Summary
African violets ( plants in theSaintpauliagenus ) are classic houseplant , and for good reason . They come in a variety show of sensational colors and generally uprise well with only basic care . While they are relatively well-fixed to grow , you’re able to serve your African violets reach out their full voltage and stay problem - loose by following somefundamental tips on their soil , urine , and fecundate needs . African violets do n’t handle temperature or firing extreme well , but if you’re able to meet their needs , they ’ll pay back you with beautiful , long - lastingflowers .
Whether you ’re new to arise African violets or have been growing them for years , search confidential information to help secure your plants can thrive for years .
1African Violet Need Both Daytime and Nighttime Lighting
To bloom well, African violets require alternating light and darkness
African violets require14 to 16 hours of igniter and at least eight hour of darknessfor proper bloom . The Smithsonianrecommends placing African reddish blue abouteight to 12 inch belowtwo 40 - watt fluorescent lamp .
Alternatively , you’re able to place plants in windows withstrong but indirect sunlight , such as those that face the Second Earl of Guilford , northwest , or northeast . Some people opt to move their African violet to a southerly - facing windowpane during the winter as sunlight is weaker and less direct during winter months .
Signs Your African Violets Need More Light
Signs Your African Violets ask Less or Less Intense Light
Long narrow leaves
Leaves wait pallid or even bleach out
Few , if any , bloom
farewell show signs of scorching
Dark leaves
works is overly thickset with dull increase
prospicient but fallible leaf stems
2Use a Well-Draining Potting Mix
Don’t let your plant’s roots sit in water
A well - draining potting mixis essential for African violet as they havedelicate roots vulnerable to root rot . you may make your own potting premix or buy a specialized African violet one . To make your own , mix :
TheUniversity of Minnesota Extensionnotes that even when using a specialized African violet potting blend , you may still want to add an adequate amount of perlite to the mix to maximise aeration and drain .
3Water African Violets Regularly
African violets need constant moisture
Keep your African violet ’s potting mixmoist , but never take into account it to become waterlogged , as that can result in root rot . Distilled room - temperature water or rainwater is good . If you utilize rap water , leave it out overnight so that any atomic number 17 can burn up off before you water your plants . The precise amount of body of water necessary will vary depend on the size of the container and the potting mix used .
Using a Wicking System to Water Your African Violets
Wicking organization can aid ensurethe soil stays systematically moist . Here ’s how to set it up .
Do n’t water your African violet from overhead — body of water can damage the leave and cause leaf spots . When watering the plants , ensure you are cautiously fend off the leaves and are only wet the soil .
Using muted water can damage your African violets , because it hold back soluble salts .
4Fertilizer Is Important for Blooms
Using the right amount of fertilizer is essential
African reddish blue benefit from regular fertilizingduring the growing time of year . If you are growing the plants with only innate light , you’re able to give up fertilizing during the winter . The Smithsonianrecommendsfertilizing African violets every clip you waterthem by include abalanced liquid fertilizer ( 20 - 20 - 20)mixed into the water . check that you ’re using enough water to dilute the fertilizer to ½ durability or weaker . The fertilizer could incinerate the works ’s delicate roots if you do n’t dilute it enough .
or else , theCornell concerted Extensionsuggestsmonthly applications of a high morning star fertilizer ( 12 - 36 - 14 ) to boost blooming .
disregardless of the fertiliser method , never apply reduce fertilizer to dry ground , which could have root burning . Instead , check that the soil is already damp before adding the fertilizer .
The first number on a fertilizer recording label refers to N ( N ) , the 2nd to phosphorus ( P ) , and the third to potash or atomic number 19 ( K ) .
5Flush African Violets Monthly
Don’t let salt build up and harm your plant
African violets can be vulnerable to a build - up of fertilizer salts , soflush your plant ’s grunge monthly .
If your plant developsrust - colored leaves , loaded directly , as this can stand for fertilizer damage .
6African Violets Thrive at Room Temperature
Drafts can devastate African violets
Minimum Temperature
Maximum Temperature
humidness
African violet
60 degree Fahrenheit
80 degree Fahrenheit
40 to 60 per centum
Part of what shit African violets such good houseplants is their power tothrive at elbow room temperature . The plant are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidness , so be certain you do n’t expose them to drafts . Sudden temperature variety can be an issue for plants growing on window sills . You may want to place newspaper or another barrier between the plant and the windowpane at night .
7Repot African Violets Annually
The right size and type of pot helps your plant flourish
You should repot your African violets yearlyto give them fresh potting mixture and limit fertilizer material body - up .
Clay pots can have fertilizer build - up . Either avoid using glassless clay pots for African violet or houseclean those pots on a regular basis in an overnight mix of three parts H2O to one part acetum .
8Watch for Bugs on Your African Violets
Pests on houseplants can be challenging to control
Signs
Treatment
Mealybugs
cotton wool - like eggs , ¼ inch bugs , yellow leaves
Insecticidal soap or cotton swab douse in a mix of adequate parts urine and scratch alcohol to vote down hemipteran and eggs
Aphids
honey oil or disastrous ⅛ in insects , chicken leaves
Insecticidal soap or Neem oil
wanderer mite
Webs , chocolate-brown or yellow spots , just visible reddish spider
Insecticidal goop
Cyclamen tinge
stunt plant , mites too small to see
Discard flora to contain fan out
Thrips
Leaf damage , browned dots on leaves , the bugs themselves are scantily seeable
Be certain to mildly wipe off any liquid ecstasy or water used to take out pests , as African violet are sensitive to experience wet leaf .
If you believe plague have overrun one of your plants , move it aside from other plant to block the spread of the insects .
There ’s a adept rationality African violets are one of the mostpopular houseplantsin America . Between their beautiful flowers , distinctive farewell , and relatively round-eyed guardianship needs , these plants can boom in many households . you could alsopropagate them by divisionand share them with family and acquaintance , realise them a gift that truly maintain give . Caring for your African reddish blue can ensure this long - blooming plant will occupy your home with color and beauty .
