While almost all growers will advise against growing African violets outdoors, there are occasionally those growers that disagree. There are a few things you should be aware of if you’re set on conquering the big outdoors. First, let’s discuss why it’s so difficult. Second, certain climates (and some are completely out of the question!) are more conducive to outdoor gardening. And last, how you might be able to avoid it.
Why Is it Difficult to Grow African Violets Outside?
For a number of reasons, the majority resulting from the environment in which they formed, African violets are best kept indoors. African violets grew used to the comfortable temperatures, sun protection, and damp environment found beneath the jungle canopy. Most places are either too hot or too cold, too sunny or too rainy, or have unstable or too low humidity levels. African violets are vulnerable to pests and insect damage, which is obviously more of an issue outside.
But Normal Violets Can Grow Outside!
Warning: African violets are not, in fact, violets at all! Every individual on the list of species of African violets belongs to the Saintpaulia genus and is unrelated to the Violaceae plant family, which is home to hundreds of species of real violets. African violets are superficially similar to genuine violets, hence their common name. But since your wonderful, fluffy imitation and a “regular violet” have quite different origins and evolutionary histories, what works for one might not be sufficient for the other.
Is There Anywhere African Violets Can Grow Outside?
Although it may appear extreme, there are relatively few outdoor environments where African violets may live. That’s because most temperate places are too dry and cold and most tropical surroundings are too hot.
The ideal temperature range for African violets is 65–70°F at night and 70–90°F during the day. They prefer the comfortable temperatures inside your home because they won’t withstand extended durations outside of these ranges.
Additionally, you must shield your African violet from the sun’s rays. If exposed to the sun while moist or in direct sunlight, its delicate foliage will burn forever. Last but not least, your plant needs high humidity levels, which are significantly simpler to supply indoors.
Even though some attractive, high-humidity areas are more advantageous than, say, the Arctic circle, keep in mind that there is a risk involved.
Can African Violets Grow Outside Part-Time?
Whether African violets can be grown outside part-time is the main topic of discussion in the plant community. Some gardeners claim that when it’s sunny outside or when it rains in warm weather, their plants grow. The choice is ultimately yours, but here’s what you need to know:
Day trips: Bring your plant back inside before the temperature drops below 65oF if you want to let it enjoy some fresh air on a bright summer day. Make sure it is not in direct sunlight.
Showers outside: Generally speaking, African violet leaves detest being wet. To freshen the soil and clean the leaves, some gardeners still choose to leave theirs outside when it lightly rains. Bring it back inside before the sun comes out if you try this. If not, you’ll almost certainly have leaf burn.
Pests pose a significant risk even in the presence of ideal conditions.
Simply put, there are more of them outside! If you’re compelled to take your plant outside for a while, remember to keep it off the ground, look closely for pests, and bring it back inside separately from other plants.
You have it now! All the information you need to grow African violets outside—or indoors, if you choose!
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.
How are outdoor violets cared for?
Violets are simple to grow and, with a little care, have a variety of purposes in the garden. Wild violets look lovely as accents around trees, around water, and in flowerbeds. In a woodland garden, they are also great options for rapid ground cover. Even containers can be used to cultivate them.
The late winter and early spring-blooming blooms and leaves are both delectable and vitamin-rich.
Violets can almost always be planted in the spring and fall, though early spring is ideal. Although they like some mild shade, these plants can also be grown in full sun. Although they can grow in a variety of soil types, wild violets prefer moist, well-draining soil that is also high in organic matter.
Do African violets require shade or sunlight?
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?
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.
Is it better to water African violets from the top or the bottom?
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.
Can you leave African violets outside?
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.
How can I make my African violet blossom once more?
- 8 Techniques for Restoring Bloom to Your African Violet.
- Allow for light.
- Set the humidity higher.
- Refill on Vital Nutrients.
- Keep it friendly.
- Select the Proper Soil.
- Defend against diseases and pests.
- Reduce the Roots.
How old are African violets on average?
Because of their lengthy lives, repotting these flowers is crucial. Ryan McEnaney, public relations and communications specialist for Bailey Nurseries, advises consumers to keep in mind that African violets can live for up to 50 years. To avoid becoming overly root-bound, plants can be repotted into larger pots as they mature. It’s probably time to relocate your African violet when it has doubled or quadrupled the size of your container and the leaves are beginning to wilt, according to McEnaney.
However, you don’t have to repot your plants right away. If your African violet appears to have outgrown its container, don’t rush to relocate it, advises Brian Parker, senior merchant for Live Goods at Home Depot. “African violets are best when their roots are in a little bound condition,” he adds. “They will produce and perform for years and years with just a simple routine of the right light and food,” the speaker said.
Likely Culprit: Overwatering
One of the most frequent reasons of droopy African violet leaves is overwatering. They can’t handle soil that is saturated with water because of their sensitive root systems. Long-term overwatering can choke your plant, leading to the potentially fatal condition known as root rot.
How to tell if your African violet is overwatered
The unmistakable signs that your plant is suffering from too much water are droopy, squishy, and mushy leaves. These additional symptoms can help establish that your plant’s problems are being caused by overwatering.
- Wet soil: Dirt that is too moist for a plant to adequately absorb or soil that is too dense for a plant’s roots to properly absorb.
- Growth inhibition: If your plant is overwatered, it may drop its leaves, grow more slowly, or stop growing entirely.
- Root rot: Above ground, root rot results in yellowing and falling foliage. There are areas of the root that have gone black and wet beneath the soil.
How to fix an African violet with droopy leaves from overwatering
- Trim off any foliage that is dead, drooping, or mushy first. By removing these leaves, you give your plant the energy it needs to mend since they won’t grow back.
- After that, take your African violet out of the pot and carefully brush the soil from the roots. If the damage is severe, remove any dark or mushy root segments and treat the root rot.
When ought my African violet to be repotted?
Mold potting is one of the most used techniques for potting up plants. The technique is fairly straightforward, but it also reduces the risk of shock.
drainage. If you are watering from the top, this is crucial. In the event that a bottom-watering
employing a self-watering system, grouping your plants together, or misting around the plants
You should be aware that many of them are created with the intention of accommodating