If you have an African violet that is not blooming, you may need to trim dead flowers off of the plant. Trimming dead flowers, also known as deadheading, can encourage your African violet to bloom more.
Yes, you should trim dead flowers off of African violets. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth and flowers.
How do you cut dead flowers off African violets?
Deadheading is the process of removing dead and dying flowers from a plant. This is done to free up energy for more useful functions. If you see African violet flowers dying, simply pinch them off with your thumb and forefingers. Grower Beware: When pruning leaves and blossoms, pinch or cut, don’t rip or tear.
It’s best to trim your African Violet once a month. You can usually pinch Saintpaulia leaves off at the base of the petioles. If not, some small pruning scissors or a paring knife should work.
What to do with violets after flowering
These are just some ideas that I want to get out there. They may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but I think they could be useful.
If your African violet isn’t blooming, don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to encourage blooming.
First, make sure the plant is getting enough light. African violets need bright, indirect sunlight to bloom. If your plant is not getting enough light, try moving it to a brighter spot.
Second, African violets like high humidity. You can raise the humidity around your plant by setting it on a pebble tray or by using a humidifier.
Third, African violets need to be fertilized regularly to bloom. Use a fertilizer specifically designed for African violets, and fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.
Fourth, keep your African violet’s leaves dust-free. Dust can prevent the plant from absorbing light, which it needs for blooming. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Fifth, choose the right soil for your African violet. The soil should be well-draining but also moisture-retentive. A good African violet potting mix is available at most garden centers.
Sixth, protect your African violet from pests and disease. Aphids, mealy
How often should you water African violets?
A wicking system is a great way to make sure your African violets are never over watered. The system works by slowly releasing water to the plant roots through a wick. This allows the plant to dry out between waterings, preventing root rot and other problems caused by too much moisture.
Water your Violet plant from the bottom by placing the grower’s pot in water and allowing the plant to absorb the water for no more than 30 minutes. Avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause spotting damage. For best results, use violet plant food as directed.
How do you keep African violets blooming all year?
If you want your African violet to bloom, make sure it’s getting enough light. It needs indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Choose a north- or east- facing window for best results, and keep the plant away from cold glass. Rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light.
As a general rule, African violets do best when they are slightly pot-bound, so choose a pot that’s on the smaller side. A good rule of thumb is to use a pot that’s about 1-2 inches wider than the root ball of your plant.
If you have a standard African violet plant, your starter pot should be about 3-4 inches in diameter. However, if your plant is on the larger side, you may need a pot that’s 5-6 inches in diameter.
Should you touch African violet leaves
Brushing leaves of African violets is not recommended because repeated brushing can decrease plant quality and size.
If you want your African violet to rebloom, you have to remove the existing flowers or buds (disbud). The plant will need optimal growing conditions to bloom again in 6 to 8 weeks.
How often do African violets rebloom?
African violets can bloom nearly year-round if you are able to provide the correct conditions. Expect your African violets to bloom 10-12 months each year. Each bloom lasts for about 2-3 weeks.
It is important not to mist the foliage of African violets as this can cause permanent leaf spotting. Use room temperature water instead and be careful not to saturate the crown of the plant as this can lead to crown rot.
Can I use Miracle Grow on African violets
African violets need a well-drained, slightly acidic soil to grow best. Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix is a specially formulated mix that provides indoor plants like African violets with the perfect growing environment.
Epsom salt is a type of magnesium sulfate that can be used to fertilizer plants. It provides magnesium and sulfur, which are two minerals needed for healthy plants and blooms. To use, mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Water African violets with this solution once a month.
Is coffee grounds good for African violets?
Yes, coffee grounds are good for African violets. They are slightly acidic and contain nitrogen, which helps plants grow healthy foliage. You can occasionally sprinkle used coffee grounds on top of your African violet potting soil.
The roots of African violets need aeration, so it is important to keep them moist but not soggy. Watering from the bottom will help to keep water out of the crown of the plant. African violets like warmer water, around 70 degrees.
Warp Up
It is not necessary to trim off dead flowers on African violets, as they will eventually fall off on their own.
While there is no rule that you must trim dead flowers off of your African violets, many growers believe it to be beneficial. Trimming dead flowers can encourage new growth and help your plant to look its best.
