How To Care For African Violets

November 15, 2024 Post a Comment

How to care for african violets

Only water once a week and allow the plant to completely dry between waterings. One ingenious way of making sure your African violets are never over watered is by setting up a wicking system.

Where is the best place to put an African violet?

Grow plants in bright, indirect light for the best color and blooms. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location. Plants will still grow when situated right beside north- or east-facing windows, but leaves will be thin and spindly, and plants less likely to bloom.

How do I get my African violets to bloom again?

8 Ways to Get Your African Violet to Bloom Again.
Let There Be Light. ...
Turn Up the Humidity. ...
Replenish Essential Nutrients. ...
Keep it Pleasant. ...
Choose the Right Soil. ...
Protect From Pests & Disease. ...
Constrict the Roots.

Do African violets like to be misted?

DO NOT mist the foliage. Water on the foliage may cause permanent leaf spotting. Use water that is room temperature. African violets are susceptible to crown rot, so it is important that the crown (the section of the plant at soil level) is not saturated with water.

Can you use tap water for African violets?

In most locations, tap water will be fine, but the quality of tap water can vary. Chlorine levels may fluctuate, depending on the season. In some areas, tap water may have high amounts of chlorine, chloramines, or dissolved solids. All these things may adversely affect your African violets.

Do you water African violets from the top or bottom?

Should I water African violets from the top or bottom? Either is fine. It is important not to use cold water; lukewarm or warm is preferred. If you water 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.

Do African violets need bigger pots?

African violets do best when they are slightly pot-bound, so choose a pot that's on the smaller side. Professional Tip: If you have a standard African violet plant, your starter pot should be about 3-4 inches in diameter.

Should you touch African violet leaves?

Brushing leaves of african violets is not recommended because repeated brushing can decrease plant quality and size." The next time you are tempted to touch that pretty african violet in your kitchen window, remember— for a healthier plant, keep your hands off!

How do I know if my African violet needs to be repotted?

"As the plants grow, they can be repotted into larger pots so that they don't get too root-bound." Once your African violet has doubled or tripled the size of your pot and the leaves are starting to wilt, it's probably time to make the move, says McEnaney.

What do Overwatered African violets look like?

If your African Violet plant has been over-watered, the soil will retain too much water. This retention of water will cause the leaves and /or leaf stems to turn soft, limp or mushy.

Why do you water African violets from the bottom?

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.

What pots are best for African violets?

For best results, plant African violets in African violet pots, which are small (4- to 5-inch) ceramic or plastic self-watering containers. Growing plants in these pots will provide the proper amount of continuous moisture to the plants.

How do I make my African violets happy?

African violets need indirect sunlight, direct 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. Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.

How often do you feed African violets?

Your African Violet needs fertilizer to stay healthy throughout the year. During the spring and summer, you should fertilize your African Violets once every 14 days. In the fall and winter, you shouldn't fertilize the plant at all to prevent over-fertilizing.

How long do you water African violets?

Place your African Violet plant in the water filled tray, bowl or saucer. Make sure at least one inch of the bottom of the pot is immersed in water or submerged in water. Wait for 20 minutes, allow the plant to absorb the water and the top soil to become moist.

Can you use coffee grounds on African violets?

Are coffee grounds good for African violets? 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.

Can you water African violets with coffee?

Plants that prefer more acidic soil (such as African violets, Impatiens, Norfolk Island pines, Phalaenopsis orchids, and Dieffenbachia) seem to respond well to a weekly watering with coffee.

What is the best way to water African violets?

The best way to water an African violet plant is from the bottom up. Place your plant in a shallow tray of water for 30 minutes, allowing the soil to soak up the water through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

What do African violets symbolize?

They're a Symbol of Devotion Maybe it's the loving care—nurturing these delicate plants with conditions just right. Whatever the cause, African violet symbolism is devotion, commitment, and faithfulness.

Should I deadhead African violets?

Deadheading. If you have success getting your African Violet to bloom, be sure to pinch or deadhead spent blooms. This allows the plant to continue to put energy into creating more buds/blooms and beautiful foliage.