What time of year to buy African violets?
They thrive in most interior settings, provide nearly continuous color, and are inexpensive to purchase. As we await the upcoming growing season, winter is an ideal time of the year to start (or add to) an African violet collection. As its name implies, African violet is native to Africa. 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 do well in bright but not direct sunlight. They are commonly grown under fluorescent lights placed 12 to 15 inches above the leaves. If the leaves start getting light green, your plant is getting too much light, while thin and dark green leaves or a leggy plant indicate too little light.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.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.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.
Where is the best place to put African violets?
Aim for bright but indirect light. For my African Violets not in my cabinet (which has grow lights), I position them quite close to my windows, within about 30cms to 60cms or so, but I pick ‘bright shade’ spots where the sun doesn’t directly hit the plant. How often to water African violets? African violet dilemma. The best guide is to feel the top of the soil: if it is dry to the touch, then it is time to water. African violets should be allowed to dry out between each watering for best results. Overwatering can kill a plant.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 Before you plant these violets in a container, work a small amount of coffee grounds into the potting soil to improve drainage and soil texture. With a range of sizes from micro-miniature to large and dozens of colors, you’re sure to find an African violet you love.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.Secret One – Bright Light Light is one of the primary factors plants need to produce the energy necessary for the production of blossoms. Violets that do not receive enough light will often reach their leaves upward or grow toward the light source.
How many times a week should you 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. 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.On top of their ability to flower continually, unlike many flowering houseplants that live only a few years, the African Violet can live up to 50 years!LIGHT: African violets need 11-14 hours of bright, indirect sunlight to flower. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight which can burn their leaves. TEMPERATURE: They like temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night.This mix ensures good aeration and drainage. Avoid Regular Potting Soil: Regular potting soil retains too much moisture and can lead to root rot. Pot: – Size: Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. African violets prefer being somewhat root-bound and don’t need excessively large pots.
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. In the proper conditions, an African violet can live upwards of 50 years. Well-loved for its vibrant blooms, this tropical beauty can brighten a space year-round if it receives the right care; but its fussy reputation can scare off novice growers.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.Answer: African violets need several things to bloom well. It must receive adequate light. African violets prefer to be within 12 inches of a bright window. If windows aren’t available, fluorescent light or LED lights may be used to supplement.If you want your African violet to bloom almost continuously – then Epsom salts are the answer. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Epsom salts in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Water your African violets (below the leaves) with this solution once a month. Your plants will thank you with beautiful blooms.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. African violets on occasion can get mealy bugs.
Do coffee grounds help African violets?
Occasionally sprinkling used coffee grounds on top of your african violet potting soil can be good for the plant. Don’t go overboard, though. A light dusting every couple of months is enough. If you are already using a balanced fertilizer regularly, then adding coffee grounds probably won’t make much of a difference. Squat (shallow) plastic pots with rolled rims remain the best option for growing african violets successfully when you have a growing collection of plants. Terracotta pots might be beautiful, but they are can be problematic.In the wild, African violets grow in crevices and loose substrate on rocky cliffs or porous rocks. You want a potting mix that approximates these conditions: evenly moist but well-draining, slightly acidic, and with a loose crumbly texture.If you want your African violet to bloom almost continuously – then Epsom salts are the answer. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Epsom salts in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Water your African violets (below the leaves) with this solution once a month. Your plants will thank you with beautiful blooms.African violets prefer small spaces for their roots. A good rule is to keep the pot one-third the diameter of the plant’s leaf spread. So, for a plant that’s 9 inches across, a 3-inch pot is ideal. Smaller pots encourage blooming and prevent the soil from holding too much moisture.Use Miracle-Gro® African Violet Potting Mix, blended for the specific needs of your African Violets. The mix feeds these plants for up to 6 months. For best results, use it with Miracle-Gro® Blooming Houseplant Food and when potting or repotting indoor or outdoor container plants.
What does Epsom salt do for African violets?
If you want your African violet to bloom almost continuously – then Epsom salts are the answer. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Epsom salts in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Water your African violets (below the leaves) with this solution once a month. Your plants will thank you with beautiful blooms. Miracle-Gro® Blooming Houseplant Food is great for all blooming indoor plants, including African violets, anthuriums, Chinese hibiscus, amaryllis, peace lilies, cyclamen, geraniums, and Christmas cacti.Partly fill a quart jar with used tea leaves, fill the jar completely with water, and let this sit for several days. Strain out the tea leaves and water your plants with their very own tea. This is a real boost for African Violets, encouraging prolific blooms.In general, it is a good idea to fill a jug with water and let it sit overnight to let any chlorine dissipate. You may also use bottled water, filtered water, or reverse osmosis water. Water from a water softener may contain dissolved salts, and this will be a problem for your African violets.To support all their beautiful blooms, African violets benefit from regular feeding with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food. Be sure to follow label directions.