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An important point to remember when bottom watering African Violet plants is to top water at least once a month. This way you are flushing out any extra fertilizer salt build up and refreshing the soil/roots from the top too.
How do I know when my African violets need water?
Knowing when to water your African Violet is pretty straightforward. Take your finger and lightly push down into the soil. If the mix feels bone dry, it’s time to water. If the mix feels moist, let your African Violet sit and check back in a few days.
How much water do African violets need?
It’s healthiest for the plant if you allow the potting mix to dry slightly between watering, but it should never be bone dry. 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.
Do African violets need direct sunlight?
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. Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.
Do African violets like to be wet or dry?
In general, African Violets need just enough water to keep the soil moist, but never soggy. Too much waterwill leave your African Violets susceptible to such deadly pathogens as Pythium, Root Rot and Crown Rot.
How long should African violets sit in water?
Let the water sit for a bit. Your African violet is finicky about its water. Make sure the water is either tepid or at room temperature before giving it to your plant. It’s best to let it sit for 24-48 hours, but if you can’t, then let it stand for at least an hour.
How do you fix Overwatered African violets?
If you have soft, limp or mushy leaves due to overwatering, first of all stop watering the plant. Then gently remove the soft, limp or mushy leaves and gently remove plant from pot. Gently remove the old soil, not too much soil, as the African Violet plant likes to be root bound.
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.
Why do you water African violets from the bottom?
Top Watering (Specialty African violet watering cans are available online.) This gives you more control over the stream of water: poke the nozzle beneath the leaves to wet your soil while keeping your plant dry. Grow Tip: Bottom watering can allow fertilizer salts to build up in your plant’s soil.
Do African violets need drainage?
8. Soil: Again, drainage is very important in keeping your African violet healthy, so choose a commercial mix of sterile potting soil and perlite, If you need to re-pot, make sure to use sterile potting mix.
Where is the best place to put an African violet?
Grow plants in bright, indirect light for the best color and blooms. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location. Plants will still grow when situated right beside north- or east-facing windows, but leaves will be thin and spindly, and plants less likely to bloom.
Do African violets prefer morning or afternoon sun?
Violets require 2 to 4 hours of morning or afternoon sunlight. If they don’t receive enough light, they will not bloom. They will look like a healthy plant with dark green leaves but no flowers. Too much direct sun will give the appearance of reddish yellow leaves and spindly flowers.
Is coffee grounds good for African violets?
Is Coffee Grounds Good for African Violets? Yes, coffee grounds are a great homemade fertilizer for African Violets. Make a mixture of dried coffee grounds and dried egg shells, then work the coffee ground mixture into the top of the soil. Replenish every couple of months.
Should you remove dead flowers from African violets?
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.
Can you water African violets with ice cubes?
Can I use ice cubes to water African violets? No, only use room temperature water to avoid damaging your plants. While ice cubes slowly melt and add moisture to the soil, the cold water makes your violets more susceptible to discoloration.
Why do African violet leaves turn yellow?
Water issues – One of the most common explanations when African violet leaves are yellow is incorrect watering practices. The leaves don’t tolerate water directly on them, and the foliage will respond by developing yellow or bleached, necrotic spots or ring spot.
Can you over water African violets?
Overwatering can kill a plant. The fine roots of an African violet need air, which cannot penetrate a soggy wet soil mass. Once you’ve mastered how to water African violets, half of your work is done.
Why are African violet leaves curling?
African violet leaf curl may be caused by too much sun. African violets prefer bright but indirect light. Too much direct, hot sunlight can cause leaves to brown and curl under. Move plants out of direct light to see if that stops the curling.
Can you get African violet leaves wet?
The soil for African Violets should be kept moist. When watering an African Violet one can water from either the top of the bottom but use water that is room temperature. When watering from the top be careful not to get the leaves wet, getting the leaves wet can cause spots or rings to appear on the plant’s leaves.
