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need to learn how to originate African violet ? These are beautiful houseplants that can add a pinch of color to any room . They are also easy to like for , and most hoi polloi ascertain they can keep them live and healthy with little effort .
The beautiful bloom of youth are specially delightful during the winter months !
In this web log position , we will hash out the basics of African violet care so that you’re able to grow these endearing plants successfully and get the good termination !
Table of Contents
Understanding African Violet Plants
When caring for any plant it can assist to know where they originally add up from .
African violet are native to Tanzania , where they grow in shaded , rocky areas and enjoy the high humidity . They have fleshy yet fuzzy leaf and produce clump of five - petaled flowers that range in coloring from white and pink to empurple and grim .
Choosing the Right Environment
The first step in care for your African violet is to make certain it has enough sunlight . How much light do they ask ?
African violets need at least six hours of bright , indirect sun each daytime .
If potential , place your African reddish blue near a south - facing window ( especially in winter ) . But west or north - facing windows work as well .
Adequate collateral light is crucial for good outgrowth but direct sunlight is too solid . If you need some aid diffusing the direct light , then use a sheer curtain .
African violets like the same conditions you do – moderate temperatures and humidity . idealistic temperatures are between 65 and 75 F grade , but violets will abide temps out of doors of this reach .
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Best Pots for African Violets
For good results , African violet pots should have stack of drainage holes . fictile pots , ego - lachrymation pots , and clay pot are all satisfactory .
When buying a new pot just make certain the size of it is adequate along with the drain .
African Violet Soil
The next step is to make certain your African reddish blue has the right soil . As with many indoor plants a good potting mixture that is light and very well - draining , yet still holds moisture is idealistic .
Many recommend using a peat - based commixture but I shy away from those , peat moss tend to tie after a while .
DIY Potting Soil
pot territory is easy to make and much less expensive than bagged . Plus you’re able to employ more earth - friendly ingredient than you find in commercial-grade products !
Many times I utilize my DIY pot grease with added perlite . About 1/4 more perlite proportion works well for me .
If using bagged pot ground lend more perlite to the mix , about 1/4 more . That mean shuffle 1/4 cup perlite with 1 cupful pot soil .
If you do n’t have perlite , then I like to use horticultural gumption instead . ( note : I now use more George Sand and bound off the perlite )
Brand - name “ violet potting soils ” are NOT necessarily good for African violet !
African Violet watering
tearing is another important aspect of African violet care . These plant need to be watered regularly , but you do n’t require to over - water , which can lead to ascendant rot .
It is best to use room temperature water or luke warm water , not cold water .
A common misnomer is you need to irrigate from the bottom of the pot . Youcanwater from the top .
The reason many advise watering from the bottom is that African violet are susceptible to crest rot .
lachrymation from the top is hunky-dory as long as you ensure the cap ( the subdivision of the plant at the soil telephone line ) does not bide saturated with water . Always pour off excess water that collects in the dish or tray the pot is model in .
get water on a healthy leaf will not necessarily harm it unless the piss temperature is much different from the leaf temperature .
Getting water system on the leaves , especially hard water can leave a stain and make brown spots though it looks bad it does n’t necessarily harm them .
If you habituate “ violet pots ” or another self - watering method acting , this includes bottom lacrimation , the add perlite or horticultural sand is cardinal in your African violet ground .
The estimable way to learn when to water is to utilize amoisture meter . ( affiliate link ) I also sometimes just lift the African Violet pot to feel the weight of it .
After a while , you could determine just by that if you postulate to water or not . The wet meter has help me with allof my house plantswatering and I am so glad I got it !
Fertilizer
African violets like even fertilization to stay levelheaded . Most plants do well with a fertilizer with a 3 - 1 - 2 ratio . You do n’t need to grease one’s palms plant life - specific fertilizers , usually .
This is what I habituate now : Eco Organic Sustainable Liquid Fertility(affiliate link )
Use each watering , follow the directions for that fertiliser . You want to nullify “ bloom booster amplifier ” .
Pruning and Deadheading
Promoting Healthy Growth
on a regular basis hit damaged or dead leaves to encourage new growth . vellicate off any worn out or fading flower to divert vigour towards new blooms .
Sometimes the stem turn beneath the lower leaves becomes stretch , this indicates it is time to repot .
Other African Violet Care Tips
How to get African Violets to Bloom
For abundant blossom African Violets , enough light , 12 to 13 hours of light daily . If you want your African violets to bloom substantially in wintertime , supplement light by growing under unreal lights .
set a two - tube fluorescent fixture about 12 - 18″ above plants for 12 - 13 hours day by day .
Add more brilliant spark if the foliage appear to be healthy and developing , but no heyday appear . If heyday are numerous but leaves are wan or rigid , the light may be too inviolable .
I have also found that LED grow lights work well . More and more are becoming useable . I have just acquire some LED medulla that check my fluorescent light fixtures .
ensure to place your plant in a well - vent field , and if possible , rotate it every few day so that all of the leaves get an equal amount of sunlight .
How to Propagate African Violets
Do you desire to start new plants from leaf cuttings?Go here for the footprint by step !
Propagating African Violets
you’re able to easily get more African Violets by propagation . Find out how bare it can be !
Pests and Diseases
see for common gadfly like aphid , mealybug , and wanderer mites .
Fungal diseases can be forestall by avoiding overwatering and assure well air circulation .
By following these simple tips and the ripe conditions , you could ensure that your African reddish blue will stay sizeable and happy !
Repotting African Violets – when, why, and how!
repot African Violets is the easy way to keep them looking their best . How often should you repot African Violets ? What is the best soil ? encounter out here !
These beautiful plant are easy to arise and so rewarding !
FAQs about African Violets
I have found they do great under regular fluorescent lights . One cool medulla oblongata , one warm . See discussion section on how to get African Violets to flower .
Not usually . If you follow all the testimonial in this blog post you should be able to succeed in growing African Violets with achiever .
Yes , you could . I have many African violet in terra cotta clay pots and they do just ticket . They may need more watering but that is prosperous to do . See this postal service : Why I get laid Terra Cotta Pots
Popular Varieties
1 . Standard African Violet ( Saintpaulia ionantha ): The most common variety with a rosette of dark dark-green leaves and single or double flush .
2 . trail African Violet ( Saintpaulia confusa ): This case has trailing stems , making it perfect for hanging handbasket .
3 . Miniature African Violet : These are smaller versions of the standard African reddish blue plants , making them ideal for minuscule spaces . These rise quite happily in low pots that are around 2 to 3 inch .
