As far as pots go for African violets, you really can’t go wrong. Just about any type of pot will work fine, as long as it has drainage holes in the bottom. That being said, there are certain types of pots that are better than others.
The type of pot you use to plant your African violets in is not as important as the potting mix. African violets need a potting mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A potting mix that is too dense will cause the roots to rot. A potting mix that is too sandy will cause the plant to dry out. You can find African violet potting mixes at your local garden center.
Why do African violets need special pots?
Feature #1: It allows for good drainage
African violets need well-drained soil in order to thrive. If the soil is too wet, it can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. A pot with good drainage will help to keep the soil from getting too wet and will allow the plant to get the oxygen it needs.
Clay pots are not the ideal type of pot to use for African Violet plants. They dry out quickly and can stress out the plant roots if the soil is allowed to cycle between wet and dry. It is best to use a pot that will retain moisture better, such as plastic or glazed ceramic.
What should African violets be planted in
When planting African violets, it is important to use a well-draining potting mix or all-purpose potting soil. African violets should be planted in small pots and repotted every few years to mix in fresh soil. The soil should be loose and well-drained, and high organic matter content is a plus.
African violets prefer slightly acidic conditions, between 58 to 65 pH. In conventional soil, your plant won’t be able to efficiently absorb nutrients. Generally, peat moss is used to lower the pH in African violet potting soil.
Do African violets like terracotta pots?
If you’re looking for a pot material that will allow your African violet’s roots to breath better and prevent the soil from staying too wet, terra cotta is ideal. Keep in mind that African violet roots don’t go very deep; they prefer to spread out sideways. Therefore, you’ll want to use a shallow pot rather than a deep one. Be sure your pot has suitable drainage holes so you can water from underneath.
African violets are beautiful flowers that thrive in bright, filtered light. They should never be placed in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves. The soil should be kept moist, but well drained. You want moist, not soggy.
Should African violets be watered from the bottom?
It is best to water African violets from the bottom. This allows the roots to absorb the water and helps prevent the leaves from getting wet and developing leaf spots. It is important not to use cold water; lukewarm or warm is preferred.
The leaf must have a petiole, or leaf stem. Cut the leaf off at the base of the petiole, just above where it joins the stem of the plant. It’s okay if there is a little bit of stem attached to the leaf.
Next, cut the leaf in half lengthwise. If the leaf is large, you may want to cut it into thirds.
Place the leaf halves or thirds in a jar or glass of water, making sure that the cut end of the leaf is submerged.
Put the jar or glass of water in a spot where it will get bright, indirect light.
Wait a week or two, and you should see roots growing from the cut end of the leaf. Once the roots are an inch or two long, you can pot up the leaf in soil.
Cutting African violets from leaves is a great way to propagate your plants and create new ones. It’s easy to do, and you can get started with just a few leaves.
Should I mist my African violets
Water your African violet carefully to avoid leaf spotting and crown rot. Use room-temperature water and avoid misting the foliage.
It can be a bit of a challenge to find the right balance when it comes to African violets and their potting. They like to be a little crowded above ground, but if you pack the pot too tightly, they can start to struggle. In fact, an African violet with too many leaves might even withhold its beautiful blooms—or stop growing altogether! So, it’s important to find that sweet spot where your plant is comfortable and can still thrive.
How often do African violets like to be watered?
One way of making sure your African violets are never over watered is by setting up a wicking system. This allows the plants to only receive water once a week, and to completely dry out between waterings.
Weeds can be frustrating to deal with, especially when they’re in your grass. You don’t want to damage your grass while trying to get rid of the weeds, so it’s important to use the right herbicide. 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).
Where is the best place to put an African violet
If you want your African violets to thrive, make sure to place them in a location that receives bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or north window is often a good option. And, be sure to keep them out of direct sun. If you don’t have a suitable window, you can place African violets under a fluorescent light fixture containing two 40-watt fluorescent tubes.
When you notice that your African violet has doubled or tripled in size, and the leaves are wilting, it’s time to repot the plant into a larger pot. This will prevent the plant from becoming too root-bound. McEnaney suggests making the move at this time.
Can you use regular Miracle Grow on African violets?
This product is great for African violets and other blooming houseplants. It provides the necessary nutrients for plants to thrive and promotes abundance of flowers.
The African Violet Lover is a beautiful plant that is easy to care for. The blossoms are large and the plant does well in a variety of climates. The grower suggested that I use special potting soil for African Violets when I transplanted it and I used Miracle-Gro. The plant went crazy with blooms!
Conclusion
The best pots to plant African violets in are ones that are well-draining and have a wide opening. You should also avoid using plastic pots, as they can cause the roots to rot.
Some factors to consider when potting African violets are the type of pot, the size of the pot, the drainage of the pot, and the soil mix. A pot with a drainage hole is necessary to prevent the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot. A pot that is too large can also be detrimental to the plant because the roots will not be able to get the moisture and nutrients they need. The type of pot you use is not as important as the drainage and size, but plastic pots are often recommended because they are lightweight and inexpensive.
