The best kind of pot for African violets is a pot with a drainage hole in the bottom and a saucer to catch any excess water. The pot should be made of a lightweight material such as plastic or terra cotta.
The best kind of pot for African violets is one that is well-draining and has a wide opening.
Are clay or plastic pots better for African violets?
Terra Cotta is ideal for African violets because the porous material allows the roots to breath better and prevents the soil from staying too wet. African Violet roots don’t go very deep; they like to go sideways, so don’t use a deep pot. Your pot must have suitable drainage holes so you can water from underneath.
If you have an African Violet that is 12 inches in diameter, then you should plant it in a 4-inch pot. This will give the plant adequate drainage and allow the leaves to spread out.
Why do African violets need special pots
It’s important to have a pot with good drainage for your African violet so that the growing medium doesn’t stay too damp and encourage root rot. With well-drained soil, your African violet will be much more likely to thrive.
You can use clay pots for your African Violet plants, but they are least recommended. You would have to continuously monitor the watering in clay pots, as they dry out quickly. The cycle of wet/dry soil can stress out the African Violet plant roots.
Should you water African violets from the bottom?
African violets are typically watered from the bottom, as this allows the roots to soak up the water they need without risking leaf spots from water droplets on the leaves. However, if you are careful not to get water on the leaves, watering from the top is also fine. Just be sure to use lukewarm or warm water, as cold water can shock the plant.
If you’re African violet is finicky about its water, make sure to let the water sit for a bit before giving it to your plant. It’s best to let it sit for 24-48 hours, but if you can’t, then let it stand for at least an hour. This will help ensure that your plant gets the hydration it needs without shocking it with too cold or too hot of water.
Do African violets like being pot bound?
African violets prefer to be root-bound to bloom well. This means that they should be pot-bound, or have their roots filling the pot so that they are slightly restricted. This can often be accomplished by simply not watering the plant for a few weeks prior to repotting. It is good practice to periodically repot houseplants because the soil should be refreshed periodically. You can often repot the plant into the same pot after cleaning it well, using fresh potting mix.
When you see your African violet leaves wilting, it’s time to give the plant some more space. Gently remove the plant from its pot and loosen the roots. Then, replant in a pot that is two or three inches larger in diameter. Be sure to use fresh potting soil, and water well.
Do you leave water in African violet pot
If you are growing African violets, it is best to keep them away from floor vents, fans, or entrance doors to avoid exposure to drafts and cold air. African violets need just enough water to keep the soil moist, but never soggy. Too much water can lead to deadly pathogens such as Pythium, Root Rot and Crown Rot.
African violets are beautiful plants that do best with 10+ hours of bright, filtered light. They should never be given direct sun, as it will scorch them. The soil should be kept moist but well drained. You want moist, not soggy.
How do you encourage African violets to bloom?
African violets need indirect sunlight, direct can burn the leaves. Choose a north- or east- facing window for best results. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light.
If your violets are growing in pots that are 3” or smaller, it’s best to repot them every 2-3 months. For violets growing in 4” or larger pots, you can wait to repot them every 6-12 months.
What are African violet pots called
A sub-irrigating pot is one that is specially designed for bottom-watering. These containers come in two pieces. The first is a standard container, in which you plant your African violet. The second is a water reservoir that attaches beneath the first.
To use a sub-irrigating pot, simply fill the water reservoir with water and allow the African violet to absorb the water from the bottom. This method of watering is especially helpful in preventing overwatering, as the African violet will only absorb as much water as it needs.
African violets need bright, indirect light in order to thrive. A spot near an east or north-facing window is often a good choice, as long as the plants don’t receive direct sun. If there is no suitable window available, African violets can be placed under a fluorescent light fixture containing two 40-watt fluorescent tubes.
How often do you water a potted African violet?
A wicking system is a mechanism used to water plants where water is drawn up from a reservoir below the plant roots and into the soil. This way, the roots always have access to moisture, but the plant is never over-watered.
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.
Final Words
The best kind of pot for African violets is a plastic pot with drainage holes in the bottom.
The best kind of pot for African violets is one that is slightly larger than the plant’s root ball and has drainage holes.
