African violets are a beautiful and popular plant, but they can sometimes get out of control. If you want to trim back your African violets, here are a few tips to help you do it.
1. Pruning African violets is best done in the spring after the last frost.
2. Cut the stems back to about an inch above the soil line.
3. African violets can also be pinched back. To do this, simply pinch off the growing tips of the plant.
What to do with overgrown African violets?
If you have an African violet that is starting to get leggy, the best way to combat this is to repot the plant and fertilize it with Espoma’s Violet! liquid plant food. This will help keep your plant growing new leaves, which will keep it from becoming leggy. Additionally, the fertilizer will enhance the colors of your flowers.
If you have success getting your African Violet to bloom, be sure to pinch or deadhead spent blooms. This allows the plant to continue to put energy into creating more buds/blooms and beautiful foliage.
What do I do if my African violet stem is too long
If your African violet plant is looking leggy and its stem is more than an inch long, the best way to save it is to cut the plant off at the soil level and re-root it. Fill a pot with a well-draining soil mix and cut the African violet stems at the soil level. Remove any dead or sickly foliage from the stems, and then plant them in the pot. Keep the soil moist and warm, and in a few weeks you should see new growth.
When trimming your African Violet, be sure to cut it at a 45 degree angle to 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, and place your leaf cutting in, stem side down. Firm the soil around it.
Why is my African violet growing so tall?
If your African violet plant starts to grow tall and thin leaves, it is not getting enough sunlight. The solution is to move the plant to a brighter area of your home.
African violets need to be repotted every year or two to keep them healthy and vigorous. When you see that the roots are filling up the pot and the plant is starting to look a little cramped, it’s time to give it a new home. Be sure to use a pot that is only one size larger than the current one and use fresh, well-drained potting mix.
How do you keep African violets blooming?
Houseplants need bright, indirect sunlight to grow properly. Too little sunlight will cause the plant 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. The plant also needs eight hours of darkness every night to rest.
African violets are beautiful and easy to care for houseplants that will bloom repeatedly with the proper care. Here are 8 ways to get your African violet to bloom again:
1. Let There Be Light – African violets need bright, indirect sunlight to bloom. If your plant is not getting enough light, it will become leggy and the flowers will be smaller.
2. Turn Up the Humidity – African violets prefer a humid environment. If the air in your home is dry, your plant will dry out quickly and the flowers will fade.
3. Replenish Essential Nutrients – African violets need to be fertilized regularly to bloom their best. Use a balanced fertilizer or one formulated specifically for African violets.
4. Keep it Pleasant – African violets are sensitive to temperature extremes. Keep your plant away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners.
5. Choose the Right Soil – African violets do best in a well-draining, soilless potting mix.
6. Protect From Pests & Disease – African violets are susceptible to pests and diseases. Inspect your plant regularly and take action if you see any
How often should you water a African violet
A wicking system is a self-watering system in which the plant is constantly supplied with water through a wick. The wick is placed in a reservoir of water and the water is drawn up through the wick by the plant. This ensures that the plant always has a consistent supply of water and that it can never be over watered.
African violets do best when they are slightly pot-bound, so choose a pot that’s on the smaller side. A professional tip is to use a pot that is about 3-4 inches in diameter for a standard African violet plant.
Why do African violets get long necks?
If you notice your African violet starting to develop a neck, it could be due to a few different things. One possibility is that the lower leaves are falling off, which can cause the plant to start to look like a sort of palm tree. However, this isn’t always normal development and could be a sign that something is wrong. If you’re concerned, it’s best to consult with a plant expert to find out what could be causing the issue.
A “goose neck” on an African Violet is a condition that can develop if the plant is left unattended for too long. The neck will become long and thick (5-6 inches), and eventually tilt to the side due to the weight of the crown. This can happen if the plant is not watered or fertilized regularly. If you see this happening to your African Violet, you should trim the neck back to a normal length.
Is it OK to touch African violet leaves
There are a few reasons why brushing leaves of african violets is not recommended. First, repeated brushing can decrease plant quality and size. Second, it can also damage the delicate leaves. So, it’s best to just enjoy the beautiful plant from a distance!
If your African violet is starting to look like a palm tree, it’s time to do some surgery. Cut off the top of the plant, leaving about 2 inches of the stem. Then, replant the top in a new pot that is filled with fresh African violet potting mix.
Can you start an African violet from a leaf?
African violets are easily propagated by leaf cuttings. To do this, select a firm, healthy leaf and cut it off with a sharp knife. Leave 1 to 1½ inches of the leaf stem (petiole) attached to the leaf blade. Fill a pot with a moistened 50:50 mix of vermiculite and coarse sand. Place the leaf cutting (petiole-side down) in the potting mix and lightly press it into the mix.Water the potting mix and place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. In 6 to 8 weeks, the leaf cutting will produce roots and new leaves. Once the new plant is well-established, you can transplant it to a larger pot or into your garden.
It is important to repot an African Violet when it becomes rootbound in order to allow the plant to continue to grow and thrive. By repotting the Violet, you are giving it more space for its roots to spread out and providing access to more nutrients.
Conclusion
To trim back African violets, first remove any dead or dying leaves. Cut the leaves off at the base, using a sharp knife or scissors. Next, remove any leaves that are significantly smaller than the others. Again, cut these leaves off at the base. Finally, cut off any leaves that are damaged or diseased. Once you have trimmed back the African violets, they will be healthier and will bloom more beautifully.
Adding fertilizer to the potting mix is important for African violets since they are heavy feeders. A general-purpose fertilizer with an analysis of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 can be used. Fertilize African violets every two weeks during the growing season, and monthly during the winter.
