Typically, African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are grown as houseplants. They are relatively easy to care for, and they flower year-round. However, sometimes they can get “leggy,” meaning they become tall and spindly, with bare stems and fewer leaves. If this happens, you can take a few measures to improve the plant’s appearance.
If your African violet is leggy, meaning it has long stems with few leaves, you can rejuvenate it by pruning the stems. Cut the stems back to about 2-3 inches above the soil line. New growth will emerge from the pruned area and your African violet will have a fuller, more compact appearance.
How do you prune leggy African violets?
Pruning African Violet leaves is important to keep the plant healthy. Remove three or more bottom leaves every month to help make room for new growth and to give the remaining foliage space to stretch out. Remove any dead or dying flowers during leaf pruning to free up even more energy.
Necks are a normal part of African Violet growth. However, they look unsightly, and most Saintpaulia growers prefer to cover them up. You can repot your African Violet a little deeper to bury the neck. Or you could chop off the stem, scrape the scales off the bottom, and plant it in fresh soil.
Why is my African violet growing so tall
If you notice your African violet plant starting to grow tall and thin leaves, it is likely not getting enough sunlight. Move the plant to a brighter area of your home to help it thrive.
If you have a long-necked African violet, you may want to cut the stem at soil level. This will help to keep the plant healthy and prevent it from getting too tall. To do this, disinfect a knife and then trim the stem.
Where do you cut African violets?
You go to the base of the plant And you simply pinch You can use pruners if you want to but the plant will bleed You can use a knife but it’s not necessary This is called pinching
African violets are susceptible to both dehydration and low temperatures. If you notice either of these problems, take steps to correct the issue. Dehydration can be remedied by placing the plant on a humidity tray, while low temperatures can be remedied by keeping the indoor environment around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night.
How do you separate overgrown African violets?
Divide the plant into two or three smaller plants using a sharp knife, taking care to determine where these separations happen naturally, and allocating as many roots as possible for each individual plant. Gently separate the plant, taking care not to break any leaves or stems.
A goose neck is a long, thick neck that can develop on an African Violet if it is left unattended. The neck can ultimately tilt sideways due to the weight of the crown. A neck can also resemble a palm tree/coconut tree trunk.
When should African violets be repotted
It is important to repot African violets with fresh potting soil, at least twice a year, to ensure that the plant stays healthy. If the plant becomes rootbound, it is necessary to repot it as soon as possible to prevent the roots from becoming damaged.
When potting African violets, it is best to choose a pot that is on the smaller side. This will help to ensure that the plant is slightly pot-bound, which is ideal for its growth. If you have a standard African violet plant, your starter pot should be about 3-4 inches in diameter.
What is the lifespan of an African violet?
African violets are known to be long-lived plants, often lasting 50 years or more with proper care. One important aspect of taking care of these plants is repotting them as needed. The timing and type of potting soil and container can vary, so it is important to do some research to ensure that your African violet is getting the best possible care.
It’s fine to bury the neck of a plant in some soil when repotting. As a general rule, you want to use a pot that’s one-third the width of the plant’s leaves. To repot, pull the plant out of its existing container and brush away the soil.
Can I plant African violets in Miracle Grow potting soil
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. The mix includes sphagnum peat moss, which helps to retain moisture and keep the soil slightly acidic, as well as perlite and vermiculite to improve drainage and aeration.
It’s easy to root African violets in water using a leaf. The quickest and easiest way to do this is to take a leaf from your existing African violets, or even from a friend’s plant. By doing this, you’ll be able to get your new plants off to a good start and have them rooting in no time!
Can I use regular potting soil for African violets?
African violets need a lightweight, soilless planting medium to support their delicate root systems. Conventional potting mix is too dense for these sensitive jungle plants and can crush or choke them.
If you’re looking for a healthy African violet, it’s best to keep your hands off altogether. Brushing the leaves can actually decrease the plant’s quality and size over time.
Final Words
There are a few things you can do to help leggy African violets:
-Place the African violet in an east or north-facing window.
-Make sure the African violet is getting enough light. If it’s not, it will stretch to try and reach the light.
-Prune the leggy stems back to where they branch off from the main plant.
-Fertilize the African violet with a fertilizer made specifically for African violets.
All in all, leggy African violets can be a real nuisance. But, with a little bit of care and attention, you can bring them back to life. With the proper tools and techniques, you can have your leggy African violet looking as good as new in no time.
