What is the best place for an African violet?
Preparation. African violets are best grown in pots and they will need a bright spot indoors (away from direct sunlight that can burn their leaves) or a warm, sheltered spot outdoors. Remember they are not frost tolerant and prefer a fairly consistent temperature of 15-26 degrees Celsius and a humidity around 60%. Houseplants that prefer acid soil will be more receptive to coffee ground use. These include African violet, croton, gloxinia, monstera, peperomia, and philodendron. Avoid using coffee grounds on aloe vera, orchids, and pothos.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.However, there are some plants that you should avoid using coffee grounds on. Plants that prefer alkaline soil, like lavender and lilacs, can be harmed by the acidity of coffee grounds. Plants that are sensitive to caffeine, such as geraniums and some herbs, can also be affected by the presence of coffee grounds.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!
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. Plastic pots are long-lasting and keep the soil from drying out too quickly. They also come in a variety of sizes, so you’ll be able to find one that’s just the right size for your African violet regardless of whether you have a miniature, semi-miniature, standard, or large variety.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.There are 3 common methods for watering African Violets. My preferred method is bottom-watering. There’s also top-watering and wick-watering.
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. Owing to their symbolism of loyalty and admiration, African violets are often gifted as tokens of gratitude and appreciation. They are perfect for expressing heartfelt emotions, be it to thank a mentor, appreciate a friend, or convey feelings of love and admiration to a partner.If your soil is soggy and wet, accompanied with browning/yellowing, soft, mushy and limp leaves, then you have over-watered your African Violet plant.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.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!
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. 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.For best results, repot violets growing in pots smaller than 3” every 2-3 months; repot violets in 4” or larger pots every 6-12 months. Tip #6 Avoid disturbing roots during repotting if you want to keep enjoying the flowers or buds.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.There are 3 common methods for watering African Violets. My preferred method is bottom-watering. There’s also top-watering and wick-watering.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.
Do African violets like small or large pots?
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. 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.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.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.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.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. DO NOT mist the foliage. Water on the foliage may cause permanent leaf spotting. Use water that is room temperature. African violets are susceptible to crown rot, so it is important that the crown (the section of the plant at soil level) is not saturated with water.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.Plastic pots are a great option for African violets because they retain moisture longer than clay and are lightweight and affordable. They work especially well for self-watering systems. Just make sure they have good drainage to prevent root rot.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 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.