An African violet (Saintpaulia) is a species of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Tanzania and adjacent southeastern Kenya in eastern tropical Africa. Many hybrids and cultivars have been developed. The best potting mix for African violets is a mixture of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part vermiculite.
There is no definitive answer to this question as different growers have different preferences. However, many african violet growers recommend using a potting mix that is high in peat moss and perlite, and low in bark.
How do you make African violet potting mix?
This is a great soil mix for African violets! It will help to keep the roots moist and provide drainage while still allowing the plant to get the nutrients it needs.
African violets need soil that is rich in nutrients and well-drained. The best soil for African violets consists of coconut coir, perlite, peat moss, and sphagnum peat moss. This type of soil will provide the plant with the nutrients it needs and will also help to keep the roots of the plant moist.
Do African violets like big or small pots
African violets need to be slightly pot-bound in order to thrive. This means that you should choose a pot that is on the smaller side. A professional tip is to use a pot that is 3-4 inches in diameter for a standard African violet plant.
Violets are best planted in an African violet potting mix, or any light, loose, fast-draining potting mix that’s 30 to 50 percent perlite or vermiculite. You can mix up your potting soil, too. Keep them planted in small pots and re-pot once a year to give then fresh, nutrient-rich soil.
Can I use Miracle Grow potting mix for African violets?
African violets grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix is specially formulated to provide indoor plants like African violets with just the right growing environment.
African violets need indirect sunlight, so a north- or east-facing window is best. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light. Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.
What kills African violet?
A broadleaf killer that contains 2,4-D or Dicamba will selectively kill the violets without damaging the grass. Another great wild violet herbicide is called Drive (quinclorac).
African violets need to be re-potted in fresh soil every 6 months in order to stay healthy. Make sure to use the same size pot each time so that the plant doesn’t become rootbound.
Is it better to root African violets in water or soil
It’s easy to root African violets in water using a leaf. You can take the leaf from your existing African violets, or even from a friend’s plant. The quickest and easiest way to do this is to simply put the leaf in a glass of water and wait for it to root. Within a few weeks, you should see new roots growing from the leaf. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can then transplant the new plant into a pot filled with African violet potting mix.
If you water African violets from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun; this is to avoid leaf spots. Other than that, either is fine. Just be sure to use lukewarm or warm water, never cold.
Do African violets like terracotta pots?
Terra cotta is a great choice for an African violet pot because it is porous and allows the roots to breathe. It also 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.
African violets are susceptible to crown rot, so it is important to not saturate the crown (the section of the plant at soil level) with water. Water on the foliage may cause permanent leaf spotting, so it is important to not mist the foliage. Use water that is room temperature.
How often should a African violet be watered
A wicking system is where you have a bowl of water with a wick coming out of it and into the soil of your plant. The wick pulls the water up as the soil dries out and keeps the plant moist without you having to do anything!
It is important to water your African violet after repotting it, but be aware that this will compact the soil to some degree. As needed, you may add a little more potting mix to the top of the pot to stabilize the plant. Keep the pot small and shallow, as African violet roots generally do not grow deep or wide.
Do violets need special potting soil?
A good potting soil for African violets actually contains no soil (or dirt) at all. A good potting soil will be very light and porous, a quality which enhances aeration, while keeping the soil moist, but not soggy. Such a potting soil will be made primarily of block-harvested, sphagnum peat moss.
When you see that your African violet has doubled or tripled in size, it’s time to repot it into a larger pot. This way, the roots won’t get too bound up and the leaves won’t start to wilt.
Conclusion
The best potting mix for African violets is a mix of one part peat moss to one part perlite.
The best potting mix for african violets is a mix of two parts peat moss and one part perlite. African violets need a well-drained mix that is also moisture retentive.
