The quick response is: Don’t depend on it.
African violets typically cannot survive outside. Despite being very hardy plants, you need to create the ideal environment for them. African violets are native to Tanzanian rainforests, therefore your backyard is probably not up to the task. The unpredictability of outside surroundings makes it impossible to offer the ideal conditions these plants require to flourish.
However, the fine print contains a lot of ambiguity. Some gardeners claim that some areas have more hospitable climates; others insist that African violets thrive best when grown outside only occasionally; and many say categorically “NO” to the topic in its whole.
Let’s examine what you need know about cultivating African violets outside.
Where should an African violet be placed?
Because they require dry leaves, African violets are only grown indoors in North America. If you want the finest color and flowers, grow your plants in bright, indirect light. The optimal location for a plant stand is three feet away from a window that faces west or south. When placed directly next to north or east-facing windows, plants will still grow, but their leaves will be thin and spindly, and they will be less likely to flower. African violets can be grown indoors, 12 to 15 inches above the ground, under 40-watt fluorescent lights (also known as grow lights), if you don’t have a nice location near a window.
For African violets, what temperature is too cold?
Maintain Violets at or near 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid extended exposure to temperatures below 60 degrees under all circumstances. Keep your Violets protected from chilly drafts that enter through windows by being aware of them. See “Caring for African Violets” for further information on the ideal temperature and other aspects of air quality.
What preferred temperature is for African violets?
The African violet, Saintpaulia ionantha, was found in Tanzania in East Africa by Baron Walter von Saint Paul in 1892. Saintpaulia, the genus, was named after this explorer. Ionantha, the specific epithet, alludes to the violet hue of the blooms. The family Gesneriaceae, which also includes well-known blooming plants like Streptocarpus and Gloxinia, includes African violets. These lovely flowering plants now come in colors more than only violet. Numerous hybrids and variants are now readily available as a result of their popularity. The original plant underwent mutations that resulted in the various flower colors, flower forms, and leaf sizes. Growers propagate the unique plant to create a new variety when a new form is found. Pink, white, mauve, and bicolor blossoms are frequently seen. African violets also have exquisite single or double blossoms that rest atop their smooth, velvety leaves. New miniature types maintain a width of around 4 inches whereas standard plants normally grow to a size of 8 to 12 inches.
Cultivation Information
The basic norm is to give plants 10 to 12 hours each day of bright light. African violets are shielded by the forest’s tree canopy in their natural habitat. Therefore, during the brighter summer months, they require filtered sunlight. Plants may benefit from light acquired from southern exposure during the winter months when the sunlight is less.
According to several experts, artificial light is more reliable and works just as well as natural light. Two 40-watt fluorescent lamps provide the greatest artificial lighting. The ideal daylight tubes are warm-white and cool-white, respectively. These ought to be positioned 8 to 12 inches above the plants. Increase the light if your plant has robust, black foliage but no blossoms. Reduce the light if it is blooming but the leaves are pale.
African violets can thrive in indoor settings. They prefer a temperature of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity of about 80%. It’s crucial to prevent changes in humidity and temperature, as well as unexpected drafts. You could wish to use a humidifier or set pots in a tray with water, gravel, and other moss to create a climate that is sufficiently humid. DON’T spray the vegetation. Permanent leaf spotting could result from water on the foliage.
Make use of room-temperature water. African violets are prone to crown rot, therefore it’s crucial to avoid overwatering the crown (the area of the plant that is at soil level). In general, it’s not advised to water the plant from above.
WATERING METHODS
- For 15 to 30 minutes, put the pot in a saucer of water. Through the drain hole in the pot, water will be absorbed by the soil. DO NOT let the pot sit in water for longer than 30 minutes to prevent root damage.
- Wicking mechanism
- When planting an African violet, bury a synthetic rope in the soil and pull it out via the drain hole (natural material will rot). Through this wick, the earth receives water from the saucer. To prevent the dirt from coming into touch with the water in the saucer, add a layer of gravel to the saucer. The plant can take in water as needed thanks to the saucer’s continual water supply. Additionally, this approach can help with overall humidity.
- Self-watering specialty pots
- These pots are made up of an inner, unglazed ceramic pot and an outside, glazed ceramic pot. Similar to the wick method, the inner pot can absorb moisture through its porous walls as needed after being inserted into the outer pot, which is filled with water.
Potting & Soil
Repotting African violets is advised once a year to assist the plants receive fresh nutrients and get rid of salt accumulation. African violets prefer to be loosely attached to their roots. No more than one-third of the plant’s leaf span should be the diameter of the container. For instance, a plant with a leaf span of 12 inches needs a 4 container.
A light soil mixture that enables for sufficient drainage is preferred for African violets. Equivalent amounts of peat, perlite, and vermiculite make for the best mixture. Dolomite lime must be added to most general mixes in order to maintain a pH balance between 6.0 and 7.0. Another choice is to buy an African violet-specific mix from your neighborhood garden center.
Fertilizer
Every time the plant is watered, apply liquid fertilizer at a concentration of half or quarter. The fertilizer’s dilution aids in protecting fragile roots from harm. Find a mixture, such as 20-20-20, that contains the same amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Local garden centers also provide special mixes for African violets.
Additional Care
Fertilizer salts may assemble in clay pots. The African violet’s leaves and stems may burn and finally decay if they come into touch with these salts. The best strategies to address this issue are:
- Avoid overfertilizing.
- Place a water-resistant barrier between the pot and the foliage.
- Clean the empty pot thoroughly after soaking it in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for the night.
Are African violets sun-sensitive?
The vibrant African violet blossoms are particularly lovely. They’ll provide color right away to any space.
Even during the gloomier winter months, they have a reputation for continuing to bloom. Place them around the house so you may enjoy their vibrant hues and plush textures all year long.
Once you establish a routine for caring for African violets, you’ll discover that they expand with ease. But unless all of their fundamental requirements are satisfied, they won’t develop. Give them the proper temperature, light, and nourishment, and you’ll start to bloom right away!
How to Choose and Take Care of African Violets:
1. Start out strong. Select a plant with the desired blossom color and vivid emerald foliage. Make sure the pot has openings for drainage.
2. The ideal lighting. African violets frequently don’t blossom because they don’t receive enough light. Because direct sunlight can burn the leaves, African violets require indirect light. For optimal results, pick a window that faces north or east. Keep plants away from cold glass, and turn the container once every week to ensure that all the leaves get enough light. African violets can be grown under a grow lamp to extend the day throughout the winter.
3. Remain cozy. The most comfortable temperatures for most people are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
4. Subsurface water. Water should be at normal temperature to fill the saucer. Pour off any extra water after letting it settle for about an hour. Between waterings, let the plant dry out completely.
5. Use the new liquid Violet from Espoma to fertilize! Every two to four weeks in the spring, summer, and fall, indoor houseplant food.
6. Be thoughtful before replanting. Only when a plant is root-bound will an African violet bloom. Use organic potting soil designed exclusively for African violets, such as Espoma’s African Violet Mix, when it comes time to repot your plants. Choose a pot that is about a third the diameter of their leaf spread in diameter because they flower best in compact pots.
How frequently should African violets be watered from the bottom?
Although they are often simple to care for, African violets need some effort to grow.
How frequently to water African violets is one of the most crucial considerations while caring for plants.
One of the most frequent mistakes made with this kind of plant is overwatering, therefore caution is necessary.
African violets typically require watering once a week, though this can change depending on the environment and potting mix.
In contrast, you might only need to water them every other week if you reside in a cooler environment.
Put your finger in the potting mix to get an idea of how frequently to water your African violets.
How Often To Water African Violets Indoors
The first factor affecting how frequently you need to water the plants is your home’s temperature and humidity.
You might have to water your African violets more frequently if your house is extremely warm or dry.
Second, the kind of potting mix you use can have an impact on how frequently you need water.
African violet potting mixtures are frequently drier, so they might not require as much watering.
On the other hand, potting mixtures created for different kinds of plants could require more frequent watering.
To make sure the plant needs water before watering, like with all plants, it is best to examine the potting mix.
African violets should generally be watered when the potting soil feels dry to the touch.
How Often To Water African Violets Outdoors
There are a few considerations if you are growing African violets outside.
The climate and weather will decide how much water they require.
You might need to water them more frequently if you live in a region with high humidity.
You might need to water them less frequently if you reside in a low-humidity environment.
After giving them a good drink, let the soil totally dry out before giving them another drink.
Checking the soil is the best approach to figure out how frequently to water your African violets.
African violets should be watered in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry before dusk. This will aid in the prevention of fungus illnesses.
The following general instructions are for watering African violets outside:
- If you reside somewhere with a lot of humidity, give your plants a good watering every 5-7 days.
- Water your plants every 3 to 5 days if you reside in a dry area.
- Water your plants every two to three days if you reside in a hot area.
- You should water your plants every 7 to 10 days if you reside in a chilly area.
Depending on the climate where you live, your particular plants can require more or less watering.
How Often Should You Water African Violets From the Bottom
The more conventional approach of watering from the top is fine for African violets.
The benefit of watering from the bottom is that the water may get to the roots directly, promoting strong development.
Additionally, it lessens the risk of fungal illnesses by keeping the leaves dry and preventing waterlogging.
Put your African violet plants in a saucer or tray with water and water them from the bottom.
Once every week, or whenever the top inch of soil is dry, the bottom should be watered.
The more conventional approach, watering from the top, is fine for African violets.
The biggest benefit of watering plants from the top is that it is simpler to determine whether they are receiving enough water.
Start by watering your African violet plant once a week and increase as necessary if you’re unclear of how much water it requires.
Use a watering can or cup to pour water onto the soil until it is uniformly wet to water from the top.
Feel free to experiment and find which works best for you and your African violets as each watering technique has benefits.
The most crucial thing is to monitor the soil’s moisture and make adjustments as necessary.
Once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry, water your African violets.