- 1. Environment: African violets are meant to be grown indoors year round. Although some gardeners do take them outside when the temperatures are warm, they are susceptible to insect damage and will remain healthier and prettier when kept indoors.
- 2. Natural light: African violets require indirect light rather than direct sun, which can burn their leaves. ...
How do you grow African violets under fluorescent lights?
They are commonly grown under fluorescent lights placed 12 to 15 inches above the leaves. If the leaves start getting light green, your plant is getting too much light, while thin and dark green leaves or a leggy plant indicate too little light. A well-drained potting mix is essential for African violets.
Do African violets need sun or shade?
African violets need lots of light, and they won’t flower if they don’t get enough sun. However, they will scorch easily in direct sunlight, so their placement in the house is very important. In winter, the plants will do best near a window that faces south or west in the Northern Hemisphere, or north or east in the Southern Hemisphere.
Where can I buy African violets?
Most garden and home stores will sell a medium specifically designed for African violets. You can also make your own African violet mix by combining equal parts perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss.
What direction should an African violet face?
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.
Do African violets need to be by a window?
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).
How often do you water an African violet?
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 prefer morning or afternoon sun?
They need bright to moderate indirect or filtered light to thrive. They can grow in direct light, but only early in the morning and late in the afternoon. If you place your hand over an African Violet receiving sunlight and can feel the heat or its too warm, then the light is too intense for the African Violet.
How long do African violets live?
50 yearsRepotting these blooms is so important due to their long lifespan. "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.
Should 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.
Do African violets like to be misted?
African Violets do not enjoy misting, but if you really think you need to mist your African Violets, it's best to do it rarely and when the humidity is below 30%. Misting frequently or for an extended time can cause leaf damage to the plant, which then has a direct effect on the overall health of the plant.
Can I water African violets with tap water?
In most locations, tap water will be fine, but the quality of tap water can vary. Chlorine levels may fluctuate, depending on the season. In some areas, tap water may have high amounts of chlorine, chloramines, or dissolved solids. All these things may adversely affect your African violets.
Do African violets like coffee grounds?
Are coffee grounds good for African violets? Coffee grounds are slightly acidic and contain nitrogen, which helps plants grow healthy foliage. Occasionally sprinkling used coffee grounds on top of your African violet potting soil can be good for the plant.
Can you use Miracle Grow on African violets?
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.
What do African violets symbolize?
The violet symbolizes loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness.
How do I get my African violet to bloom again?
8 Ways to Get Your African Violet to Bloom Again. ... Let There Be Light. ... Turn Up the Humidity. ... Replenish Essential Nutrients. ... Keep it Pleasant. ... Choose the Right Soil. ... Protect From Pests & Disease. ... Constrict the Roots.More items...•
What window do you put an African violet in?
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.
Can I put African violet in south window?
If you live in the southern hemisphere, it will be your southern window that receives no sun. They are the reverse. What is this? The bottom line is that if your African Violet does not receive enough light, it simply will not bloom well, so you will know very easily if your plant is happy.
Can African violets be 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?
African violets will thrive in bright, warm and humid conditions. Keep water from touching their leaves or it will leave brown spots. Remove dead flowers and leaves as soon as you see them to encourage a healthier plant. Regularly check the soil and plant to make sure there is no accumulation of dead leaves. This will encourage rot. Growing these houseplants is really a matter of balance; you have to make sure that the different factors that go into their cultivation all are weighted against each other. They should be kept in moist enough conditions that they don't dry out, yet still exposed to a fresh breeze to avoid letting them get too stuffy, and exposed to sunlight without damaging their leaf tips. Don't be discouraged if your African violets suffer some damage—it's all part of the process.
How often do African violets bloom?
African violets are one of the world's most popular houseplants and for good reason. These compact, low-growing plants flower several times a year, and they are available in a multitude of leaf forms and colors.
When were African violets first introduced?
The original plants, the S. ionantha, were introduced in Germany in 1893. Two years later, the S. confusa were introduced. Since then, thousands of varieties have been produced. Today, African violets are available in single and double flowers, in all different colors, and with widely varied leaf shapes. Gloxinia is sometimes mistaken for a type of African violet. If you like African Violets, you might also enjoy their cousin, the Goldfish Plant .
Do African violets need to be kept in moist conditions?
They should be kept in moist enough conditions that they don't dry out, yet still exposed to a fresh breeze to avoid letting them get too stuffy, and exposed to sunlight without damaging their leaf tips. Don't be discouraged if your African violets suffer some damage—it's all part of the process. 2:43.
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 ...
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.
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 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.
Do African violets need direct sunlight?
Provide plenty of bright but indirect light. African violets need lots of light, and they won’t flower if they don’t get enough sun. However, they will scorch easily in direct sunlight, so their placement in the house is very important.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to keep African violets from overwatering?
Keep from overwatering your African violets by planting them in a ceramic pot with drainage. This planter features drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, along with a bottom tray, to ensure your plants stay hydrated without soaking the soil.
What kind of pots do African violets like?
Ceramic pots. The porous construction of ceramic pots make them a great choice for African violets. Choose a ceramic pot with a saucer for maximum drainage.
How to make African violets have enough water?
Another simple way to ensure your African violets have enough water inside their pot is to use one of these square self watering planters. This pot comes in multiple colors such as blue, gray, white, purple, and more. There is a water gauge in the corner, so you’ll easily know when it’s time to add more water.
Why do violets need self watering?
These devices eliminate the need to worry about a fungal disease that causes your pretty violets to rot.
What happens if African violets are too much watered?
If they receive too much water, this gorgeous houseplant will become susceptible to Root Rot, Crown Rot, Pythium, and other diseases that are deadly to flowers.
What happens if you plant African violets in a pot?
If you plant your flowers in a pot that is too small, the roots will not develop properly. This will cause them to become rootbound, which will not promote new growth.
Where is the drainage hole for violets?
The pot also features two levels of drainage for your violets, including a drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and a drainage tray to catch excess water.
