The best way to water African violets is to use lukewarm to room temperature water and to water from the bottom using a cup, dish, or tray. Make sure the water does not touch the leaves and that there is enough water to submerge the entire pot.
Allow the plant to sit in the water for 10-20 minutes. Once the surface of the soil is wet, you can take the plant out of the water. Make sure to dispose of the remaining water afterwards so that it does not accumulate salt from the soil.
You should also avoid using softened water. Lastly, you should try to water your African violets as little as possible and only when the soil is mostly dry.
How do I know if my African violet needs water?
The easiest way to tell if your African Violet needs water is by feeling the soil. Stick your finger an inch or two into the soil and if it feels dry, then it’s time to water. Signs that your African Violet is not getting enough water may include wrinkled or wilted leaves, yellowing or browning leaves, dry soil, or pests such as mealy bugs.
If you’re still not sure, you can use a moisture meter to measure how much water is in the soil. You will want to water your African Violet when it is either completely dry or when the meter reads “dry”.
Each plant is different, so it’s best to observe your African Violet and learn to recognize its needs.
Do you water African violets from the top of the bottom?
The way you water African violets depends on the type of pot they are in. If they are in a pot without a drainage hole, then you should water them from the bottom. This can be done by placing the pot in a dish of room temperature water and allowing the African violet to soak up the water it needs.
If it is in a pot with a drainage hole, then you should water it directly by pouring the water into the top of the pot. It is recommended to use lukewarm water or rainwater and to try to keep the leaves dry while watering.
Watering your African violets regularly is essential to keep them healthy and thriving.
Do African violets need direct sunlight?
No, African violets are notoriously finicky plants and need to be treated with a great deal of care. They require indirect or filtered sunlight, meaning, when placing the plants near a window, the sun should not be directly hitting them as this can burn their delicate leaves.
African violets can thrive in either really bright indirect light, or semi-dim light. If you are unsure what type of light you have in your home, it is best to place the plant around two to three feet away from the source of light.
African violets also do very well with artificial light, such as fluorescent lights.
Should you mist African violets?
Yes, African violets should be misted, preferably once or twice a day. Misting African violets can help to keep their leaves moist and provide humidity. It can also help wash dust and debris off of their leaves, which can help the plant absorb more light.
To mist African violets, use a spray bottle filled with room temperature water and spray both the top and the bottom of the leaves. Make sure to avoid spraying the flowers directly, as this can damage the blooms.
Additionally, you can use a small, cool-mist humidifier near your African violets to provide increased moisture.
Can you use Miracle Grow on African violets?
Yes, you can use Miracle Grow on African violets. It is important to use a fertilizer that is specifically made for blooming houseplants, as these are typically high in phosphorus which is essential for flowering.
Miracle Gro contains a balanced amount of the major three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is also a slow-release fertilizer, meaning that it will slowly release the nutrients into the soil over a period of time.
Be sure to read the instructions on the package and mix the fertilizer with water before applying. It is important not to over fertilize your African violets as this can reduce their floral display and cause leaf burn.
Additionally, water regularly with lukewarm water and apply fertilizer every two weeks to keep your African violets healthy and blooming.
How many hours of sun do African violets need?
African violets typically do best when receiving about 10 to 14 hours of bright, filtered light per day, with the majority of that time coming from indirect natural light or high-quality LED light. An east- or north-facing windowsill often provides adequate light for African violets.
If the light is too strong for the violets, use sheer curtains to filter the direct rays of the sun. African violets should not be placed in direct sunlight, as the intense light can scorch the leaves.
In addition, use opaque pots to block some of the direct light, as this will help to protect the plant’s roots. In a situation where access to natural indirect light is limited, LED grow lights can be used to supplement to provide African violets with the light they need.
LED grow lights should be placed 12 to 18 inches away from the plants and exposed to the African violets for 10-12 hours each day.
Can African violets get too much sun?
Yes, African violets can get too much sun. Even though African violets originate from an area of the world where strong sunlight is quite common, too much sun can cause damage to the plants. Too much sun can cause the leaves to curl, yellow, and become papery in texture.
It can also burn their delicate leaves. Thus, African violets should be grown in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window is ideal, as direct sunlight streaming through the window in the morning and evening hours can cause a great deal of damage.
An east or west-facing windowsill will provide plenty of light for the plant, while still protecting it from direct sun.
Can African violets grow in low light?
Yes, African violets can grow in low light, but not just any light. African violets require indirect, filtered sunlight for optimal growth. A south or east facing window is ideal as the sun will be brightest at that location for the fewest hours.
However, too much direct sunlight will cause the plant’s delicate leaves to burn, so be sure to keep an eye on when it gets sun. If it is not possible to provide indirect light, grow-light stands, or even compact fluorescent lights can provide an ideal substitute, as long as they are situated close by (~12 inches) the plants.
Keep in mind that the light levels will need to be adjusted throughout the day depending on how close or far away the plants are from the light source. Ultimately, African violets can develop and begin to flower in low-light settings, but, with some patience and care, they can thrive in higher light settings.
Do African violets have to be watered from the bottom?
No, African violets do not have to be watered from the bottom. The best way to water an African violet is to water it directly using a watering can, or gently using a spray bottle. To prevent water from getting on the leaves, you should tilt the pot and pour the water onto the soil until the soil is evenly moist.
If you do bottom-water, use a shallow bowl or tray and put the pot on it. Make sure the water isn’t higher than the pot, and remove the pot from the water after a few minutes. While bottom watering is an effective way to water African violets, it is not necessary and could lead to other problems such as root rot if you over water.
Do African violets prefer plastic pots?
Yes, African violets generally prefer plastic pots when it comes to their containers. Plastic pots are lightweight, allowing them to be more easily moved and placed in the ideal areas for sunshine and moisture.
Plastic pots also typically have drainage holes—which is important for African violets—so that excess water cannot remain in the pot and cause root rot. Moreover, plastic pots tend to retain water less than their clay counterparts, meaning the soil won’t dry out as quickly between waterings and the roots won’t be overly exposed to moisture.
Finally, African violets typically need re-potting more frequently than other houseplants, and plastic pots are more cost-effective and easier to replace.
