QA

Question: How Often Should I Water My African Violet

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 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.

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.

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.

How do I get my African violet to bloom?

8 Ways to Get Your African Violet to Bloom Again. Let There Be Light. Turn Up the Humidity. Replenish Essential Nutrients. Keep it Pleasant. Choose the Right Soil. Protect From Pests & Disease. Constrict the Roots.

Should you water African violets from the bottom?

Should I water African violets from the top or bottom? Either is fine. It is important not to use cold water; lukewarm or warm is preferred. If you water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun; this is to avoid leaf spots.

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.

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 water and feed African violets?

How to Feed African Violets. A month after planting, begin feeding your African violets with Miracle-Gro® Blooming Houseplant Food for more and brighter blooms (vs. unfed plants). Add two pumps of plant food to the water reservoir of a self-watering pot each week when you change the water.

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 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.

Why do African violet buds drying up?

Humidity, watering — Dry air can cause violet buds to dry off. Be sure that there is some humidity around the plant. Uneven watering can also cause buds to dry off. Keep the soil evenly moist and avoid allowing them to become so dry that their leaves wilt.

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.

What month do violets bloom?

Both the leaves and flowers (which bloom in late winter and early spring) are also edible and rich in vitamins. Violets can be planted nearly anytime throughout spring and fall, though early spring is preferable.

How cold can African violets get?

Keep Violets as close to 70 degrees F as possible. In all cases, avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 60 degrees. Be aware of cold drafts coming through windows, and keep your Violets insulated from them. For more about proper temperature and other factors of air quality, see “Caring for African Violets.”.

Can you repot African violets when they are blooming?

Can you repot an African violet when it’s blooming? Moving is stressful enough! We recommend waiting for a lull in blooming before you repot. That said, if your plant is tightly root-bound or at risk of toppling over, it’s okay to repot while flowering.

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.

Should you deadhead African violets?

Deadheading. 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.