In the gloom of winter, an African violet plant may add a lovely, cheery splash of color. Even though I like them, my own relationship with violets hasn’t always been positive.
Nearly 30 years ago, my very first African violets were situated within big northeast-facing windows on their own plant stand. They stayed healthy and attractive for years with almost no extra care. till one by one they passed away.
When they passed away, I had no idea why, but as time went on, I learned more about how to properly care for African violets. Here are a few suggestions that have proven effective for me.
Pots and watering: An African violet may develop more slowly if it receives inconsistent or insufficient water, but excessive watering will kill the plant. I have two-piece, self-watering African violet pots for each of my violets; they are essentially unglazed pots that sit in a basin of water. The bowl’s water slowly seeps into the soil, moistening the plant evenly without drowning it. Water addition is only required every two to three weeks. Every time I fill the outer bowl with water—room temperature water is ideal—I also add a tiny bit of African violet fertilizer.
How frequently do African violets need to be watered?
Consider fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lighting is the solution if you lack bright window light. I make use of four-foot lights that each have two cool white bulbs. I’ve successfully used one warm white and one cool white bulb in a fixture. unique plant bulbs, known as “A beautiful plant is also produced under grow lights. 8 to 12 inches is the ideal distance between the pot and the light.
How frequently should African violets be watered? “The most frequently asked question regarding African violets is how frequently they should be watered. The greatest indicator is to touch the surface of the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. For best results, African violets should be given time to completely dry out in between waterings. An overwatered plant can die. A soggy, moist soil mass prevents air from penetrating the fine roots of an African violet, which they need. Half of your work is finished once you have learned the art of watering African violets.
Do African violets need to be watered from the top or bottom? Both are acceptable. It’s crucial to avoid using cold water; lukewarm or warm water is recommended. To prevent leaf spots, if you water from the top, take cautious not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun. If you water from the bottom, you should dump any extra water once the plant has absorbed all that it requires. An African violet shouldn’t be left submerged in water for too long.
Do African violets hibernate during the colder months?
Given enough warmth and light, African violets do not naturally go into a dormant state and will keep growing and blooming all year long.
How do African violets fare during the winter?
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.
Do I need to water my African violet from the bottom up?
Use only water that is room temperature because African violets are sensitive to temperature. Avoid soaking the plant’s fuzzy leaves or stem since water might get trapped there and lead to rot or fungus.
Watering an African violet plant is most effective when done from the bottom up. For 30 minutes, submerge your plant in a small tray of water and let the soil absorb the moisture through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. To prevent the roots from being soaked in water, let the pot drain in your kitchen sink or bathtub once the allotted time has passed. This will prevent root rot.
When 25% of the soil volume has dried out, Pangborn advises watering to maintain the soil continuously moist.
Brown Spots on Leaves
African violets should never have brown stains on them. By generating root rot, overwatering damages the root system and isolates the plant from the supply of nutrients.
If you do not provide magnesium or nitrogen, the leaves of your African violets will become discolored with brown and yellow blotches.
Edema, which is caused by the plant taking too much water, can occasionally result from overwatering. The African violet’s leaf cells are harmed by drinking too much water.
If your African violet has edema, you will observe brown, wart-like areas close to the base of the leaves.
Remove any leaves that have brown blemishes. Sadly, once brown patches form on the leaves, they are permanently damaged. Your African Violet will be able to produce new, healthy leaves more quickly if you remove them.
Root Rot And Foul Smell From Soil
If the soil does not entirely dry out between waterings or if the drainage system is not working properly, the fungus that develops will rot the roots.
Before replanting the plant, remove it from the pot and clear away any rotting dirt. Examine the stems and roots after that. To guarantee that your plants have robust, healthy roots, remove any brown or mushy ones.
After cleaning out the contaminated regions, disinfect the remaining roots by soaking them in a fungicide solution.
Your African violet has to be repotted in a fresh, well-drained bed of potting soil. (New soil is preferred, although cleaning the current soil should be sufficient if Root Rot is mild.)
Time is running out for us! Acting quickly will increase your chances of preventing root rot because it spreads swiftly.
It’s a good idea to remove any leaves that have brown patches on them. Sadly, the leaves won’t be able to recover once they start to show brown stains.
Your African Violet will have an easier time growing new, healthy leaves if you remove them.
Crown Rot
Similar to how Root Rot is identified and handled, so is Crown Rot. Where the rot has taken hold is what distinguishes them most.
Any of the roots could develop root rot, which could cause either mild or major damage. A condition called “Crown Rot” attacks the system’s top-most roots.
To treat Crown Rot, complete the Root Rot treatment procedures and apply a fungicide to the root system. Be mindful that your plant could not survive if it has severe Crown Rot.
Mold Growing on Soil
Mold in the soil is a certain indication that your African violet is receiving too much water. The top soil layer will develop moldy white specks.
Your African violet won’t be in danger from this mold (or your family). However, it is still crucial to get rid of it right away.
The mold may be completely removed if you scrape off the top layer of soil. Hydrogen peroxide mixed with a dilution can also be used to eliminate the mold.
Use five parts water to one part hydrogen peroxide. Repotting is necessary if the mold grows below the surface of the soil.
Shriveled Appearance and Mushy Stems
You are overwatering your African violet if the stems are mushy or the plant has become shriveled. A vigorous, vibrant plant will have solid stems and appear powerful and robust. When you squeeze them, if the stem gives at all, there is a problem.
A fungal infection brought on by an excess of water is indicated by mushy stems. Another indication that your African violet has perished is a shriveled appearance. In both situations, cut off the infected parts, clean the plant, and let it air dry. (Referring to Iowa State University)
Wilting
Three things can be inferred from an African violet that has withered. You are either not watering enough, watering too much, or there are bugs in your garden. Which one it is will be determined by the soil.
You are overwatering your African violet if it has wilted and the soil is moist. The African Violets can’t acquire the oxygen they require since this drowns the roots. After making any necessary repairs, let your African violet dry thoroughly.
Look for pests if your soil does not seem overly damp or dry. African violets are frequently attacked by mealybugs and cyclamen mites. Cleaning your leaves is necessary to get rid of bugs. (Source: University of Clemson)
Spraying neem oil or insecticidal soap on your leaves will smother the bugs.
If you have rubbing alcohol lying around your home, you can use it to clean each leaf of your African violet to get rid of mealybugs or cyclamen mites.
Yellow Leaves
Another indication of moisture stress from overwatering is yellow foliage. Remove any yellow leaves from your African violet plant before assessing the health of the remaining leaves.
You will need to take damage control measures if your leaves are yellow because it’s likely that your roots have rotted.
Wrinkled Leaves
Wrinkled leaves are a sign that your roots have been seriously harmed by over watering. If there are wrinkles, water cannot reach the plant tissue from the roots.
Examine your ancestry. White and hefty roots indicate good health. If your roots are mushy and brown, they must be removed. The majority of your roots may have decayed if the leaves are wrinkled.
It is worthwhile to clean and repot your roots if they are still healthy. Sadly, it is time to try again with a different African Violet if the roots all appear brown and mushy.
Curled Leaves
Overwatering is indicated by curled leaves. However, it’s also a sign that your African Violet is under stress due to the water’s temperature.
Your African violet’s roots will become chilled if you water with cold water. The leaves begin to curl downward as a result. The best water to use is at room temperature because it lessens the possibility of any temperature shock.
An African violet can survive without water for how long?
How long can African violets last without water? may be a concern if you’re leaving town or otherwise away from home.
The good news is that these plants may survive several weeks without water because they are comparatively drought-tolerant.
Try a few alternative strategies to see if they can help your plant go this long without water.
One approach is to give the plant plenty of water just before you leave, and then put it somewhere cold and dry with direct sunlight. To assist the soil retain moisture, cover it with a layer of mulch.
These containers contain a water reservoir that gradually provides moisture to the soil as required.
In either case, make sure your African violet is still alive and well when you get back.
How cold should it be for African violets?
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.
Do you give winter feed to African violets?
Low upkeep is required for African violets. They do require adequate exposure, heat, and a way to keep water off those leaves, but they typically continue to produce those delightful blossoms for most of the year. Your violet needs to be nourished in order to stay healthy. We will provide answers to the questions of when, how, and with whom.
African violets benefit from fertilization in the spring while they are actively growing. In the winter, avoid feeding African violets. When some gardeners advise against fertilizing the plants while they are in bloom, others support the practice. However, it would seem natural that the nutrients it utilizes need to be placed back into the soil for plant uptake given that flowering robs the plant of energy.
Are African violets water-intensive plants?
Generally speaking, African violets just require a small amount of water to keep the soil moist—never wet. Your African violets will be more vulnerable to dangerous infections like Pythium, Root Rot, and Crown Rot if they receive too much water.
Why do leaves turn soft, limp or mushy on my African Violet plants?
- Your African violet leaves may be turning mushy, limp, or soft for a number of reasons.
- The soil will retain too much water if your African violet plant was overwatered.
- The leaves and/or leaf stems will become limp, mushy, or squishy as a result of this water retention.
- The roots of your plant could develop root rot if it was overwatered (To learn more about root rot, can read the article, “Root Rot on African Violet Plants).
- The roots take in so much water that they finally lose the ability to retain it and decay.
- The leaves will become mushy, limp, or squishy as a result of this. After developing root rot, the African Violet plant will finally succumb to crown rot and perish.
- If your soil isn’t overwatered and your plant still has floppy, limp, or mushy leaves, it’s possible that they’ve aged naturally, which happens to African violet leaves.
What to do if your African Violet leaves have turned soft, limp or mushy from overwatering?
- First and foremost, cease watering the plant if you notice soft, limp, or mushy leaves as a result of overwatering.
- After that, gently remove any limp, mushy, or squishy leaves, and take the plant out of the pot.
- Avoid removing too much soil, as the African Violet plant prefers to have its roots tied. Remove the old soil gently.
- Count the quantity of mushy or brownish roots to see if there are any in abundance. The good news is that root rot is not the reason of your leaf browning if only a few and the majority of the roots appear healthy (as shown below).
- However, if you do notice numerous roots that are mushy or brown in color (as shown below), root rot may be to blame for your violet’s soft, limp, or mushy leaves.
- Try to gently prune away any rotting or mushy, brown-colored roots.
- Read the article “Root Rot on African Violet Plants” for more details on root rot.