Dreaming of gorgeous African violets?
Success is just a few tips away!
Discover 6 key things you need to know to help these beauties thrive.
Ready to transform your plants?
Let’s get started!
1. Use Suitable Potting Soil
Ensure your African violets thrive by using a light, airy potting soil. Purchase a commercial blend or create your own by adding peat moss and vermiculite or perlite. This enhances soil aeration and promotes healthy root growth.
- Use commercial potting soil
- Mix in extra peat moss
- Add vermiculite or perlite
2. Provide Optimal Growing Conditions
African violets thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage their delicate, velvety leaves. Place them near a south- or east-facing window for optimal light. During winter, consider using grow lights to ensure they get enough exposure for blooming. Ideal temperatures range from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid locations with drafty conditions where the temperature can drop below 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit at night. This will help maintain a stable environment for your African violets to flourish.
3. Maintain Soil Moisture
Ensure you water your African violets when the top layer of soil feels dry. Only use room temperature or slightly warmer water, and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent spotting. These plants prefer fairly humid conditions, so if you live in a dry area, group your plants together or place their pots on a tray of pebbles with water.
4. Fertilize Regularly
To keep your African violet thriving, regular feeding is crucial. Opt for a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote blooms and manage leaf growth. While specific violet fertilizers are available, a quality general-purpose fertilizer also works well. It’s beneficial to fertilize lightly with every watering to ensure a constant supply of nutrients. Regular feeding helps maintain healthy and vibrant blooms in your African violet.
5. Remove Spent Blooms
To maintain continuous blooming in African violets, regularly pinch off or remove spent blossoms. This process directs the plant’s resources towards producing new buds rather than sustaining dead tissue. Consistent removal of old blooms is crucial for keeping your African violets healthy and vibrant.
6. Re-pot Periodically
Nutrient levels in potting soil diminish over time as the plant roots consume them. To keep your African violets healthy, replace the potting mix once or twice a year. Often, the pot size remains the same and typically stays within 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Regular re-potting ensures your plants continue to thrive.