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 and beloved houseplants, prized for their ability to bloom year-round with beautiful purple, pink, white or blue flowers. But like all plants, in order to thrive, African Violets need the proper care when it comes to watering. Understanding their water needs is crucial for keeping your African Violet healthy and continuously blooming. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about watering your African Violet.
How Often To Water African Violets
The number one rule when it comes to watering African Violets is moderation. Too much water will leave the soil soggy, promoting root rot, while too little will cause leaves to wilt and flowers to fade. As a general rule, water when the top inch of soil becomes dry to the touch. This usually translates to watering about once a week in the summer and every 10-14 days in the winter when plants are less active.
However instead of sticking to a set schedule, it’s better to check the soil frequently and feel when it’s becoming dry. Make sure you are allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The timing will vary depending on factors like temperature humidity, sunlight, soil mixture, and pot size. To be safe, inspect the soil by inserting your finger into the pot and if it feels just barely moist or dry, it’s time to water.
How To Water African Violets Properly
There are a few techniques you can use to water your African Violets while avoiding the leaves
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Bottom watering – Place the pot in a shallow container of water for 20-30 minutes until the soil is soaked Make sure the water level is low enough to not submerge the whole pot,
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Wicking – Use a water wick made of yarn or cotton rope running from a reservoir up into the soil. This provides a steady supply of moisture.
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Long spout watering can – Carefully pour water directly into the soil, avoiding contact with the leaves.
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Turkey baster – Use a baster to gently apply water to the base of the plant.
No matter which method you choose, always water with room temperature water as African Violets are sensitive to cold. Allow any excess water to drain fully from the drainage holes before returning to its saucer.
Water Quality For African Violets
The quality and chemical composition of the water you use is also important for healthy growth. Tap water containing high levels of salts, chlorine, or fluoride can burn leaf tips. Let tap water sit out overnight before using so the chemicals can dissipate. Or use distilled, filtered, or rain water for best results. The optimal pH for African Violet water is between 6.4-7.
Signs Of Underwatering
If you aren’t watering enough, your African Violet will show signs of dehydration. Look for wilting, drooping, dull or curling leaves, brown leaf tips, slowed growth, and lack of blooms. The leaves may start to get soft and mushy as the plant tries to conserve any moisture it can. If caught early, underwatered plants can typically be revived by giving them a good, thorough watering and keeping the soil consistently moist (but not wet) going forward.
Signs Of Overwatering
On the flip side, signs of overwatering include yellow, translucent leaves, brown leaf edges, root rot, mold/fungus on the soil surface, a spread out or limp plant, and discolored flowers. The most obvious giveaway is leaves that are mushy or easily fall off with just a gentle touch. Overwatered plants are prone to crown rot, where waterlogged soil causes the base of the plant and roots to rot away. Unfortunately this is usually a death sentence for African Violets.
The best way to avoid overwatering is to use pots with drainage holes, well-draining soil mixes, water only when the top of the soil has dried out, and pour out any water that collects in the saucer beneath the pot after watering.
Ideal Potting Mix
The potting mix used for African Violets is key to getting their sensitive watering needs right. A light, fluffy mix that drains well but also holds some moisture is ideal. Look for a commercial African Violet potting mix, or create your own blend using 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite or vermiculite, and 1 part sand or pine bark fines. Avoid standard potting soils that stay overly damp.
Humidity
African Violets prefer consistent humidity around 40 to 60%. Use a humidifier nearby or place pots on a pebble water tray to increase humidity. Misting the leaves directly can encourage bacterial or fungal leaf spot diseases so avoid doing this.
Self-Watering Pots
Self-watering pots are a great, low maintenance option for African Violets. The most common style is a plastic pot with a built-in water reservoir in the base. Wicking cords draw water up into the soil as needed, so the plant receives a constant supply of moisture. Use caution not to overfill the reservoir and monitor moisture levels periodically.
When Traveling
If you’ll be away from home, the easiest way to keep African Violets watered is to use self-watering pots with a decently filled reservoir that will last for 1-2 weeks. You can also place pots in a watertight container or cover loosely with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse environment that slows soil drying. Have a plant sitter come by to water every 10 days or so if you’ll be gone longer.
Watering African Violets Outdoors
African Violets can be grown outdoors in zones 10 and up. Those located in hot, dry climates will need more frequent water, while humid climates translate to less water. Apply at least 1-2 inches of water per week. Base timing on your climate, being sure to water thoroughly before heat waves. Bring plants indoors or under overhangs during periods of heavy rain to prevent crown rot.
Fertilizing
Fertilize monthly during spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength. This gives African Violets the nutrients they need for lush growth and flowering. Avoid overfertilizing which can damage roots.
Troubleshooting Common African Violet Watering Problems
Here are some quick tips to resolve the most common watering-related issues with African Violets:
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White mineral deposits on leaves – Use distilled or rainwater. Water less frequently.
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Blisters or spots on leaves – Water with room temperature water, avoid splashing leaves when watering.
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Wilting – Water more frequently, don’t let soil completely dry out.
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Few blooms – Increase water during hot or dry periods.
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Mushy leaves – Check for root rot and stop overwatering.
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Brown leaf tips – Use filtered water and add peat moss to soil to increase acidity.
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Ring spots on leaves – Use room temperature water and increase humidity.
Key Takeaways
Caring for African Violets isn’t difficult as long as you stay vigilant about proper watering. Keep the soil moist but not soaked, water when top inch dries out, use room temperature purified water, allow drainage holes, and fix any issues with wilting or rot immediately by adjusting your watering habits. With the right watering technique, your African Violets will continue to grace you with their charming blooms for years to come.
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.
The best fertiliser for African Violets
There are SO many fertiliser options it quickly gets overwhelming and confusing. The first thing to check is whether the fertiliser is complete. Some only offer the three macro-minerals, NPK (thats the three numbers on the front of some fertilisers), but African Violets plants need 12 essential nutrients from their fertiliser and soil. One way to help choose a good fertiliser is to check it offers more than just NPK. The label will normally list whats inside.
Look for all 12 essential nutrients on the label, which are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper and molybdenum, often listed in that order. Some fertilisers list more than 12. Thats normally a sign they are also made for plants like fruit and vegetables who need extras like nickel and cobalt. Although not essential for African Violets, and toxic in high amounts, in the very small amounts needed for crops, they shouldnt cause any issues.
A heads up to watch for fertilisers that say they are complete but dont include calcium. Calcium is essential for all plants, but even more so for flowering plants. Most fertilisers – even ones that claim to complete – dont include calcium. Always check as a lack of calcium can harm foliage and prevent flowering. It can also cause buds to form but never flower, or if they do flower, flowers can brown and die early. You should see calcium listed on the label, normally around 4th position.
6 Tips For Caring for African Violets!
FAQ
How much water should you give an African violet?
How to tell if African violet needs water?
What does an underwatered African violet look like?
Where is the best place to put an African violet?
How much water do African violets need?
African violets need around one or two inches of water per week when being cared for outdoors. When watering the plants indoors, you’ll be giving them as much water as they need. You don’t necessarily have to measure out the water in the can meticulously.
How do you water an African violet?
One easy way to water an African violet is to place the pot in a container with no more than an inch (2.5 cm.) of water. Remove it from the water after about 20 minutes, or until the potting mix is moist. Never let the pot stand in water, which is a surefire way to invite rot.
How much water does a violet plant need?
The amount of water your violet needs will depend on a few factors, such as the size of the pot, the type of potting mix, and the climate. African violets need about 1-2 inches of water per week. If you’re unsure how much water your plant needs, it’s best to start on the lower end and increase as needed.
How do you care for African violets?
For watering violets, use water at room temperature. Next, let’s look at the water itself. When it comes to caring for African Violets, not all water is created equal. They are sensitive to water temperature, as well as chemicals. Use water at room temperature or even slightly tepid water. Do not use cold or hot water, as this can shock the plant.