Why can’t you find African violets anymore?
The little African violet, one of America’s favorite flowering houseplants, is in big trouble in its native habitat. Forests in the narrow geographic range of the Eastern Arc Mountains and coastal forests of Kenya and Tanzania, where the violets grow naturally, are disappearing. HUMIDITY: Higher humidity will help these plants stay moist and happy. A humidifier might be necessary during the drier winter months to keep them happy, but humidity trays work well, too. SOIL: Plant your African violets in a potting mix designed specifically for them as they prefer more acidic conditions.They Can Live for Decades With proper care, African violets can thrive for 50 years or more. Regular repotting, gentle pruning, and a consistent care routine are the secrets to their longevity. They Prefer Bottom Watering Unlike most plants, African violets thrive when watered from the bottom.african violets need plenty of bright light, but keep them out of direct sun (especially in summer) or filter it with a thin curtain. Strong sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light (either low intensity or short duration) can reduce or halt flowering.The more humid you keep their area, the less often you need to water. Air flow also comes into play. Higher air flow increases watering frequency. Although you can’t water on a schedule because conditions change, I tend to bottom water my African Violets about once every one to two weeks.
Do African violets like shallow or deep pots?
There is an easy method to determine the appropriate size pot for your African violet. 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. Starving violets lack the energy to bloom. Many growers have the best success fertilizing once a week with a mild fertilizer designed for African violets. A balanced formula such as a 20-20-20 or one that has slightly more phosphorus, like a 15-20-15 will do well in most growing situations.Your African violet houseplant takes up water through the bottom of the first pot, which prevents over-watering. Keep an eye on the bottom piece and refill as your plant depletes the water (usually every two to three weeks).African violets prefer to be slightly rootbound. The diameter of the container should measure no more than one-third the width of the plant’s leaf span. A plant with a leaf span of 12 inches, for example, requires a 4” pot.
What are common African violet problems?
Crown rot is a common fungal problem of African violets that are overwatered or recently repotted. Crown rot causes the main stem and lower leaves to appear water-soaked, shrivel, and die. Crown rot usually leads to plant death. Allowing the top of the soil to dry completely between watering will prevent crown rot. Necks on African violets are a natural part of growth. As leaf age and are removed, the stalk becomes exposed. It’s ugly and vulnerable to breaking if the plant tumbles. It isn’t advisable to bury the neck deeper in a bigger pot, since it is vulnerable to rotting which may spread up into the crown.
Where is the best place to put African violets in your house?
The Good Earth recommends that you place your violet to the side of a South or West facing window, or directly in front of an East facing window. North facing windows will not provide enough indirect light for these plants to keep blooming. Direct sun will cause the leaves to spot and will fry the blooms. Too little light can cause African violets not to bloom well. They prefer bright, indirect sun. Too little sunlight causes them to stretch for the light and produce few or no flowers; too much sun can burn the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, especially with a sheer curtain to block the sun’s harshest rays.