African violets prefer to be pot-bound, so they like much smaller pots than what you might be used to. The size of the pot that an African violet prefers will depend on the size of the plant as well as its potting media.
Generally, African violets prefer a pot about 2 inches wider than the leaves. For small African violets, a 4-inch size pot works well. For ones with several flowers and leaves, the pot should be 6 inches in diameter.
It’s important that the pot you choose allows for the necessary drainage to keep the leaves and roots from sitting in too much water. When choosing a pot for your African violets, make sure that it is an unglazed pot.
Unglazed pots allow for faster evaporation from the soil surface, preventing it from getting soggy and waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. Also, avoid using plastic pots as they can leach toxins into the soil, which could harm your plant.
When it comes to soil, African violets prefer a light, well-draining potting medium or potting soil. A medium-sized African violet should be re-potted every 12-18 months, as the soil can become compacted over time.
How deep do you plant an African Violet?
African Violets should be planted at a depth of two to three inches. The crown (where the stem meets the leaves) should sit just at the soil surface. To prepare the soil, mix together equal parts of potting soil, peat moss and perlite.
When planting the African Violet, dig a hole slightly larger than the item you are planting and backfill with potting soil. To ensure your African Violet has all of the nutrients it needs to thrive, you should also add a slow-release fertilizer, such as a 5-10-5 fertilizer, to the planting mix.
Gently remove the plant from its container and set it in the hole. Fill the hole in with more soil and gently pack the soil to remove any air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly, however avoid overwatering.
Water only when the top inch or two of soil is dry.
Can African violets grow in small pots?
Yes, African violets can grow in small pots. African violets prefer pots that are slightly small in size due to the fact that they are perennials and take up little space. Smaller pots provide the ideal amount of root space for African violets but also allow for better airflow to the roots.
When planting African violets in small pots, be sure to choose a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom so that water can escape. Additionally, a saucer to hold the excess water is recommended. Soil mixes that are specifically made for African violets are great for smaller pots.
They are usually lighter and provide the proper amount of drainage without becoming waterlogged. As with any potted plant, African violets will need to be watered regularly but be careful not to overwater as it can lead to problems down the road.
Finally, be sure to place your African violets in areas that provide bright, indirect sunlight, so they can get the light they need to thrive and bloom.
Do African violets like to be crowded?
African violets generally prefer to be somewhat crowded in their growing containers, as this helps to ensure that the plants remain in full bloom longer than when spaced further apart. When planted in too small of a pot, the plants may start to produce offshoots, which can reduce flowering but is not necessarily harmful to the health of the violets.
When actively growing, the plants can be spaced a bit further apart, but it is important to remember to move them back together again to promote maximum flowering.
When pruning or repotting, make sure to leave some space between the individual plants; this helps to increase air circulation and reduce the likelihood of fungal diseases. Lastly, make sure to always pot African violets in a good potting soil that is designed for these plants.
Soil that is too light or loose will cause the roots to dry out too quickly, leading to stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Do you water African violets from the top or bottom?
The best way to water African violets is from the bottom. This means filling a tray or sink with a couple of inches of room temperature water, and placing the African violet pot in the tray or sink so the bottom of the pot is in the water.
Allow the plant to soak up sufficient moisture until it reaches the top, and the soil appears evenly moist. Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water, as this can cause root rot. You can also water African violets from a watering can, spraying the top of the soil or misting the leaves with lukewarm water.
How many hours of light do African violets need?
African violets need 12-14 hours of bright, indirect light a day to grow and bloom successfully. They should not be placed directly in front of a window, as that will cause them to scorch in the mid-day sun.
However, they are a houseplant that loves a bright, sunny location. Ideally, you want to place them where they will receive bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day, such as on a north or east-facing window sill.
To maintain a good balance of light and dark, it is best to keep the African violet on a timer and turn on the lights for 12-14 hours during the day and then turn them off during the night. Additionally, a light source should be used if natural light isn’t available to give your plants the hours of light they need.
Why are leaves on African violet turning yellow?
Poor lighting is one; African violets require bright, indirect sunlight, and not enough light can cause the leaves to yellow and become weak. Too much light is another cause; too much direct sunlight, or even bright indoor lighting, can cause yellowing.
Additionally, too much or too little water can cause leaves to yellow. African violets require consistent, moderate moisture with good drainage and no soggy soil. If the soil is soggy, this can cause root damage, leading to yellowing.
Finally, a nutrient deficiency can cause yellowing of African violet leaves. Making sure the soil is rich in nutrients, and has been recently fertilized, is essential for healthy African violets. If a plant has debris around its leaves, like dust or dirt, this can prevent light and nutrients from reaching them, and also can cause yellowing.
Should you mist African violets?
Yes, African violets should be misted. Misting is a great way to provide them with the necessary extra moisture to stay healthy, as the plants prefer high humidity levels. A general rule of thumb should be to mist your violets at least once a day.
Starting with morning misting is recommended. The key is to make sure that you mist lightly and evenly in order for the leaves to receive an even distribution of moisture. You may need to water African violets from the base as well as misting to provide them with enough moisture to stay hydrated and healthy.
Additionally, make sure to wait until the soil is dry before you mist in order to help your violets absorb and retain more water.
Can I use tap water for African violets?
Tap water typically contains minerals and other components that, when used to water African violets, can cause issues over time. It is typically recommended to use distilled or reverse osmosis water for African violets in order to protect the health of the plant.
Large concentrations of minerals and other substances can cause leaves to become discolored and may even lead to death of the plant. In addition, tap water typically also contains chlorine or chloramines which can cause harm to the plants and their roots.
In some cases, tap water is suitable for African violets, but if you notice any adverse reactions you should switch to distilled or reverse osmosis water for best results.
How long should African violets sit in water?
African violets should sit in water for 15-30 minutes before being removed and placed in slightly damp potting soil. It is important to not allow the violets to soak in water for too long, as this can cause rotting or fungal diseases.
Before soaking them in water, the potting soil should be damp enough to squeeze a few drops of water. After 15-30 minutes of soaking in water, the violets should be removed and placed in the damp potting soil.
Water should then be added using a syringe, which allows water to be placed evenly at an even depth.
Do violets need special soil?
Violets typically prefer soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. If you are growing violets in a pot, use a soil specifically designed for African violets or other houseplants. These are generally a mixture of equal parts sand, loam, and peat moss.
Alternatively, you can mix your own blend using two parts potting soil, two parts peat moss, two parts coarse sand, and two parts vermiculite or perlite. This soil should be moisture retentive, yet allow the excess water to drain away.
Additionally, the soil should be slightly acidic and have a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If the pH is too high, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow, which is something you want to avoid.
When growing outdoor violets, use a soil mix of garden loam, sphagnum peat, sand, and aged compost. Often, it is a good idea to set up raised beds to ensure proper drainage. Violets are sensitive to standing water, so if your soil isn’t well-draining, make sure to add some sand, vermiculite, or perlite to your mix.
Furthermore, make sure you are feeding the soil with an all-purpose fertilizer. This will help ensure your violet has the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and produce beautiful blooms.
Is Miracle Gro good for African violets?
Yes, Miracle Gro is generally good for African violets. This popular soil-less potting mix is pre-fertilized, making it easier for African violets to get the nutrients they need for healthy growth. Miracle Gro includes components like expanded clay particles which helps hold moisture, peat moss which helps absorb and retain nutrients, and twig charcoal, which helps improve soil aeration.
In addition, Miracle Gro also contains the major essential micronutrients that African violets need to thrive, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, it’s important to note that African violets are sensitive plants, and over-fertilization and poor soil aeration can lead to root rot.
Therefore, it’s wise to mix a small amount of Miracle Gro with your African violets’ soil. Additionally, Miracle Gro also provides several different hydroponic options like Miracle-Gro 12QT Water Soluble African Violet Food, which can be used to feed your African violets while they are in separate hydroponic setups.
Do violets come back each year?
Yes, violets typically come back each year as perennials. In general, perennials are plants that live for three or more years. Perennials grow back from their roots each year, and violets are no exception.
With that being said, certain varieties of violets may have different growth habits, so it is important to know what kind of violets you have before assuming they will simply “come back” each year. In general, the common types of violets are easy to care for and do come back each year with proper care.
These violets will die back to the ground in the winter months, and then regrow in the spring. When it comes to growing violets, the best way to ensure that they come back each year is to give them plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and occasional water.
If you follow these basic care tips, you should be able to enjoy your beautiful violets year after year.
