If you’re looking for a plant that is both beautiful and easy to take care of, the African violet is a great choice. While they’re native to Africa, these popular houseplants can now be found all over the world. Here are some tips on how to take care of African violets:
Light: African violets need bright, indirect light. If you don’t have a spot in your home that gets this type of light, you can grow them under fluorescent lights.
Water: Water African violets when the soil is dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater them, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Use a fertilizer designed for African violets. Once a month is usually sufficient.
Pots: African violets do best in pots with drainage holes. Be sure to use a potting mix that is designed for African violets or other epiphytic plants.
With a little bit of care, African violets can be a beautiful and easy-to-care-for addition to your home.
African violets are lovely, delicate flowers that make a great addition to any home. They’re relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know to keep your plant healthy and blooming.
Water your African violet when the soil is dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Give your plant plenty of bright, indirect light. African violets need 12-14 hours of light each day to bloom.
Fertilize your plant every other week with a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for African violets.
To encourage blooming, pinch off any spent flowers.
How often do you water an African violet?
A wicking system is a great way to make sure your African violets are never over watered. The way it works is you place a wick in the bottom of the pot and then water the plant from the top. The water will travel down the wick and into the soil, giving the plant the moisture it needs.
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.
What is the best care for African violets
African violets 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.
If you want your African Violet to stay healthy throughout the year, you need to fertilize it regularly. During the spring and summer, you should fertilize your African Violet once every 14 days. In the fall and winter, you shouldn’t fertilize the plant at all to prevent over-fertilizing.
Can I water African violets with tap water?
If you are not sure about the quality of your tap water, it is 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 adversely affect the health of your plants, so it is best to avoid them if possible.
It is important not to water the foliage of African violets as this may cause permanent leaf spotting. Use water that is room temperature and be careful not to saturate the crown of the plant, as this can lead to crown rot.
Do African violets need bigger pots?
If you’re looking to get the best possible results with your African violets, it’s generally best to go with a pot that’s on the smaller side. This will help to encourage your plants to become slightly pot-bound, which is generally considered ideal for these types of plants. As a general rule of thumb, if you have a standard African violet plant, you should aim for a starter pot that’s about 3-4 inches in diameter.
While brushing the leaves of an African violet may give you a sense of satisfaction, it is actually not good for the plant. Repeated brushing can decrease the plant quality and size. So, the next time you are tempted to touch your pretty African violet, remember to keep your hands off!
How long do African violets live
When you first receive your African violet, it will most likely be in a six-inch pot. From there, you can expect to repot every 12 to 18 months, McEnaney says.
Watering your plant correctly is important to encourage blooming. The soil should be moist to dry, and the soil around the roots should be allowed to dry out before watering. Water from the bottom with room temperature water by placing the plastic grower’s pot in water, and allowing the plant to absorb the water ( not more than 30 minutes ).
How do I get my African violet to bloom again?
African violets need at least 8 hours of sunlight a day to bloom. They are even happier when they receive 12 hours of sunlight a day. If your African violet isn’t blooming, check that it’s getting enough sunlight each day before trying to fix anything else.
Houseplants need bright, indirect sun to thrive. 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.
Is coffee grounds good for African violets
Coffee grounds are slightly acidic and contain nitrogen, which helps plants grow healthy foliage. Occasionally sprinkling used coffee grounds on top of your African violet potting soil can be good for the plant.
Epsom salts are a great way to provide plants with essential magnesium and sulfur. These two minerals are needed to produce beautiful blooms and healthy foliage. To use, mix one and a half teaspoons of Epsom salts in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Water your African violets (below the leaves) with this solution once a month.
Do African violets like sun?
African violets need bright light to bloom, but cannot tolerate hot, direct sun because their leaves are easily scorched by intense light. Violets bloom best at temperatures from 65 to 75 degrees. African violets need a well-drained soil that is kept moist, but not soggy. They also need to be fertilized regularly for best blooming.
If you have over-watered your African Violet plant, you will need to take steps to correct the issue. The soil will retain too much water, which will cause the leaves and/or leaf stems to turn soft, limp or mushy. To correct the issue, you will need to remove the plant from the pot and allow the excess water to drain off. Once the plant has drained, you can replant it in fresh, dry soil.
Warp Up
African violets need bright light but can’t tolerate direct sunlight. They prefer drier conditions and will suffer if the air is too humid.Water your plant from the bottom, filling the saucer and allowing the plant to absorb the water it needs. Allow the soil to dry out in between watering.This plant doesn’t like to be moved, so find a spot it can stay in permanently.
To keep your African violet healthy and blooming, water it from the bottom, using room-temperature water. Allow the water to come up through the drainage holes in the pot until it just begins to trickle out of the bottom. Once a week, use a weak solution of fertilizer designed for African violets. Groom your plant regularly, removing any yellow or dying leaves, and trimming off any spent blooms. With a little care, your African violet will thrive and provide you with beautiful blooms for years to come.
