How often should I water African violets?
If humidity is moderate (20-50%,) expect to water once a week, or when the pot feels very light when lifting it. Growers in more humid climates may need to water less often. Those who live in dry arid climates may need to water more often. The easiest way to kill your violet is to overwater it. Yes, break the biggest leaves off right at the stem. African violets do great with a lot of taking off the flowers that are no longer blooming and breaking off the big leaves at the stem. Also, I break off and repot any new starters growing off the plant.But for the rest of us who like to enjoy their violets year-round, step one in a best practice violet growing regime should be the very regular removal of dead flowers. Likewise look for small immature leaves below older leaves and remove them. This is very important when the plants are young.African violets need light to grow and produce flowers. The key is to get bright light in the morning or afternoon without excessive heat or intense sun.When repotting your African Violets, put them into pots that are more wide and shallow rather than deep, their roots grow out not down. Too much moist soil under their roots can lead to root rot. Remember that in their native home they grow on rocks.Large African violets can grow up to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide, with leaves that average about 6 inches in length. They produce an abundance of 3-inch blooms, making them a showstopper in any room.
Do African violets need sun?
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. African Violets can bloom all year long. They make great houseplants, with their cheerful flowers brightening up a windowsill even in the dead of winter.Getting your African violet to bloom indoors requires adequate light, water, the right lightweight potting mix, available nutrients, and a moderate room temperature. With the right conditions, new flowers can form within weeks.African violets need at least ten hours of light and eight hours of darkness daily for sustained flowering. To boost light levels and day length in winter (to encourage flowering), you could consider using grow lights – see our guide to lighting for indoor plants.You can purchase fertilizers formulated specifically for African violets. You should always use a balanced fertilizer that contains all of the major plant nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Nitrogen is important for the growth and development of leaves and stems.African Violets can bloom all year long. They make great houseplants, with their cheerful flowers brightening up a windowsill even in the dead of winter. Since their discovery over one hundred years ago, they have become very popular. The story begins in the mountain ranges of eastern Africa, where Tanzania is today.
What is the lifespan of an African violet?
It is fairly long-lived with a life span up to 50 years. Habit: African violet is a compact, evergreen perennial exhibiting a rosette growth habit with leaves emerging in a circular arrangement around the plant’s center. When our African violets die it is often because of lack of care, or conversely, too much love. We forget to water them, we over-water them, we let them go for months with no fertiliser or we give them so much they can’t cope. We place them where we think they will look good, rather than where they will grow well.The cliff notes version: remove the leaves up to the top healthy center of the plant. Then, cut the stem to about an inch, trim the stem stubs, and plant it in fresh, damp African Violet potting mix.Yes, break the biggest leaves off right at the stem. African violets do great with a lot of taking off the flowers that are no longer blooming and breaking off the big leaves at the stem. Also, I break off and repot any new starters growing off the plant.
Where is the best place to put an African violet?
Frequently Asked Questions about African Violet Plant A spot that receives bright, indirect light, such as near a north- or east-facing window, is best. They also thrive in stable temperatures and away from drafts. Place African violets in a location that receives bright, indirect light. A site near an east or north window is often a good location. Do not place African violets in direct sun. If a suitable window isn’t available, place African violets under a fluorescent light fixture containing two 40-watt fluorescent tubes.Grow African violets indoors in bright, indirect light. Plant African violets in African violet pots filled with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix. Repot when plants develop a bare neck between the leaves and soil line. African violets should be watered from below, using a self-watering or ceramic African violet pot.Once your African Violet pot is sitting in a saucer, use a watering can with a relatively thin spout (to avoid water going everywhere) and pour water in the saucer until the pot your African Violet resides in is sitting a shallow pool of water. Walk away and let your African Violet sit for at least 45 minutes.If powdery mildew on African violets doesn’t improve, try spraying the plants lightly with a mixture of 1 teaspoon (5 ml. L. You can also spray the air around the plant with Lysol or another household disinfectant but be careful not to get too much spray on the leaves.Strip Away ALL flowers and Sickly Leaves We know this sounds counterproductive, and perhaps this whole tutorial will, but trust us, this is the way to save your African Violet. Next, we need to remove any leaves that look unhealthy. This includes old leaves, damaged leaves, and leaves that are losing color.
Do you water African violets from top or bottom?
Once you find the right combo of watering and substrate it makes watering African Violets so much easier. There are 3 common methods for watering African Violets. My preferred method is bottom-watering. There’s also top-watering and wick-watering. 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.Best for: Coffee grounds are best used as a homemade fertilizer for azaleas, rhododendrons, roses, African violets, cucumbers, potatoes, and blueberries. Pro tip: A light coating of coffee grounds goes a long way!Houseplants can also benefit from the use of coffee grounds, though some may benefit more than others. Houseplants that prefer acid soil will be more receptive to coffee ground use. These include African violet, croton, gloxinia, monstera, peperomia, and philodendron.The acid-loving African Violet doesn’t do well with used coffee grounds, so steer clear! And these flowers don’t like it either. The grounds inhibit their growth.