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.
Can an African violet be placed outside?
African violets can thrive outside if the climate is similar to that of Tanzania, where they are native.
However, if you plant your African Violet outside in an environment that is too hot, too cold, too humid, or too dry, it won’t thrive.
African violets require a temperature range of 65–70°F (18–21°C) at night and 70–90°F (21–32°C) during the day. Your African Violets will suffer damage if they spend a long time outside of these conditions.
The plant’s foliage can also be harmed by direct sunshine. The delicate leaves of African violets can burn permanently in bright sunlight, especially if it becomes damp. What remains after the plant has grown outside.
In order to address your query, the majority of outdoor spaces are not suited for growing African violets. It is doable yet difficult.
Many farmers, nevertheless, have different opinions. Some of them claim that there are places where African Violets can flourish without any problems.
Others contend that African violets should only be grown indoors and that it would be unwise to grow them outside.
Other growers choose to grow African Violets outside occasionally, and they do so by setting their plants outside when the weather is suitable.
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.
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.
Can African violets be grown in a garden?
A partial shade location outside is suitable for an African violet, but it can also be grown indoors and in a hanging basket.
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.
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.
How is an African violet cared for outside?
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!