African violets grow best throughout the summer since both the plants and their growers are content during this season. Violets are ready to go, as long as you are practicing proper culture.
At this time of year, all the labor you put into caring for your African Violets is well repaid.
If you do not put in the work, do not anticipate getting strong results at the May exhibition.
Clean up your plants and repotte them in new soil if they have been in the same pot and soil for a while. To get rid of accumulated fertilizer salts, the soil can be properly cleansed. Pour enough water out of the pot by submerging it in water until it is saturated, draining it, and then filling it up again from the top. Make use of warm water, ideally rainwater.
In order to help the plant grow better until it reaches a size where it can support a good head of blossoms, little plants shouldn’t be permitted to flower. Leaf growth slows down after letting it blossom.
If you didn’t use much fertilizer throughout the winter, you can now gradually up the dosage. Just be careful not to go overboard. Cut off any unhealthy roots and any leaves that have reached the end of their usefulness. Now is the time to tidy up the plant and give it a decent symmetrical shape.
You could definitely discover that your violets are congested. This is a very frequent occurrence, so you must be firm and make more room or remove the ones you don’t need; otherwise, the vigorous growth you may anticipate over the coming months will make your difficulties worse.
Choose your favorite plants today, and make the commitment to cultivate them for our exhibition in May. Provide them with lots of space, groom them once a week, and keep the leaf symmetry.
Follow the 12-week plan, which calls for a fertilizing regimen and the removal of all blooms and buds up to 6–8 weeks before the performance.
from a Bob Richardson article (African Violet Society of South Australia Inc.)
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.
Can African violets be grown in Arizona?
One of the most well-liked flowering houseplants is the African violet, sometimes referred to as Saintpaulia in botanical terms. African violets have a large variety of cultivars to suit the serious grower while yet being simple to grow for novice gardeners. African violets can thrive in the standard indoor growth environment. They also thrive well in gardens with little room, including those in apartments with just a few windowsills, because of their modest stature. There are numerous African violet varieties, ranging in size from small (plants with a diameter of 6 inches or less) to huge (over 16 inches in diameter). Flowers occur in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, blue, purple, lavender, and bicolored and multicolored varieties. Flowers can be single, star-shaped or double, semidouble, fringed, or ruffled, among other shapes. Even the leaves have various patterns, such as ruffles, scallops, quilting, and variegation.
African violet houseplants thrive and flower more in bright indirect light; ideally, they should be placed near an east-facing window. The African violet plant’s leaves turn dark green, lose their plump appearance, and produce a small number of blooms when the light is too low. When there is too much light, African Violet Plants’ blossoms quickly wilt and their foliage turn a faint yellow-green.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARE WATER: Before watering an African violet plant, let the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dry off. Use of water that has been softened or water that contains fluoride or chlorine should be avoided. To avoid water getting on the leaves of African violet houseplants, always water from the bottom. After 15 minutes, drain any extra water that is left in the saucer.
FERTILIZER: African Violet houseplant-specific fertilizer is sold wherever plants are sold. Any balanced, soluble houseplant food can be used in a pinch at half the recommended strength. When the plant is actively growing, fertilize African violet plants once each month. Over-fertilizing an African violet plant can result in leaf tip burn, poor flower production, leaf splits, and even death.
African violets thrive in climates between 75 and 80 degrees during the day and a few degrees lower at night. African violet plants should not be near heating or air conditioning vents.
High humidity is ideal, however African Violets can thrive in environments with lower humidity levels.
FLOWERING: To promote flower growth, cut off dead blooms and stems from African violet plants as soon as possible. African violet houseplants bloom more frequently when the soil is kept on the dry side.
PESTS: Mealy bugs and spider mites are two indoor plant pests that prey on African violet plants. These insects should be treated as soon as they arrive with a Qtip dipped in alcohol or neem oil. Use only commercial insecticides that are suggested for African violets because their leaves are readily damaged.
DISEASES: Erwinia blight, powdery mildew, and botrytis can all affect African violet houseplants. It is simpler to prevent these diseases from affecting African violet plants than to treat them once they do. African violet plants benefit from strong air circulation, and infections can be avoided by never watering the leaves.
African Violet SOIL A rich, airy potting medium is preferred by plants. Most garden centers sell specialized soil for African violets. To avoid unwelcome salt buildup, African violets should be repotted every 6 to 12 months using fresh soil.
Do African violet blooms reappear each year?
With the correct care, African violets may bloom for almost the entire year, which is one of the reasons they are so popular. Each flower will endure two to three weeks if it is healthy. A healthy plant can continue to routinely produce fresh blossoms for 10 to 12 months of the year.
African violets are actually relatively low maintenance provided the appropriate circumstances are met, despite their reputation for being a little fussy. You may give your African violet the best chance of success (also known as continuous bloom!) by learning more about its maintenance.
A word on genetics: Your plant’s genes are the one thing you can’t change. Some people are natural performers, while others live their entire lives with stage terror. However, if it has previously bloomed, chances are good that you can encourage even the most reticent plant to rebloom.
African violets last for how long?
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.
How can I maintain my African violet’s bloom?
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 an African violet 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.
My African violet may I put 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 simple are African violets to grow?
With African violets, the flowers are the main attraction as opposed to the majority of houseplants. Although these fuzzy blooming houseplants have a reputation for being picky, once you understand how to adhere to some fundamental care guidelines, they’re actually rather simple to grow.
Succulents are African violets, right?
The African violet belongs to the genus Saintpaulia (Streptocarpus), which also comprises numerous other varieties of blooming perennials. Despite their common name, they are not related to violas; rather, the term was given to them because of the attractive flowers they produce. African violets can bloom in a range of colors, including blue, violet, lavender, pink, red-violet, lavender-pink, white, and purple, despite the fact that we often associate them with the color purple. African violets are indigenous to Tanzania’s high-elevation tropical rainforests.
The most distinctive feature of African violets, outside the blooms, is their fuzzy, succulent foliage. An adaptation to assist the plant collect water from the air is the fine hairs on the leaves. The decorative value of some cultivars is increased by the presence of ruffled or variegated leaves.
Depending on the variety, African violets can reach heights of 2 to 6 inches and widths ranging from 3 to well over a foot. The majority of the plants have flower clusters in the center, barely above the foliage, surrounded by layers of dark green leaves that resemble rosette shapes. Some varieties have blooms with bicolored petals, semi-double or double layers of petals, trailing growth patterns, or microscopic size. Plants that are properly cared for can bloom practically continually.
At what temperature do African violets thrive?
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.