African violets are a beautiful and popular houseplant that originates from Tanzania. These lovely plants have been bred to grow in a wide range of soils, but they prefer a soil that is light and well-draining. African violet potting mixes are readily available at garden centers and online, and these mixes typically contain perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. If you’re growing African violets in regular potting soil, consider adding some extra perlite or vermiculite to the mix. African violets also appreciate a slightly acidic soil, so if your tap water is alkaline, you may want to use distilled water or rainwater to water your plants. With the right care, African violets can thrive for many years and provide you with an abundance of beautiful blooms.
The best soil for African violets is a well-drained, loose potting mix that is high in organic matter.
Can I use regular potting soil for African violets?
Conventional potting mix is too dense for the sensitive African violet. These jungle plants evolved in mossy outcrops with very little soil. A lightweight, soilless planting medium provides support without crushing or choking their delicate root systems.
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.
How do you mix African violet soil
African violet soil mix should be created with 1 part peat moss, 1 part humus or leaf mold, and 1 part perlite, vermiculite, or sand. This will create a well-draining, nutrient-rich environment that will help your African violets thrive.
Soilless mixes are usually made up of a combination of sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. These ingredients provide African violets with the evenly moist but well-draining, slightly acidic, and loose crumbly texture that they need to thrive.
Do African violets like bigger pots?
When choosing a pot for your African violet, it’s best to go with a smaller option. These plants do best when they are slightly pot-bound, so a pot that’s 3-4 inches in diameter is perfect.
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. This mix will help ensure your plants have the nutrients they need to grow and thrive indoors.
Do African violets prefer plastic pots?
If you’re looking for an African Violet pot that is fuss-free and long-lasting, plastic is the material you want. Plastic pots come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.
It really doesn’t matter if you water African violets from the top or bottom, as long as the water is lukewarm or warm. Just be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun, as this could cause leaf spots.
How often should I water my African violet
One way to help prevent overwatering your African violets is to water them using a wicking system, where the plant is watered from the bottom up. This allows the plant to completely dry out between waterings, which should only be done once a week.
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 I’ve found to root African violets is in water using a leaf.
How often should you repot African violets?
African violets are a beautiful addition to any home, and they only require minimal care. One important thing to keep in mind, however, is that they need to be repotted about once a year. This helps to ensure that their leaves and roots stay healthy. Inspect your violets regularly to see if they need to be repotted, and if so, follow the instructions below.
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 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 kept 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.
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.
How do I get my African violet to bloom again?
If your African violet isn’t blooming, don’t despair! There are a few simple things you can do to encourage it to start flowering again.
One of the most important things for African violets is to make sure they have enough light. They do best in bright, indirect light, so if you’re keeping yours in a dark room, that could be the problem. Move it to a brighter spot and see if that makes a difference.
African violets also like high humidity, so misting the leaves regularly can help encourage blooming. You can also try using a humidifier in the room where your plant is.
Making sure your plant has the right nutrients is also key to getting it to bloom. Use a fertilizer specifically designed for African violets and follow the instructions on the package.
Finally, it’s important to create a stress-free environment for your plant. Keep it in a room with a comfortable temperature and out of drafts. And if you’re watering it, be sure to use room-temperature water.
With a little TLC, your African violet should start blooming again in no time!
Terra cotta pots are 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.
Warp Up
African violets like soil that is loose and well-drained.
African violets like loose, well-drained soil with a neutral pH.
