How To Grow African Violets

African Violets, scientifically known as Saintpaulia, have garnered worldwide admiration for their delicate, colorful blooms and dense green foliage.

Originating from the cloud forests of Tanzania and Kenya, these houseplants have captured the hearts of many garden enthusiasts. Apart from their sheer beauty, what makes them particularly attractive to growers is their ability to bloom year-round, provided they're given the right care.

Published: October 16, 2023.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or someone just beginning to explore indoor plants, African Violets can be a delightful addition to your home flower collection.

African Violets Plant Size

A defining characteristic of African Violets is their compact size. Typically, they range from 2 to 12 inches in diameter.

The miniature varieties stay on the smaller side, reaching only about 3 inches, making them perfect for tight spaces or windowsills.

Standard varieties, on the other hand, can span up to 12 inches or more.

Regardless of size, their lush leaves and vibrant blooms make a substantial visual impact, ensuring they're the focal point wherever they are placed.

African Violets Flower Pots

Choosing the right pot is paramount for the healthy growth of African Violets.

Due to their root structure, they thrive best in shallow pots. A pot that's too deep can lead to root rot since the excess soil retains too much moisture. It's also essential that the chosen pot has adequate drainage to prevent over-watering.

While many growers opt for plastic pots due to their lightweight and moisture-retaining properties, others prefer clay pots, which can be better for air circulation around the roots.

Whichever type you choose, make sure it complements the size of the plant and fits the aesthetic you're aiming for.

African Violets Petal Varieties

One of the primary attractions of African Violets is the diversity in petal shapes and colors.

From single to double petals, ruffled edges to smooth ones, the varieties are endless.

Colors range from pristine white and deep purple to vibrant pink and soft blue. Some even showcase bi-color patterns, merging two distinct shades on one petal.

This variety ensures that there's an African Violet to suit every aesthetic preference, making them versatile plants suitable for all kinds of home decors.

African Violets Care

African Violets are easy to grow and to take care for, just be sure to provide them what they actually need to grow healthy and bloom almost year round.

Light and Temperature

African Violets thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so placing them near a north or east-facing window is ideal. If natural light is scarce, fluorescent lights can be a suitable alternative.

In terms of temperature, they prefer a consistent range of 65-75°F. Avoid placing them near vents or drafts to ensure a stable environment.

Soil for African Violets

A well-draining soil mix is vital for these plants. Many specialty stores offer mixes designed explicitly for African Violets, ensuring the right balance of organic material, perlite, and vermiculite.

This ensures the roots get the necessary air circulation while retaining just the right amount of moisture.

The recommended pH range for African Violets (Saintpaulia) is slightly acidic. Ideally, the pH level for their soil should be between 6.0 to 7.5. Within this range, African Violets can effectively absorb the essential nutrients from the soil, promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

It's essential to maintain this pH level because:

• Nutrient Absorption: The availability of certain nutrients is affected by the soil's pH. A pH that is too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic) can lock out essential nutrients, making them unavailable to the plant.
• Microbial Activity: Beneficial microbes in the soil thrive within this pH range, helping in nutrient breakdown and absorption.
• Optimal Growth: Maintaining the correct pH ensures that African Violets can grow robustly, producing lush foliage and frequent blooms.

If you're unsure of your soil's pH, it's a good idea to test it using a soil pH testing kit, which is readily available at garden centers or online.

Water and Humidity

Over-watering is a common mistake. It's best to water these plants from the bottom to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can cause spots. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.

As for humidity, they thrive in higher humidity levels, so consider placing them on a humidity tray or using a room humidifier.

Fertilizer for African Violets

These plants benefit from regular feeding. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer specially formulated for African Violets. Feed them every 4-6 weeks to ensure a steady supply of nutrients.

How To Prune African Violets

Pruning helps in maintaining the plant’s shape and encourages more blooms.

Remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to redirect energy to new growth. Use clean scissors or pruning shears to avoid transmitting diseases.

Repotting African Violets

Over time, as the plant grows, it may become root-bound. Repotting every 12-18 months helps provide fresh soil and more space for the expanding root system.

Ensure the new pot is slightly larger than the current one, and always use fresh potting mix during this process.

How To Propagate African Violets

Propagating African Violets is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to multiply your collection without purchasing new plants. The most popular method of propagation is through leaf cuttings. Here's how:

• Select a Healthy Leaf: Choose a firm, healthy leaf from a mature plant. The leaf should be free from any signs of disease or pests.
• Prepare the Cutting: Using clean scissors or a knife, snip off the leaf along with about an inch of its stalk.
• Plant the Cutting: Fill a small pot with a mixture of perlite and vermiculite or African Violet potting mix. Make a hole with a pencil or your finger and insert the leaf stem into the hole. Gently firm the soil around the stem. Rooting hormone is not necessary, but it may help.
• Maintain Humidity: Place the pot inside a clear plastic bag or cover it with a plastic dome. This creates a humid environment, which aids in root development.
• Monitor and Wait: Keep the pot in a warm location with indirect light. Roots usually develop in 4-6 weeks. You can check for roots by gently tugging the leaf; if there's resistance, roots have likely formed.
• Transplant the Baby Plants: Once the baby African Violets have grown large enough to handle, gently separate them and transplant them into their pots.

Note that very often, growers root leaves in the water, and only then do they plant them in the soil.

African Violets Most Common Pests and Diseases

African Violets are generally hardy, but they can still be afflicted by certain pests and diseases:

African Violets Pests

• Mealybugs: These are tiny white pests that appear as cottony masses on the plant. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Spider Mites: Almost invisible to the naked eye, these pests can cause the leaves to appear speckled. Increasing humidity and using miticides can help.
• Thrips: These tiny insects can cause silver streaks on the leaves. Insecticidal soaps or neem oil are effective against them.

African Violets Diseases

• Crown and Root Rot: Overwatering can cause fungal diseases that affect the crown and roots. It’s vital to use well-draining soil and avoid letting the plant sit in water.
• Powdery Mildew: This appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. Ensuring good air circulation and treating with a fungicide can help.

African Violets Common Growing Issues

African Violets are not problem-free indoor flower plants - here are several of the most common growing issues:

• Leaf Discoloration: Yellow or brown leaves can be a sign of over-watering, while pale leaves might indicate a lack of nutrients or insufficient light.
• Failure to Bloom: If your African Violet isn’t blooming, it might be receiving too much or too little light. Ensure they get bright, indirect sunlight. Also, feeding them with a balanced fertilizer can help boost blooming.
• Ring Spotting on Leaves: This can be a sign of cold water splashing on the leaves. Always water from the bottom or ensure the water is at room temperature if watering from the top.
• Leggy Growth: If the plant starts to grow tall with elongated stems, it might be striving to get more light. Move it to a brighter location or consider artificial lighting.

Understanding and addressing these common issues will ensure that your African Violets remain healthy and vibrant, gracing your home with their exquisite beauty for years to come.

How To Grow African Violets On A Windowsill

Growing African Violets on a windowsill can be a delightful way to bring a splash of color and nature into your home. These plants, with their lush foliage and vibrant blooms, can transform an ordinary windowsill into a miniature garden oasis.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to cultivating African Violets on a windowsill:

Choose the Right Window

African Violets thrive in bright, indirect light. North or east-facing windows are ideal, as they provide gentle sunlight without the harsh rays of the afternoon sun. If using a south or west-facing window, consider using sheer curtains or blinds to filter the light.

Provide Proper Drainage

Make sure the pots you use have adequate drainage holes. This will prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can lead to root rot. You might also want to place a saucer underneath each pot to catch any excess water.

Maintain Optimal Temperature

The temperature around your windowsill should be consistent, ideally between 65-75°F. Avoid placing your violets near windows that are drafty in the winter or get too hot during the summer.

Watering Technique

Always water your African Violets with lukewarm water. Cold water can cause leaf spotting. As windowsills can sometimes be narrow, use a long-spouted watering can for ease.

Watering from the bottom is recommended, but if you water from the top, avoid getting water on the leaves.

Ensure Adequate Humidity

African Violets love humidity. If the air in your home is dry, consider placing a humidity tray (a tray filled with water and pebbles) under the pots. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plants.

Feed Them Regularly

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer specifically designed for African Violets. Feed them every 4-6 weeks to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for growth and blooming.

Rotate the Pots

Every few days, give your pots a quarter turn. This ensures that all sides of the plant receive equal light, promoting even growth and preventing the plant from leaning in one direction.

Regular Maintenance

Prune off any dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance and promote new growth.

Protect from Pests

Keep the windowsill clean, and occasionally check the undersides of leaves for signs of pests. If detected early, most pest problems can be treated with natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Repotting

As your African Violets grow, they might outgrow their pots. Ensure you repot them every 12-18 months or when they seem root-bound. When doing so, be gentle with the root system and choose a slightly larger pot for the next stage of growth.

Are African Violets Poisonous to Cats, Dogs, and Other Pets?

African Violets (Saintpaulia) are popular houseplants known for their beautiful, velvety leaves and vibrant blooms. When it comes to their coexistence with pets, it's a common concern for pet owners to ensure the safety of their furry companions.

Cats and Dogs

African Violets are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. If ingested, they are unlikely to cause severe poisoning or health complications.

However, individual pets might react differently. Some might experience mild digestive upset if they consume significant portions of the plant.

Birds

Birds have different metabolic systems than mammals, but there's limited data regarding African Violets' toxicity to birds. To be on the safe side, it's best to keep houseplants, including African Violets, out of reach of pet birds.

Small Mammals (e.g., Guinea Pigs, Rabbits)

Similar to cats and dogs, there's no widespread evidence to suggest that African Violets are toxic to small mammals. However, as with any non-food plant, it's a good idea to prevent these pets from nibbling on them to avoid any potential digestive issues or unforeseen reactions.

Reptiles and Amphibians

The metabolic systems of reptiles and amphibians differ considerably from those of mammals and birds. While there's a lack of specific information on African Violets' effects on these animals, it's always prudent to keep any non-native plants away from them.

Precautionary Measures

• Even if a plant is deemed non-toxic, it's always wise to monitor any interaction your pets have with houseplants. Some animals can be more sensitive or allergic to certain plants.
• Ensure houseplants are placed in locations where they're out of reach of curious pets, especially if there's any uncertainty regarding the plant's toxicity.
• If you suspect your pet has ingested a significant amount of any plant and is showing signs of distress, always consult with a veterinarian.

While African Violets are generally considered non-toxic to many pets, it's always best to practice caution and ensure that pets and plants coexist harmoniously in the home environment. Also, be very careful if you have to use chemicals to fight the pests on your African Violets.

For short, keep your pets away from your home plants - YouTube is full of home video fails when cats, dogs, birds, and other pets break various items, flower pots included.

Growing African Violets Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about African Violets:

How do you get an African Violet to bloom?

Ensure your plant receives bright, indirect light. Too much or too little light can hinder blooming. Also, feed it with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer specifically designed for African Violets, as proper nutrients can encourage blooming. Lastly, maintaining a consistent environment in terms of temperature and humidity can also help.

How often do you water an African Violet?

Watering depends on the environment, but a general rule is to water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Always use lukewarm water and aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Over-watering or letting them sit in water can lead to root rot.

When and how to repot an African Violet?

Repotting is usually necessary every 12-18 months or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Gently remove the plant, tease apart the roots, and place it in the new pot filled with African Violet-specific potting mix. Ensure it's planted at the same depth as it was in the previous pot.

Why are my African Violet leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can be a sign of several issues, including over-watering, under-watering, insufficient nutrients, or pest infestations. Examine the plant's environment and care routine to identify and rectify the potential cause.

Where is the best place to put an African Violet?

African Violets thrive in bright, indirect light, such as that from north or east-facing windows. They prefer a consistent temperature range of 65-75°F and appreciate higher humidity. Avoid placing them near drafts or heat vents.

How to root an African Violet?

The most popular method is through leaf cuttings. Take a healthy leaf with its stalk, plant it in a mixture of perlite and vermiculite or African Violet potting mix, and maintain a humid environment. In 4-6 weeks, roots should develop.

Also, leaves are often rooted in water first and only then planted.

How much light does an African Violet need?

African Violets need bright, indirect light. Around 10-12 hours of light daily is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so if you're using a south or west-facing window, consider filtering the light with sheer curtains.

Why is my African Violet dying?

There could be multiple reasons, including over-watering, under-watering, pest infestations, diseases, or exposure to extreme temperatures.

It's essential to monitor your plant and adjust its care as needed regularly.

How to revive an African Violet?

First, identify the issue causing distress. Trim off any dead or yellowing leaves. Ensure it's receiving the right amount of light and water.

If the plant is severely root-bound or the soil is exhausted, consider repotting.

For pest issues, consider natural remedies or specific treatments. Lastly, patience is key. Give your plant time to recover.

Few Final Words

African Violets are not only visually captivating but also rewarding to cultivate.

With the right care, these beauties can bloom profusely, adding a touch of nature's splendor to any indoor space.