African violets (Saintpaulia) are beautiful, delicate houseplants that are prized for their attractive, small, bell-shaped flowers in vibrant colors. To ensure that your African violets will bloom, you will need to provide them with the right conditions and care.
Light is the most important factor in encouraging African violets to bloom. They need to have at least 8 hours of bright, indirect light each day. If natural light is not available, you can supplement with full-spectrum fluorescent lighting placed 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) above the plant.
Make sure to rotate the plant every week or two to ensure it is getting indirect light from all sides.
African violets also need temperatures between 65 and 75 °F (18–24 °C). Avoid placing their pots in a spot that can become too hot from direct sunlight, heating vents, or drafts from elsewhere in the house.
Since African violets are tropical plants, they need high humidity to bloom well. Try to keep the humidity around 50%. If necessary, you can use a humidifier to improve the humidity level.
Although African violets are considered light feeders, fertilizing will also encourage them to bloom. Feed African violets every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer formulated for flowers diluted to half of the strength recommended on the label.
In addition to the above tips, it is important to water your African violets properly. The soil should be evenly moist but not soggy. To test, stick your finger into the soil – if it feels dry an inch down, it is time to water.
Make sure to water with lukewarm water, ideally allowing the water to sit for 24 hours in a container beforehand. Water the soil until it runs out of the bottom of the pot, then discard any water remaining in the drip tray to prevent the roots from getting too wet.
Following these tips should put your African violets on the path towards generous flowering. Good luck!
Why is my Violet not flowering?
The most common causes are insufficient light, fertilizer deficiencies, or too much/too little water.
In terms of light, Violets typically prefer bright but indirect sunlight. If they are not receiving enough light, they may not flower. Alternatively, if they are placed in an area with too much direct sunlight, the leaves may scorch and the plant will not bloom.
Fertilizer is also important for flowering. For most Violets, a balanced fertilizer will work best. Make sure to not over fertilize, as this can cause fertilizer burn or leaf scorching, which can ultimately limit blooms.
Finally, Violets also need the right amount of water. Too little can cause wilting, while too much can cause root rot and limit blooms. Monitor the moisture in the soil and make sure to not overwater.
If there is standing water, reduce the water to maintain consistent moisture.
How often should you feed African violets?
African violets should be fed every two weeks; however, this frequency may vary depending on the season and growing conditions. During the warm spring and summer months, African violets should be fed more often, about every 10 to 14 days.
During fall and winter, as the plants slow their growth, it is best to reduce the frequency with which you feed them to every three to four weeks.
It is important to use a balanced fertilizer specifically designed for African violets at half the strength indicated on the label. If using a fertilizer with a 20-20-20 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio, dilute the solution to a 10-10-10 concentration.
You should also provide your African violets with plenty of light, water, and humidity to ensure they thrive and grow. Additionally, make sure to trim off any dead or decayed leaves, blooms, and stems.
Is Miracle Grow good for African violets?
Yes, Miracle Grow is a good fertilizer for African violets. Miracle Grow is formulated with a blend of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium that can work wonders on African violets. Specifically, they can help enhance your African violets’ growth, health, and overall beauty.
It is particularly useful in encouraging your violets to produce more leaves and more blooms. Miracle Grow can also help keep your African violets protected from diseases and pests.
It is important to be careful with Miracle Grow though. African violets are delicate, so you should always follow the directions on the label regarding how much to use. When using Miracle Grow for African violets, make sure that you dilute the solution to half the strength before applying it to your plants.
This will help ensure that your African violets receive an optimal level of nutrients without being overwhelmed.
Where is the place to put an African violet?
The best place to put an African violet is in a bright, indirect spot in your home with consistent temperature. Choose a spot that is evenly lit, such as one near a north- or east-facing window. Avoid putting it in a spot that receives direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch.
African violets also prefer a relatively humid environment and don’t like to be moved, so it’s best to find somewhere they will stay in the same place all year. If you need to increase the humidity, place the potted plant on top of a tray of damp pebbles or a humidity tray.
Additionally, it is best to water your African violet with tepid water, so only water when the pot feels light.
Do you water African violets from the top or bottom?
When it comes to watering African violets, it is generally recommended that you water from the bottom. This is because African violets have sensitive root systems. So you should place a saucer underneath your plant and then fill the saucer with water.
Leave the plant sitting in the saucer for a few minutes so that it can absorb the moisture, and then discard any remaining water. When you water from the bottom, it helps to protect the delicate, hairy leaves from getting wet, which can lead to brown spots or fungus.
It also enables the water to reach the deeper roots of the plant, so all of the roots can be hydrated evenly. Plus, this method can also reduce the risk of overwatering, which can occur from watering from the top.
Can you root violets in water?
Yes, rooting violets in water is a popular and effective method for propagating these plants. The best way to root violets in water is to take a 4-inch cutting from a healthy, mature plant and remove the lower leaves to expose the stem.
Place the cutting in a cup or jar of water and make sure that the majority of the stem is submerged. Place the cup in a bright location (though out of direct sunlight) and change the water every 5-7 days.
After several weeks, roots should start to form. Once the roots are roughly 1 inch long, the cutting is ready to be transplanted in soil. Additionally, you can encourage root growth by adding a small amount of nutrient-rich rooting hormone to the water.
Is it better to root African violets in water or soil?
It ultimately depends on the preference of the individual, as there are pros and cons to both rooting African violets in water or soil. Some people find rooting in water to be easier, as it allows the new plant to gain an established root system before it’s transplanted into soil.
Additionally, it makes it easier to make sure that the roots don’t dry out during the process, as the water is constantly available for the plant to draw from. However, if the water is too cold, it will slow down the growth process.
Rooting in soil may be preferred by some, as the plant has the established medium to cling to instead of having to be re-potted to a new root medium. Additionally, the soil can contain beneficial bacteria that can help the plant to absorb nutrients.
However, it can be more difficult to make sure the soil remains wet and not dry for the new roots to draw from. For this reason, African violets often require thorough misting or covering with plastic to ensure that it stays moist enough.
Overall, it is best to decide which rooting method works better for you and that best meets the needs of your African violet plant.
Can you grow African violets from cuttings?
Yes, African Violets can be grown from cuttings. When taking a cutting from an existing African Violet, it’s best to take a four- to five-inch stem from new growth. The cutting should include two or three leaves on the top and two or three sets of leaves on the lower part of the stem.
The lower leaves should be removed and the cutting should be placed in a warm, humid area and allowed to root.
When the cutting has developed some roots, it can be transplanted into soil. Fill a pot with a light airy soil that drains well and has a pH of 6.5. The pot should also have drainage holes in the bottom.
After the cutting is planted, water the soil lightly and mist the plant to provide it with adequate humidity.
African Violets like bright, indirect sunlight and moderate temperatures so that the soil does not dry out. The plant should be fertilized lightly with a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer about once a month.
It’s also important to keep the leaves dry by wiping them off with a soft cloth occasionally. With the proper care, the African Violet should begin to take root and thrive over time.
How long should African violets sit in water?
African violets should be watered from the bottom so they can absorb as much water as possible. When watering African violets, fill a shallow dish or saucer with water and then place the African violet pot in the water.
Allow the African violet to sit in the water until the soil is saturated, usually between 10 and 15 minutes. Once the soil is saturated, allow the excess water to drain out of the pot, and then remove the pot from the water.
It is not necessary to let the African violet soak in water for an extended period of time, as this can cause root rot.
How do I induce flowering in African violets?
Inducing flowering in African violets is a surprisingly easy task. Even with just basic steps, you can ensure your African violets bloom all year long. The most important factor when trying to induce flowering is light.
African violets require at least 12 hours of bright, indirect light each day. Windowsills with eastern or western exposure may be suitable, but fluorescent lighting is the best option for African violets who don’t receive enough natural light.
You will also need to adjust the temperature, as African violets prefer temperatures between 65-75°F. Once the temperature is adjusted, fertilize the African violet with a balanced liquid fertilizer formulated especially for African violets every two weeks.
This will help enrich the soil, giving your violet the energy and nutrients it needs to form blooms.
Finally, you’ll need to make sure the soil is moist, but not saturated with water. African violets prefer moist soil, but standing water can harm them. To determine the moisture level, stick your finger in the soil an inch deep.
If the soil feels moist, your African violet is good to go. If it’s dry, slowly apply water until it’s moist.
By adjusting the light, temperature, moisture and fertilizer, you should be able to induce flowering in your African violet. With just a little bit of love and care, it won’t be too long before you’re rewarded with beautiful blooms!.
Do African violets need to be watered from the bottom?
Yes, African violets need to be watered from the bottom. This means that the soil should be kept moist by watering the plant from the bottom of the pot rather than from the top. To do this, fill a shallow container partially with water and set the bottom of the pot in the water.
Whenever the soil starts to feel dry to the touch, place the African violet in the container and allow it to soak and become rehydrated from the bottom up. Doing this ensures that the leaves of the African violet never come into contact with water, preventing damage and the potential spread of fungal or bacterial diseases.
Be sure to discard the water after each use and refill with fresh water.
Can you use Epsom salt on African violets?
Yes, you can use Epsom salt on African violets. Epsom salt is a type of mineral salt consisting of magnesium sulfate, which is beneficial for African violets. As the African violet’s soil tends to become compacted, the magnesium in Epsom salt helps to break apart the particles in the soil and make it easier for the roots to absorb water and nutrients.
Epsom salt is also beneficial in improving the plant’s overall blooming and growth. To use it, dissolve a teaspoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and mix it well before using it to water your African violets.
Try to apply the solution about twice each month for best results. Additionally, it’s a good idea to examine your plants for any signs of nutrient deficiency, such as browning veins in the leaves, yellowing of the leaves, or stunted growth.
In this case, it would be beneficial to use a water-soluble fertilizer that contains macro-nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as micro-nutrients like iron and manganese.
