet plant has been over-watered, check the soil to see if it’s too wet. If the soil is too wet, the leaves and/or leaf stems may turn soft, limp or mushy. If this happens, you’ll need to let the soil dry out before watering again.
Why is my African violet getting tall
African violets usually like to stay close to the soil. If your plant starts to grow tall, thin leaves, it means it’s not getting enough sunlight. The solution is to move your plant to a brighter area of your home.
If an African Violet is left unattended, it can develop a long necks, up to 5-6 inches long. This neck will eventually tilt to the side due to the weight of the crown. This is known as a “goose neck”. A neck can also resemble a palm tree or coconut tree trunk.
How do I know if my African violet needs to be repotted?
When it’s time to repot, be sure to use a pot that’s only slightly larger than the current one—just 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot, and add a layer of pebbles to the bottom for extra drainage. Gently remove the plant from its current pot, being careful not to damage the roots. Prune any long or damaged roots, then replant in the new pot. Water well, and place in a spot with bright, indirect light.
African violets should be re-potted every 6 months in order to ensure that they have fresh soil. They should be kept in the same size pot so that they don’t get too big for their pot and become pot-bound.
Conclusion
You will need a sharp pair of scissors and a cool, dry day to prune your African violet leaves. Make sure to cut at an angle so that water will not sit on the leaves and cause them to rot. You can prune away any leaves that are brown or yellow, as well as any that are bigger than the others. Trim off any flower stems that have already bloomed, and cut back any that are longer than the leaves.
The best time to prune African violets leaves is in the spring, just before the new growth begins. To prune, remove any leaves that are yellow, brown, or damaged. Cut the leaves back to the main stem, taking care not to damage the plant.
