African violets are a type of small, delicate flower that originated in Africa. They are popular houseplants and are known for their colorful blooms. African violets need bright, indirect light to thrive indoors. Many people choose to grow them under grow lights. Grow lights come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and intensities. It is important to choose the right grow light for your African violets, based on their light requirements.
There are a few different types of grow lights that could be called the “best” for African violets. These would include LED, fluorescent, andseed lights. All of these have their own advantages that could make them the best for your particular needs.
What kind of grow light is best for African violets?
A good starting point for a broad range of African violets (AV) is one 5000K T5HO fluorescent light bulb placed above the AVs to achieve a range of 3000-3500 Lux for standards, and 4500-5000 Lux (two bulbs may be required) for mini’s and semi-mini’s. This will provide the necessary light for the plants to grow and bloom well.
Many African violet aficionados grow their plants under grow lights for best flowering and growth. The bulbs should be set about 12″ to 15″ above the tops of the plants, depending on the strength of the bulbs and size of the plants. A timer should be used to set 14 hours of light and 10 hours of dark each day.
How many watts do African violets need
Most African violet light stands use 40 watt tubes. Larger tubes are much dearer, and 20 watt tubes are not so economical considering the cost of making a stand and the diminishing light at the ends of the tubes.
African violets are a popular type of houseplant in North America because they are very easy to care for. They prefer to grow in bright, indirect light and will bloom best in these conditions. African violets are also very tolerant of different types of soil, so they can be grown in a wide variety of potting mixes.
How many hours of light should an African violet have?
It is important to give African violets the right amount of light per day, which is at least 8 hours of indirect light. If the violets get less light, they will have limited growth and will rarely flower. The light should be quite bright, but indirect. The optimal light intensity is 900-1100 foot-candles, or 10-20,000 lux.
Violet or purple light is thought to be effective as a secondary light source to facilitate growth and development of a plant’s leafy vegetation. The light is believed to help with the absorption of nutrients, and to promote photosynthesis.
How do I know if my African violet is getting too much light?
African violets need plenty of sunlight, but only indirect sunlight. If violets get more than this, they will begin to show signs of scorching on the leaves and flowers. In some cases, too much sunlight will turn variegated leaf varieties entirely green.
The plants grown under the black light appeared to be shorter with thicker and larger leaves. The end results suggest UV rays disrupts plant growth in various ways. Black light contains ultra-violet rays which are also found in sunlight. Sunlight contains all the colors of the spectrum just like a fluorescent light.
How much natural light do African violets need
African violets require at least 8 hours of light per day in order to bloom. They prefer natural sunlight, but artificial light will also work. African violets need to rest in complete darkness for at least 8 hours per day in order to stay healthy.
If you’re looking to keep your African violet healthy and blooming, it’s important to choose a pot that’s on the smaller side. African violets do best when they are slightly pot-bound, so a pot that’s 3-4 inches in diameter is ideal. Keep in mind that you may need to upgrade to a larger pot as your plant grows.
How do I keep my African violet blooming?
Houseplants need bright, indirect sun to grow and bloom properly. 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.
Water your African violet carefully to avoid leaf spotting and crown rot. Use room-temperature water and don’t mist the foliage.
Is it OK to touch African violet leaves
For a healthier plant, avoid brushing the leaves of your African violets. Repeated brushing can decrease plant quality and size.
A wicking system is a great way to make sure your African violets are never over watered. Basically, you just need to water the plant once a week and allow the plant to completely dry between waterings. The wicking system will help to keep the soil moist and help to prevent root rot.
Should African violets be watered from the bottom?
It is best to water African violets from the bottom. This is to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can cause leaf spots. Be sure to use lukewarm or warm water; cold water can harm the plant.
It’s important to keep an eye on your African violet’s water level, as they can only take up water through the bottom of the pot. Over-watering is a common issue with these plants, so it’s important to only refill as needed (usually every two to three weeks).
Final Words
There are a few different types of grow lights that could work well for African violets, including fluorescent and LED lights. In general, it is best to choose a grow light that emits a light spectrum that is similar to sunlight. This will help to ensure that your plants grow healthy and strong.
The best grow light for African violets is a fluorescent light. African violets need a lot of light to grow well, but they also need some shade. A grow light that has a mix of both fluorescent and incandescent bulbs will provide the best light for African violets.
