What color are African violets?
How many rows of leaves should an African violet have?
What color are minis?
Where do African violets grow?
How to keep soil from drying out?
How big do mini plants get?
Can African violets grow in shallow pots?
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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.
Do you need to repot African Violets?
Yes! You absolutely should repot your African Violet to ensure it lives a long, happy life. It's not healthy to keep your plant in the same mix it has been in for years. Mold, decay, and bugs can start to destroy the once healthy living environment your African Violet thrived in. For best results, repot your African Violet every six months to a year in fresh mix. It will make a world of difference. Check out our step by step guide on how you repot an African Violet.
Can I really grow a new plant from an existing leaf?
Yes you can! This method is called propagation by leaf, and we have a guide on it here. Creating new violets from leaves is a great way to expand your collection without the need to buy more plants. Plus, it’s just a fun hobby!
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.
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.
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.
How to tell if violet needs repotting?
One sign that your violet needs repotting is wilted leaves.
What flowers are in February?
Violets (Viola) —though unrelated to African violets—are one of the February birth flowers, so a potted African violet can make a bright gift for a February birthday.
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.
What color are African violets?
African Violets are delightful houseplants and will brighten up any room with their purple, pink, or white colors.
What kind of light bulbs are used to supplement natural light?
Artificial lighting works well, too. Use fluorescent or LED bulbs to supplement natural lighting.
What diseases can be found in a cyclamen plant?
Pests/Diseases. Cyclamen mites can occur. They are nearly impossible to remove completely, so disposal of the infected plant and isolation of nearby plants is recommended. Powdery Mildew. Various forms of rot and blight.
What is a self-watering pot?
Specialty, self-watering pots – These pots consist of a glazed ceramic outer pot and a non-glazed inner pot. The outer pot is filled with water and–after it is inserted in it–the inner pot is able to absorb moisture through its porous walls as needed, similar to the wick method.
How to clean a pot with vinegar?
Soak the empty pot in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water overnight, then thoroughly rinse.
What type of soil do African violets like?
African violets prefer a light soil mix that allows for good drainage. An ideal mixture is equal parts of peat, perlite, and vermiculite. Most general mixes require the addition of dolomite lime to achieve an overall pH balance between 6.0 and 7.0. Another option is to purchase a mix specially created for African violets from your local garden center.
How much light do violets need?
The general rule is to supply plants with 10-12 hours of strong light each day. In their natural habitat, African violets are protected by forest tree canopy. As a result, they need filtered sunlight during the brighter summer months. During winter months when the sunlight is weaker, plants may benefit from light derived from southern exposure.
How to wick African violets?
Wicking system – When potting an African violet, bury a synthetic cord (natural material will rot) in the soil and fish it out through the drain hole. The soil absorbs water from the saucer through this wick. Place a layer of gravel in the saucer to keep the soil from being in direct contact with the water in the saucer. The constant water source in the saucer allows the plant to absorb water as needed. This method can aid in overall humidity as well.
What to do if you spot pests on your plants?
If you spot pests on your plants, contact your local university extension office or garden center for advice on an appropriate treatment.
Can African violets burn?
Clay pots may accumulate fertilizer salts. When the African violet’s leaves and stems come into contact with these salts, they can burn and eventually rot. The best ways to combat this problem:
3. African Violet Pot
Another easy solution to the problem of watering African violets is to use a self-watering pot, often called an African violet pot. These ingenious pots are made for these finicky plants. They come in two styles; both are two separate pieces.
4. Refresh the Soil Once a Year
Each year you should repot your plant with new soil. However, it’s important to note that you likely do not need to go up a pot size when you do this. African violets won’t bloom unless they’re a little root-bound. You’re just changing out the soil to give the plant a refresh.
5. A Dozen Leaves
If you want to encourage new growth and more blooms, keep the number of leaves growing on your violet to around a dozen or so. New leaves and blooms only come from the very top crown of the plant.
6. Enlist a Little Lighting Help
Violets love light. And if your violet isn’t blooming, nine times out of ten, it’s because they aren’t receiving enough light. This is especially true in the winter.
7. Get a Nano Bristle Toothbrush
A while ago, these toothbrushes started popping up all over social media. They have very soft, densely packed bristles, and they’re said to be much easier on your gums when brushing. I don’t know if that’s the case, but what I do know is they are marvelous for dusting African violet leaves.
Why do violet leaves have a funny smell?
I notice that the leaves of some of the wild violets have an unpleasant soapy flavor, which leaves a funny feeling at the back of my throat; this is most likely from high levels of saponins. I avoid these plants, and instead go for the milder tasting species. Some woodland species of violet are rare and should not be disturbed. A good course of action is to identify the common species of violet in your area and then research their edibility and/or traditional uses for medicine. But there’s a good chance that you have common blue violets or the sweet violet growing in your area—both of which are good wild edibles and choice medicinals.
What is the name of the violet that is used in Europe?
Confederate violet (Viola sororia) -. The sweet violet (Viola odorata, Violaceae) is the principal medicinal and culinary species used in Europe. It has escaped cultivation in many locales, because it is popularly planted for its fragrance. Much of the American use of violets stems from the European herbal tradition.
What is a Confederate Violet?
The “confederate violet” is an escaped cultivar (cultivated variety) of Viola sororia —it has white flowers with blue streaks and is an inhabitant of lawns in the southeastern United States. -.
How many species of violet are there?
The Viola genus contains around 550 species, mostly found in the temperate climates of the world. Many species of violet are used similarly to the common blue violet. Most wild foods authors report that the blue and white flowered species of violet are all edible, but not the yellow flowered species. Other authors write that all species are ...
What is Violet's secret?
Violet's secret subterranean flowers. -. Violet leaves contain a good bit of mucilage, or soluble fiber, and thus are helpful in lowering cholesterol levels (similar to oatmeal). Soluble fiber is also helpful in restoring healthy populations of intestinal flora, as beneficial bacteria feed off of this type of fiber.
What are the characteristics of a violet?
Most violet species are herbaceous perennials with a basal rosette of heart-shaped or irregularly lobed leaves. The leaves typically bear rounded teeth and are smooth.
Why do children have a special affinity for this charismatic group of plants?
Children seem to have a special affinity for this charismatic group of plants; perhaps because its bright flowers are well within their reach.
What is in a potting mix for houseplants?
Mixes you buy contain sphagnum peat moss (not decomposed), coarse sand, and/or horticultural vermiculite and perlite. If you wish to make your own potting mix, choose from these ingredients. If you already have a houseplant mix that you want to include, add 1/3 coarse sand to bring it to the porosity you need. As you can see, there is no “soil” used in the mixes. In fact, many houseplant potting mixes contain no soil at all.
What is the best soil for African violets?
The right potting mix for African violets allows air to reach the roots. In their native environment of the “Tanga region of Tanzania in Africa,” this specimen is found growing in crevices of mossy rocks. This allows a good amount of air to reach the roots. African violet soil should allow water to move through while having the proper amount of water retention without cutting off airflow. Some additives help roots to grow bigger and stronger. Your mix should be well-draining, porous, and fertile.
Why is my houseplant's soil so heavy?
Typical houseplant soil is too heavy and restricts airflow because the decomposed peat it contains encourages too much water retention. This type of soil can cause the death of your plant.
Does African Violet have soil?
As you can see, there is no “soil” used in the mixes. In fact, many houseplant potting mixes contain no soil at all. You may want some fertilizer included in the mix to help feed your plants. A premium African Violet mix contains additional ingredients such earthworm castings, compost, or composted or aged bark.
Do African violets need compost?
The castings and the compost act as nutrients for the plants, as does decomposing bark. You will likely want to use additional feedings for the optimum health of your African violet plant. Whether making your own mix or purchasing one that is ready-made, moisten it slightly before planting your African violets.
Can African violets grow in the soil?
But these plants are simple to keep up if you start with the right soil for African violets and the proper location. This article will help provide tips on the most suitable African violet growing medium.
Can African violets die from perlite?
This type of soil can cause the death of your plant. However, when it is mixed with equal parts of coarse vermiculite and perlite , you have an appropriate mix for African violets. Pumice is an alternative ingredient, often used for succulents and other fast-draining planting mixes.
What is Miracle Go for African Violets?
Miracle-Go Potting Mix for African Violets. This potting soil for African Violets contains fertilizer that feeds the plants for up to 6 months. It is slightly acidic and has a pH of 6.0-6.8. It contains Peat Moss and Perlite as well as a wetting aid and the said fertilizer for African Violets.
How many cups of peat moss to perlite?
This potting mix is a 50:50 ratio—one cup of peat moss to one perlite or vermiculite cup.
What is the best soil for African violets?
A mix of peat moss with vermiculite and perlite in the ratio of 50:25:25 is optimal. Commercial potting mixes such as Miracle-Gro and Dr. Earth Organic Potting Soil for African Violets are viable options for African Violets.
What is coco peat?
It is used as an active material for the potting mix. Coco peat or coir is formed in compressed bricks that are soaked in warm water before being used. The constant use of Coco peat or coir can lead to decreased aeration. They are slightly less acidic compared to peat.
Why is perlite used in soil?
It prevents the soil from becoming water-logged and spreading infestations. Perlite helps to improve aeration in the soil and creates holes for oxygen to enter.
What is the pH of peat moss?
Peat moss has a pH of 3.5-4.5.
Where does peat come from in potting mix?
Peat is one of the essential components of the potting mix. This ingredient is taken from the wetlands, where there are water and dead vegetation. Most of them include tree trunks, leaves, moss, grass, roots, and stems.
What color are African violets?
African violets come in most every color. (not orange or black) African violets do come in "yellow". 'Yellow' is a new color to violets and can be highly variable. Good culture and environment promote best bloom colors. Flowers and foliage can be fringed. Miniature African Violets. Less than 6" in diameter when mature.
How many rows of leaves should an African violet have?
African violets should be grown single-crowned. Most African violets look best with no more than 5 rows of leaves.
What color are minis?
Like standards, minis come in most every color ...even green!
Where do African violets grow?
Discovered in 1892 by Baron von St Paul (hence the botanical name), many species can still be found growing in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya. Though their geography is tropical, most species reside in the mountains, at altitude, and under the cover of other plants. This makes African violets ideal for the indoor home garden or window–requiring only moderate (“room”) temperatures and light. Though many of the native Saintpaulia are now threatened by loss of habitat, millions of their modern descendants are grown throughout the world in homes of collectors and hobbyists. As you’ll see by viewing our site and catalog, modern African violet hybrids can be spectacular and very different from the simple species first discovered more than a century ago. Much information about their care and environment can be found throughout these pages.
How to keep soil from drying out?
Watering. Use room-temperature water. Water when the soil feels “dry to the touch”.
How big do mini plants get?
When mature, miniatures grow to less than 6″ in diameter, semiminis to less than 8″. With proper culture, actual plant size usually is much smaller in practice. The smallest of them might be less than 2 or 3″ from leaf tip to leaf tip!
Can African violets grow in shallow pots?
Let them grow. Trailing African violets are perhaps the easiest to grow and bloom, especially for the novice. They are naturally branching, spreading, plants that can left to do their ‘own thing’. No need to remove suckers to keep symmetry or encourage blooming. These violets freely produce extra crowns without sacrificing appearance or bloom–in fact, this increases the potential bloom! Can let spread in shallow pots, or let hang as baskets in windows–the choice is yours.
