- Grow plants in bright, indirect light.
- Plant African violets in African violet pots filled with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix.
- Water and feed with Miracle-Gro® Blooming Houseplant Food.
- Split the parent plant into smaller plants when your African violet becomes large and crowded.
- Repot when plants develop a bare “neck” between the leaves and soil line.
What are some tips for growing African violets?
- Water. African Violets do not like wet feet! ...
- Temperature. African Violets are comfortable in the same temperatures we enjoy. ...
- Fertilizer. For the best foliage growth and most consistent blooms, it is recommended to use a dilute solution of fertilizer of ¼ tsp per gallon every time you water. ...
- Soil. ...
- Disbudding. ...
How to take care of African violet indoors?
Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Caring for African Violets Download Article
- Place the pot in an area that receives 8 hours of filtered or indirect light per day. ...
- Water African violets only when the top of the soil is dry. The violets grow best in soil that is always moist, but they don’t require watering every day.
- Fertilize the violets every 6-8 weeks with a 20-20-20 fertilizer. ...
- Repot African violets every 6-12 months. ...
What are the best type of pots for African violets?
When picking the best pot for your African violets, it’s best to stick to three pot varieties:
- Self-watering pots. These handy pots feature a water reservoir at the bottom of the pot that evenly distributes water the plant as it needs it.
- Plastic pots with saucers. If you plan to plant your African violet in a plastic pot, choosing one with a saucer on the bottom is essential. ...
- Ceramic pots. ...
How do you grow African violets?
Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Planting the Violets Download Article
- Buy pre-rooted African violets at a nursery, greenhouse or retail store. Because many houseplant enthusiasts grow African violets as part of their collection, they are usually easy to find.
- Pick a pot that is 2 times the diameter of the plant. Violets do well in small pots, but do need some space to grow.
- Make a soilless mix for the potting medium. ...
How do you take care of an African violet indoors?
1:113:486 Tips For Caring for African Violets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to water them from underneath all you need to do is put enough water in their saucer. So thatMoreSo to water them from underneath all you need to do is put enough water in their saucer. So that they can sit in it for about an hour soak.
Where is the best place to put an African violet?
Grow plants in bright, indirect light for the best color and blooms. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location. Plants will still grow when situated right beside north- or east-facing windows, but leaves will be thin and spindly, and plants less likely to bloom.
What do African violets need to survive?
African violets need bright, indirect light such as from a south- or east-facing window, although direct sunlight can burn the leaves. They will do best at 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C), and although they can survive temperatures up to about 90°F (32°C), they will die if exposed to below 50°F (10°C).
Are African violets hard to care for?
African violets are among the easiest of all houseplants to grow and are probably the easiest flowering houseplant to care for. A basic rule in African violet care is this: treat them as you would your child.
Should African violets be watered from the top or bottom?
bottom upThe best way to water an African violet plant is from the bottom up. Place your plant in a shallow tray of water for 30 minutes, allowing the soil to soak up the water through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
How often should I water African violets?
In general, indoor African violets should be watered about once a week. However, as with all plants, it is best to check the potting mix before watering to ensure that the plant needs it. A good rule of thumb is to water African violets when the potting mix is dry to the touch.
Do African violets like to be misted?
DO NOT mist the foliage. Water on the foliage may cause permanent leaf spotting. Use water that is room temperature. African violets are susceptible to crown rot, so it is important that the crown (the section of the plant at soil level) is not saturated with water.
How long do African violets live?
50 years"Remember that African violets have a very long lifespan and have been said to last up to 50 years," says Ryan McEnaney, public relations and communications specialist for Bailey Nurseries.
Can you touch African violet leaves?
Researchers have found that if you touch African Violet leaves repeatedly, it can stunt their growth. Occasional contact won't have much impact, but you should avoid petting and stroking a Saintpaulia's leaves. However, dusting them off with a soft paintbrush once a month or so will help keep them healthy.
What is the secret to growing African violets?
African violets prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight and keep them at least a few feet away from bright south- or west-facing windows. An east- or north-facing window gives them the best lighting without the risk of burning their sensitive foliage. Artificial lighting works well, too.
Do you deadhead African violets?
Deadheading. If you have success getting your African Violet to bloom, be sure to pinch or deadhead spent blooms. This allows the plant to continue to put energy into creating more buds/blooms and beautiful foliage.
How do I get my African violet to bloom again?
The most common reason African violets don't bloom is because they aren't getting enough light. African violets need indirect sunlight, direct can burn the leaves. Choose a north- or east- facing window for best results. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light.
What direction should African violets face?
African violets prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight and keep them at least a few feet away from bright south- or west-facing windows. An east- or north-facing window gives them the best lighting without the risk of burning their sensitive foliage.
Do African violets like to be misted?
DO NOT mist the foliage. Water on the foliage may cause permanent leaf spotting. Use water that is room temperature. African violets are susceptible to crown rot, so it is important that the crown (the section of the plant at soil level) is not saturated with water.
What window should I put African violets in?
African violets need indirect sunlight, direct can burn the leaves. Choose a north- or east- facing window for best results. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light. Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.
Can I put my African violet outside?
Can African Violets Grow Outside? African Violets are native to Tanzania and they can live happily outdoors if the climate is the same as the Tanzanian climate. However, if the climate where you live is too hot, too cold, too humid, or too dry, your African Violet will not survive if you plant it outside.
Do African violets need direct sunlight?
Yes, African Violets grow the best in at least partial sun. The very best violets grow on windowsills or under UV lights in a greenhouse.
How do you water an African violet?
You should water the violets when the soil is dry to the touch. Soil should be moist but never soggy or boggy.
How long do flowers last on an African violet?
How long the flowers last depend on a variety of factors. The varieties that have thick petals and flowers that are tinged with green tend to bloom...
How to grow African violets indoors?
Grow plants in bright, indirect light for the best color and blooms. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location. Plants will still grow when situated right beside north- or east-facing windows, but leaves will be thin and spindly, and plants less likely to bloom. If you don’t have a good spot near a window, you can grow African violets under 40-watt fluorescent lights (or grow lights) hanging 12 to 15 inches above the plant.
How to propagate African violets?
With time, African violets may become overgrown and begin to crowd their pots. Use leaf cuttings from these plants to propagate, or start, new African violet plants. Simply snip off a leaf where it meets the plant stem, dip the cut end in Miracle-Gro® FastRoot1® Dry Powder Rooting Hormone, and stick the cut end in a small container filled with Miracle-Gro® Se ed Starting Potting Mix. Keep the soil evenly moist. New leaves will sprout in a few weeks. Once plants have 4-5 leaves, they can be repotted into African violet pots.
What kind of soil do African violets like?
African violets grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix is specially formulated to provide indoor plants like African violets with just the right growing environment. For best results, plant African violets in African violet pots, which are small (4- to 5-inch) ceramic or plastic self-watering containers.
How long do African violets live?
African violets not only produce beautiful blooms, but are easy to grow and can live for decades. Here's how to grow them in your home or office.
How to keep African violets from forming spots?
If you are not growing plants in African violet pots, water just enough to keep the soil about as damp as a wrung-out sponge. Take care to use room-temperature water and don't get water on the leaves, as that can cause spots to form on the leaves.
Why do African violets repot?
Repot when plants develop a bare “neck” between the leaves and soil line. African violets are common houseplants because they flower reliably and are easy to grow. Plants have fuzzy leaves with pink, purple, or white flowers in various shades.
How to grow African violets in water?
The most common way to grow new African violets is to propagate them from the leaves of existing plants. Once you do this, you can sprout the cutting in water. To propagate a new African violet in water, you'll need a sterilized cutting tool, a thin-necked bottle ( such as a sterilized beer bottle), and a plastic bag or wrap.
Where do African violets grow?
African violets are a group of flowering perennial plants that are native to Tanzania, Kenya, and other areas of East Africa. Growing these violets at home is quite easy, but they need the right medium, nutrients, and environment to thrive. But as long as they get everything they require, African violets will bloom their beautiful purple flowers ...
What kind of pots do violets like?
You can use either plastic or terracotta pots for your violets. Plastic pots require less watering, but terracotta pots provide more air flow.
How to grow violets from cuttings?
2. Plant a leaf right in the soil. Alternatively, you can also plant that same cutting directly into soil rather than sprouting it in water. To do this you'll need your healthy leaf and 2 inches (5 cm) of stem cut from a healthy violet, a small pot of clear plastic, potting soil, and a plastic cover or wrap.
How to grow a sage plant from a stem?
Fill the pot with loose potting soil. Press the cut stem a half-inch (1.3 cm) into the soil. Cover the top of the pot with a clear plastic cover or wrap. Place the cutting somewhere warm where it will get lots of filtered sun. You probably won’t need to water as long as the plastic keeps in the moisture. ...
How long does it take for a seedling to grow?
For seedlings, wait until the seedlings have leaves that reach 2 inches (5 cm) in width. For cuttings, the babies should be ready in about eight to 10 weeks, once new leaves are roughly the size of a dime. ...
How to cut an African violet?
Select a large and healthy leaf from a healthy African violet. Include 2 inches (5 cm) of stem and cut the leaf from the plant on a 45-degree angle. The cut side of the angle should be on the top of the leaf. Fill the bottle with lukewarm water.
Is it easy to love violets?
Image by popovaphoto. Violets are easy to love. They’re beautiful, they’re fragrant, and they’re virtually maintenance-free. So it only makes sense to want to bring that into your home.
Is African violet a good houseplant?
Though not actually related to violets, they look similar and are famously good houseplants. African violets grow well in low light and will stay tame even in very small pots. If caring for violets indoors is a dream you just can’t shake, then consider getting yourself an African violet.
Can violets grow in a basket?
That being said, they do grow well in containers. Even if you don’t have a garden, a small clump of violets in a window box or hanging basket could be a good compromise. Another compromise if you’re set on growing violets indoors is the African violet.
Can violets survive a frost?
Violets are hardy annuals, meaning that they’ll survive a light frost in the fall, but won’t make it through a hard frost or a freeze. Since they’re annuals, though, their lifespan lasts only through a single growing season.
What temperature should I keep my African Violets in?
African Violets enjoy growing in temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When in doubt, it is safer to be warm then cool when it comes to these plants. For more information on climate control for your African Violets, click here.
How much light/darkness does my African Violet need?
Typically, we want our African Violets to get a full day (11-14 hours) of indirect sunlight . Recall, indirect sunlight is not the same thing is direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight refers to placing your African Violet in a bright windowsill or somewhere else where the sun won’t be beaming down on it directly.
What is an African Violet?
African Violet (Saintpaulia) plants are a popular species of houseplant, native to East Africa. Known for their striking resemblance to violets, African Violets have become a household favorite due to their resilience and easiness to grow. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned grower, African Violets are a joy to work with and look at.
How long do African Violets typically live?
Theoretically, African Violets can live indefinitely. In practice, if well cared for, African Violets can easily live for decades. It all depends on how well they are taken care of. The reason African Violets decline is usually due to grower error, not because of the plant itself.
Should I fertilize my African Violets?
Much like with Orchids, we recommend that you fertilize your African Violet regularly. Fertilizer helps deliver important nutrients that are essential for strong root growth, healthy leaves, and beautiful blooms. We carry a popular, balanced, 20-20-20 fertilizer, as well as a phosphorus rich (encourages more flowers) 12-36-14 fertilizer for African Violets.
Why are African violets dying?
The reason African Violets decline is usually due to grower error, not because of the plant itself . To ensure that your African Violet lives a long and healthy life, it is important to learn the necessary care information for these wonderful plants.
How many petals does an African violet have?
African Violet leaves have tiny hairs and a lush green appearance. They also typically have 5 or more petals, each with an elegant look.We recommend these amazing plants to both beginner growers and experienced growers alike. Not only are they beautiful, they are usually inexpensive as well.
What kind of light do African violets need?
Light – Provide appropriate lighting for the African violet plant. Light intensity should be filtered, with bright to medium intensity reaching the growing African violet. Light affects flowering. African violet plants with dark green foliage usually need somewhat higher light levels than those with pale or medium green foliage.
How to keep violets from reaching for light?
Turn pots regularly to keep flowers from reaching for the light. Place growing African violets 3 feet (1 m.) from a south- or west-facing window for the right lighting. If this light cannot be maintained for eight hours, consider supplementing with fluorescent lights.
Why do African violets shy away from indoor plants?
Some indoor gardeners shy away from growing the frilly and elegant African violet ( Saintpaulia) because they are intimidated by African violet care . African violet plants do have a few quirks, but learning about them and the proper care of African violets can make growing the plants less intimidating.
When do African violets pinch bloom?
Pinch blooms from the growing African violets when they are spent. This will encourage the development of more flowers.
Can African violets be grown indoors?
When you learn how to grow African violets, you can add several to indoor spaces for bright and cheerful blooms when the outdoor landscape is mostly brown and bare. Growing African violets take little indoor space; grow them in small pot groupings for a showy display.
Where do African violets come from?
As their name suggests, African violets are native to East Africa, stemming from the tropical rainforests of Tanzania and Kenya . In 1892, German colonial officer Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire identified these plants and sent seeds back to Germany. The genus came to be called Saintpaulia, though the plants have recently been re-categorized into a different genus, Streptocarpus. Despite their common name, they are not a type of violet, but they do produce vivid, violet-colored flowers. Read more about these dainty plants here!
What color are African violets?
African Violets are delightful houseplants and will brighten up any room with their purple, pink, or white colors.
How to tell if violet needs repotting?
One sign that your violet needs repotting is wilted leaves.
What does violet symbolize?
Find out more about these dainty flowers here. The violet symbolizes loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness. Find out more flower symbolism here.
Why are my African violets turning green?
Plants should be shifted to larger pots as they grow, but keeping African violets slightly root-bound can encourage them to bloom.
Can Cyclamen mites kill African violets?
Cyclamen mites can affect African violets. They are nearly impossible to remove completely, so disposal of the infected plant and isolation of nearby plants is recommended.
Do African violets bloom in indirect light?
African violets do best and produce the most blooms in bright, indirect light. Though they are generally easy to care for, they can go through fussy spells. Don't be discouraged!
