African violets are a beautiful and popular houseplant. They are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to watering and potting them. African violets need a pot with good drainage and a light, well-drained potting mix. They do not like to be waterlogged, so make sure the pot has drainage holes and that the potting mix is not too dense. A good rule of thumb is to water African violets when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Allow the water to drain away completely and do not let the plant sit in water.
The best type of pot for African violets is a plastic pot with a bottom drainage hole.
Do African violets need a deep pot?
African violets need shallow, breathable pots in order to thrive. Their roots don’t go very deep, so they prefer to spread out sideways. Make sure your pot has adequate drainage holes so that you can water from underneath. You can also get African violet-specific pots that come with a terra cotta sleeve and water reservoir.
This African violet pot has a built-in drainage system that helps to keep the growing medium from becoming too wet and encourages root rot.
How big should an African violet pot be
The ideal pot size for an African Violet plant is 1/3rd the size of the plant. This means that the diameter of your African Violet plant should be 3 times the diameter of your pot. For example, if the diameter of your African Violet plant is 3″, it should be in a 1″ pot.
If your plant is root-bound, it’ll be happier in a slightly bigger pot. If it’s struggling to bloom, or its soil is retaining too much water, you may want to size down. Houseplant Pro Tip: African violets are happiest in containers that are about ⅓ the diameter of the spread of their leaves.
Do African violets like being pot bound?
It is good practice to periodically repot houseplants because the soil should be refreshed periodically. African violets prefer to be root-bound to bloom well, so you can often repot the plant into the same pot after cleaning it well, using fresh potting mix.
When you see your African violet starting to wilt, it’s time to repot into a larger pot. This will prevent the plant from getting too root-bound and will help it to continue growing.
What is the secret to growing African violets?
African violets are delicate plants that require special care to thrive. They need bright, filtered light for at least 10 hours each day, and should never be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves. The soil should be kept moist, but well drained, as too much water can quickly lead to root rot.
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.
When should African violets be repotted
Violets are best repotted every 2-3 months when they are in pots smaller than 3”. For violets in pots 4” or larger, they should be repotted every 6-12 months.
This is just a general guide for potting violets. The size of the pot should be about one-third the diameter of the leaves. For example, if the diameter of the leaves is 12 inches, your violet will be happiest in a 4 inch diameter pot that is 3 inches deep.
Do you leave water in African violet pot?
Plants need air to respire, just like we do. They also need a certain amount of water to maintain healthy growth. However, too much water can be just as harmful as too little.
When placing plants, make sure they are away from floor vents, fans, or entrance doors to avoid drafts and sudden bursts of cold air. African violets are especially sensitive to temperature changes and need to be in a stable environment to thrive.
In general, African violets need to be watered just enough to keep the soil moist. Overwatering will make the plants susceptible to deadly pathogens like Pythium, root rot, and crown rot.
African violets are lovely houseplants that can thrive in a variety of homes. If you have African violets in your home, be sure to stoke them nicely so they can continue to thrive. Other houseplants might not require as much stoking, but African violets need a bit of extra attention to stay healthy and happy.
How often should you water African violets from the bottom
If you’re like most people, you probably water your African violet houseplant from the top down. But did you know that your plant actually takes up water through the bottom of the first pot? This is actually a good thing, as it prevents over-watering. Just keep an eye on the bottom piece and refill as your plant depletes the water (usually every two to three weeks).
If you’re someone who forgets to water their plants or doesn’t have a lot of time to do so, setting up a wicking system for your African violets is a great way to make sure they get the hydration they need without being over-watered. All you need is a glass or ceramic pot with a hole in the bottom, a piece of wick, and some gravel. Place the wick in the bottom of the pot and cover with gravel. Then, add your African violet plant and fill the pot with water. The water will be drawn up through the wick and into the plant, giving it a steady supply of moisture. Just be sure to only water the pot once a week and allow the plant to completely dry out between waterings.
How do you encourage African violets to bloom?
If your African violet isn’t blooming, it’s likely because it isn’t getting enough light. African violets need indirect sunlight – direct sunlight 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.
The roots of the African Violet need aeration, so keeping them moderately moist but never soggy is the key. Watering from the bottom so they can soak the water up, over an hour or so, will help to keep water out of the crown of the plant. African Violets like warmer water, around 70 degrees.
Conclusion
The best type of pot for African violets is a plastic pot with a drainage hole in the bottom. African violets need well-drained soil, so a pot with a drainage hole will help to prevent the roots from sitting in water.
Based on the above information, it is clear that the best type of pot for African violets is one that has drainage holes and is made of a material that allows the soil to dry out quickly.
