What is special about African violets?
African violets are perhaps the most popular flowering houseplants grown in the world today. There are many reasons for this: The plants generally flower the year round, giving an almost continuous display of blooms. They require the same temperatures humans find comfortable, making them easy to raise in our homes.
How do you care for an African violet?
- Light. Bright, but not direct sunlight. They are commonly grown under fluorescent lights placed 12 to 15 inches above the leaves.
- Soil. A well-drained potting mix is essential.
- Water. Keep soil moist with warm water and strive for high humidity.
- Fertilizer. Feed with an African violet fertilizer every other week.
Is an African violet easy to care for?
African violets are among the easiest of all houseplants to grow and are probably the easiest flowering houseplant to care for.
How do you keep an African violet blooming?
The most common reason African violets don’t bloom is because they aren’t getting enough light. 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.
How often should I water African violets?
“How often to water African violets?” is perhaps the most pondered African violet dilemma. The best guide is to feel the top of the soil: if it is dry to the touch, then it is time to water. African violets should be allowed to dry out between each watering for best results. Overwatering can kill a plant.
Can I put my African violet outside?
In most cases, African violets cannot survive outdoors. Although they’re fairly hardy plants, you need to get their conditions just right. And since African violets hail from the rainforests of Tanzania, your backyard probably isn’t up to the challenge.
How often should I water my African violet?
The best guide is to feel the top of the soil: if it is dry to the touch, then it is time to water. African violets should be allowed to dry out between each watering for best results. Overwatering can kill a plant. The fine roots of an African violet need air, which cannot penetrate a soggy wet soil mass.
How many times a year do African violets bloom?
African violets can bloom nearly year-round. If you are able to provide the correct conditions, expect your African violets to bloom 10-12 months each year. Each bloom lasts for about 2-3 weeks.
How often do you water African violets?
How do you keep African violets blooming?
What is the lifespan of an African violet?
50 years
Repotting these blooms is so important due to their long lifespan. “Remember that African violets have a very long lifespan and have been said to last up to 50 years,” says Ryan McEnaney, public relations and communications specialist for Bailey Nurseries.
What window should I put my African violet in?
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 bloom all year?
A: African violets are capable of blooming year-round in the home, but they won’t bloom reliably if one or more of their basic needs are not being met. The most likely reason African violets stop blooming is because they’re in too little light.
How many years do African violets live?
What is the life cycle of an African violet?
With proper care, the plant is an excellent investment because it has the potential to live indefinitely. The life span of an African violet is long — in fact, they can live forever, according to the Bay State African Violet Society. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can plant them and leave them alone.
Do African violets have any predators?
Mealybug and thrips are two insects that commonly attack violets. Mealybug appears as white, cottony patches on leaves (top or bottom) and stems. Thrips signal their presence by causing brown edges on flowers, distorted leaves, and pollen trails on petals. Isolate any infested plants, and treat as needed.
What temp do African violets like the best?
Loosen Your African Violet from its Current Pot. To loosen the plant from the pot,gently tap the sides of the pot against a hard surface.
Are African violets the same as a violet flower?
Violets are also used in medicines, primarily as a laxative. While Saintpaulias are commonly known as African Violets, they are not from the same botanical family as the True Violets . Unlike violets from the Viola genus, African Violets are from the Streptocarpus genus. They are common houseplants with shallow roots and fleshy leaves.