2024 was named The Year of the African Violet by the National Garden Bureau and I am so here for it. The cheerful, compact, easy-care African Violet is a plant Ive always had a few of for the last 30+ years. They should come with a warning though. Theyre very addictive!
As well as my many mature African Violets, I have a converted Ikea cabinet with 20 or so variegated and girl leaf propagations growing right now, tucked up nice and warm and humid under grow lights. And no, I did NOT think ahead on what Ill do with them all once they get big, so I guess its African Violets on everyones gift list this year. I love how a simple single-leaf cutting can be popped in some Starter Mix and voila! Hello cute new plant. PS: These mini pots with humidity domes are superb for African Violet propagation and baby plants.
However, these adorable plants seem to be hit-or-miss with plant parents. Either you find them super-easy, or you kill them. There certainly are some African Violet rules that make them MUCH easier to care for once you know what to do (and not to do), and how to read their leaves. Here are the rules, African Violet tips and tricks, the care essentials covering watering, substrate, light, temperature, humidity and more, plus trouble-shooting tips throughout, including how to get your African Violet to flower. Lets jump in…
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African violets are one of the most popular houseplants, prized for their colorful blooms and velvety foliage. With the proper care, these flowering beauties can thrive for many years. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to successfully grow healthy African violets.
Getting Started with African Violets
African violets originate from Tanzania, Kenya and surrounding regions in East Africa. There are over 20,000 registered cultivars with flowers that come in every color except true red.
When choosing your African violet, look for plants with healthy, vibrant green leaves and avoid any with brown spots or marks. The plant should not be root bound or pot bound in its nursery container. Select a plant size that suits your space and needs. Miniature varieties grow 3-5 inches tall while standard African violets reach 6-12 inches.
African violets are traditionally grown as houseplants but also make lovely outdoor plants in frost-free climates, They can be grown indoors or outside as long as their care requirements are met,
Optimal Growing Conditions
African violets thrive when given the following care:
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Bright Light: African violets need very bright, filtered light for at least 10 hours daily. An east, west or slightly shaded south window is ideal. Keep plants 12-18 inches from the window. Never expose them to direct hot sun which will burn the leaves.
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Ideal Temperatures Daytime temperatures of 70-75°F and 60-65°F at night are optimal. Avoid cold drafts
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Humidity: African violets prefer 40-50% humidity. Use a humidifier or place plants on a pebble tray to increase moisture in the air.
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Air Circulation: Stagnant air can lead to problems with pests and diseases. Ensure good air flow by using small fans.
Choosing the Right Potting Mix
A well-draining, lightweight potting mix is essential for healthy African violets. The pH should be slightly acidic, between 6.4-6.9.
The ideal potting mix contains 1 part perlite or vermiculite and 1 part peat moss or coconut coir. You can also purchase specialty African violet potting mixes. Avoid regular potting soil as it will be too heavy and can compress roots.
Watering and Fertilizing
African violets prefer slightly dry soil. Allow the top 1-2 inches to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the drainage holes. Never allow pots to sit in water.
Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer made for African violets. Dilute to half strength. Fertilize sparingly in winter.
Leach excess salts by watering thoroughly every 3-4 months. Allow water to flow through until it runs clear.
Choosing the Right Pot
African violets have shallow roots and prefer smaller, wider pots to allow for maximum airflow around the roots. Choose pots that are approximately 1/3 the diameter of the plant. Miniature varieties do well in 3-4 inch pots while standard sized plants need 5-6 inch pots.
Unglazed terracotta, glazed ceramic and plastic pots all work well. Make sure pots have drainage holes. Cachepots can be used for decorative outer containers.
Repotting African Violets
Repot African violets every 12-18 months using fresh potting mix. Gently remove the plant, keeping the root ball intact. Prune off any dead or damaged roots and leaves. Place the plant in its new pot and fill around it with potting mix, leaving 1/2 inch below the rim. Avoid burying the crown where the leaves meet the soil.
How to Propagate African Violets
African violets are easily propagated from leaf cuttings. Select a healthy leaf with a bit of stem. Insert the stem in moist potting mix. New baby plantlets will form along the veins of the leaf. Separate and repot the babies when they have 3-4 leaves.
You can also propagate from division. Carefully divide the plant, ensuring each division has some roots and leaves. Repot divisions in small pots.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
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Leaf scorch: Usually caused by too much direct sun. Move plant to a shadier spot.
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Wrinkled, curled leaves: Indicates under or overwatering. Adjust your watering habits.
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Ring spots on leaves: Caused by cold water on leaves. Use room temperature water.
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** Flowers fading:** Can be from over fertilization, low light, or cooler temperatures.
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No flowers: African violets need very bright light to bloom. Move to an optimal location.
With the proper care, African violets will reward you with months of colorful blooms. Follow these tips and tricks for success in growing happy, healthy African violet plants.
Where do African Violets come from in the wild?
Knowing where they come from tells you a lot about their care. In saying that, Ive found them quite tolerant of conditions outside of their ideal range, although you might miss out on those gorgeous blooms. African Violets were discovered in 1892 by Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, where they get their botanical name from: Saintpaulia ionantha or just Saintpaulia.
They are native to rainforests in the mountains of east African countries such as Tanzania, where temperatures vary from around 18 to 32 degrees Celsius (64 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). They grow naturally in the coastal mountains and forests with average annual humidity of 77%. They are low-growing plants, protected from direct light by the forest tree canopy above, often found growing between rocks in pockets of soil.
What’s the difference between lukewarm vs room temperature vs tepid water?
Although I use these three terms interchangeably, I shouldnt. Technically they are different. Lukewarm is warmer than room temperature and tepid tends to cover the widest temperature range. They dont have exact temperatures but as a general guide:. Room temperature is around 20 to 24 degrees Celsius or 68 to 76 Fahrenheit. Lukewarm is around 35 to 40 Celsius or 98 to 105 Fahrenheit. Tepid tends to be a broader range, around 15 to 27 Celsius or 60 to 100 Fahrenheit. I aim for somewhere between room temperature and lukewarm for watering all my indoor plants, but especially for my temperature-sensitive African Violets.
African Violet Care GUIDE – Beginner’s Secret To Success
FAQ
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