African violets are one of the most popular houseplants grown by indoor gardeners. With their bright blooms and attractive foliage, it’s easy to see why they’ve captivated plant lovers for over a century. However, growing these delicate beauties requires providing the right conditions, including using an appropriate pot.
When choosing pots for African violets you need to consider factors like drainage, weight, material, and size. The pot shape and material impact airflow to the roots how quickly the soil dries out, and the overall appearance. Selecting the right pot will help keep your African violet healthy and encourage prolific flowering.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of different pot options so you can determine the best vessels for displaying your African violet collection.
Self-Watering Pots
Self-watering pots are specially designed with built-in reservoirs to provide a constant supply of moisture to plant roots. This makes them an excellent choice for African violets, which prefer consistently moist (but not soggy) soil.
Look for self-watering pots made from plastic, ceramic, or glazed clay. They often feature two-part designs with an outer reservoir and an inner planting pot. Water slowly absorbs through the porous clay or wicking system into the soil as needed.
The main benefits of self-watering pots include:
- Maintain ideal moisture levels for African violet roots
- Prevent dry out or overwatering
- Convenient for busy schedules and vacations
- Often decorative designs and colors
- Available in a range of sizes
When using self-watering pots, check moisture levels regularly and don’t overfill the water reservoir. Good drainage is still important to prevent soggy soil
Glazed Ceramic or Porcelain
Glazed ceramic and porcelain pots provide an upscale, decorative look perfect for displaying prized African violets. The glossy finish comes in myriad colors and patterns to complement any decor.
Ceramic and porcelain pots are:
- Stable and durable
- Help insulate roots from temperature fluctuations
- Retain moisture well
- Easy to clean
- Often lack drainage holes
If your ceramic pot lacks drainage, you’ll need to water carefully to prevent soggy soil. Consider lining the bottom with gravel and using a more porous soil mix. You can also place a plastic nursery pot inside the decorative outer pot.
Terracotta or Clay
Terracotta and clay pots are naturally porous, providing excellent airflow and drainage for African violet roots. The breathable walls help soil dry out quickly between waterings.
Benefits of terracotta or clay pots:
- Provide air circulation to roots
- Allow fast drying of soil
- Natural rustic appearance
- Come in various shapes and sizes
- Help absorb moisture from the air
The downside is that unglazed clay pots lose moisture rapidly. Grow African violets in clay pots in humid environments only and check soil moisture frequently. Avoid pairing clay pots with wick-watering systems.
Plastic
Basic plastic pots offer an affordable and lightweight option for growing African violets. They come in every size imaginable and are widely available.
Consider plastic pots because they are:
- Inexpensive and reusable
- Durable and crack-resistant
- Retain moisture well
- Often have drainage holes
- Easy to find and replace
- Transparent options allow monitoring root growth
While plastic pots work well for African violets, provide drainage holes if lacking. And monitor for potential salt buildup on the rims after fertilizing. Clean plastic pots regularly.
Optimal Pot Size for African Violets
In addition to material, proper sizing is crucial when selecting an African violet pot. These plants have relatively shallow root systems. A pot that is oversized can lead to issues with soggy soil, rot, and nutrient deficiencies.
Here are some general pot size guidelines for African violets:
- Miniature varieties: 2 to 3 inches
- Standard varieties: 3 to 5 inches
- Large varieties: 5 to 8 inches
- Trailing varieties: shallow wider pots or hanging baskets
Ideally, choose a pot with a diameter about 1/3 the width of the African violet’s leaf spread. This allows ample room for root growth without being overly large. The pot’s depth should be around 4 to 5 inches.
Provide Proper Drainage
All pots for African violets need bottom drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil. If your decorative container lacks holes, you have a few options:
- Line the bottom with pebbles or gravel and use a very porous soil mix.
- Place the African violet in a plastic nursery pot and situate inside the hole-less container.
- Be very controlled in watering and dump out excess water immediately.
Improper drainage is a leading cause of root rot and death for African violets. Monitor soil moisture frequently and repot into fresh mix annually.
Best Materials to Avoid for African Violet Pots
When selecting pots for African violets, there are a few materials to avoid:
- Metal or wire pots – Tend to transfer too much heat to the roots
- Opaque plastic or resin pots – Don’t allow monitoring of root growth and moisture levels
- Wood pots – Can harbor bacteria and mold
- Bone or eggshell pots – Too fragile and deteriorate over time
- Extremely heavy materials like concrete
Stick with the recommended potting materials that offer drainage, breathability, reasonable weight, and decorative appeal. With the right vessel, your African violets will flourish!
Displaying Your Vibrant African Violet Collection
One of the joys of growing African violets is displaying these gorgeous bloomers. Consider showing off your prized violets in these creative ways:
-
Group collections of African violets interspersed with other plants on shelves or windowsills. Use pots in coordinating colors and styles for a cohesive look.
-
Arrange African violets of different varieties on tiered plant stands or tables at varying heights for visual interest.
-
Suspend trailing varieties in hanging baskets to showcase lush draping foliage and long flower stems. Hang near bright windows where they’ll thrive.
-
Mix sizes like miniatures combined with larger varieties in decorative cache pots or planter groupings.
-
Rotate potted African violets into the decor as they come into bloom for pops of vibrant color.
With the right pots and creative displays, your African violet collection will be a stunning addition to any indoor space. The beautiful blooms and attractive foliage make them perfect houseplants. Follow these tips to pick pots that keep your African violets healthy and happy!
African Violet Pot Containers
FAQ
Do African violets prefer deep or shallow pots?
They like breathable, shallow pots
African Violet roots don’t go very deep; they like to go sideways, so don’t use a deep pot. Your pot must have suitable drainage holes so you can water from underneath. You can also get African Violet specific pots that have a terra cotta sleeve you plant in, and a water reservoir.
Do African violets need bigger pots?
For best results, repot violets growing in pots smaller than 3” every 2-3 months; repot violets in 4” or larger pots every 6-12 months.
Why do African violets need special pots?
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.
Do African violets like full sun or shade?
Too little light can cause of African violets not to bloom well. They prefer bright, indirect sun. Too little sunlight causes them to stretch for the light and produce few or no flowers; too much sun can burn the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, especially with a sheer curtain to block the sun’s harshest rays.