The best way to water African Violets is from the bottom. This helps the water penetrate the soil, allowing the roots to take up the moisture they need. To do this, pour water into the pot and allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
During this time, the soil will absorb the moisture and keep the plant hydrated. You can also add a capful of plant food to the water. Once the 15 minutes is up, empty any remaining water from the saucer.
Make sure the plant is not sitting in water for too long; this will lead to root rot. If the soil appears dry, repeat the process again. Additionally, it is important to mist the leaves of the African Violet for extra humidity.
Do African violets have to be watered from the bottom?
African violets must be watered from the bottom, not from the top. This helps to protect their delicate and fuzzy leaves from fungal disease due to overwatering. When watering from the bottom, the soil absorbs the water, allowing the plant to drink it in slowly and evenly.
This reduces the likelihood of plant roots becoming waterlogged and eliminates salt deposits left from evaporated water. Additionally, watering from the top can be too disruptive for the soil and could disturb the crown of the African violet and its delicate buds.
To water from the bottom, place the African violet in a shallow saucer with an inch or so of water and let it sit for an hour or two. Be sure to remove any excess water afterwards. If you don’t have a saucer, you can use a kitchen sink and fill it with a few inches of water and place the pot in it.
When the water stops bubbling, carefully remove the violet and discard the runoff water.
How often should I water African violets?
When caring for African violets, one of the most important things is to remember to water them appropriately. African violets, as with many other houseplants, should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.
This usually happens about once every 5 to 7 days depending on the temperature and humidity of the room in which the plant is placed. If you are unsure, then insert your finger up to your first knuckle and if the soil is at all moist, then wait a few days before watering again.
Watering African violets from the top will ensure that the middle of the plant receives enough water, so use room temperature, or slightly warmer, water in a watering can with a spout to slowly and evenly moisten the soil.
Make sure not to wet the foliage of the plant in order to reduce the risk of disease. Additionally, African Violets should not sit in standing water as this can lead to root rot.
How do I know if my African violet needs water?
The best way to determine if your African violet needs water is to check the soil moisture with your finger. Stick your finger into the soil, about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, then it is time to water your African violet.
You should also check the base of the pot, if it is dry as well then your African violet needs water. After watering, feel the pot again and be sure to not over-water your African violet. Additionally, you can check the leaves.
If they are becoming limp or shriveled, it is an indication that your African violet needs more water. You should also check the color of the leaves, if they become dull and a light greenish color then it is another indication that your African violet needs water.
Lastly, if you notice the soil is pulling away from the sides of the pot, it is a sign that it needs water. In general, it is best to water African violets when the top of the soil becomes dry. Not only will this keep the plant healthy, but it will encourage blooming as well.
Should you mist African violets?
It is generally not necessary or recommended to mist African violets. African violets prefer humid environments with temperatures of 18-22°C, so if the air in your home is dry, you can set a humidifier nearby—just not directly on the leaves or in the pot.
Instead of misting your African violet, you can create humidity around it by:
• Placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water so the bottom of the pot is not touching the water
• Put a container of water near your plant and allow the vapor to increase the humidity
• Group plants together—the humidity created by the plants will increase humidity around each other
• Place a plastic cover (like a plastic bag) loosely over your plant to create a mini greenhouse around the plant
In addition to leaving your African violet alone and creating humidity, you can also water your plant from the bottom. Place your pot in water and allow it to soak up water from the bottom until the top of the soil is slightly moist.
This method of watering will help to prevent over-watering and leaf rot.
Can African violets live in just water?
No, African violets cannot live in just water. These delicate plants require soil to be able to grow and survive. It’s true that they can get some of their hydration needs from the water they’re submerged in, but they will need dry soil as well to anchor their roots and absorb nutrients.
Keeping the soil evenly moist is key to avoid root rot and root rotting diseases like Pythium. African violets require well-draining soil, so it is best to use a soil specific for African violets or a soil mix of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.
Additionally, they need to be watered from the bottom, since water from the top can cause the leaves to rot. So it’s important to be sure African violets are not sitting in just water.
Can I use tap water for African violets?
Yes, you can use tap water for African violets, but it’s best to let the water sit for 24 hours before use to allow the chlorine, fluoride, and other minerals to dissipate. Softened water is not recommended as it is too harsh for the plants.
Additionally, try to use tepid or warm water instead of cold water, as African violets prefer it. African violets also react poorly to hard water, which can cause brown spots on the leaves and slow growth, so if your tap water is particularly hard, then you may want to invest in an RO filter or distilled water filter.
It is also worth noting that, while African violets are very sensitive to overly wet or soggy conditions, they still require a regular watering schedule and should be watered when the soil feels dry.
Once the soil starts to dry out, be sure to thoroughly soak it until you can feel moisture coming from the bottom of the pot.
How much water do I give African Violet?
When watering African Violets, it is important to use lukewarm water and to water deeply. The amount of water needed will depend on the size of the pot and the growing medium. Typically, you should water an African Violet until water runs out of the bottom of the pot.
Allow the pot to sit in a tray of water for a few minutes, so that the entire root system can absorb moisture. After that, pour out any remaining water in the tray and let the plant dry out before watering again.
The frequency of watering will depend on your home environment, but generally, fully-grown plants need to be watered about once a week. However, if the room is particularly hot or dry, increase waterings as needed to prevent the soil from drying out.
Additionally, if your African Violet has more than one crown, you should water each crown independently.
Do African violets need sunlight?
African violets typically do best when they get a moderate amount of indirect sunlight. Placing your violets in an east-facing window is ideal, as it will give them indirect sunlight for several hours of the day.
While they do need some sunlight, direct sunlight can be too intense and even damage leaves. Additionally, it’s important to avoid placing African violets in fireplaces, woodstoves, or in any area prone to cold drafts or suspended ceilings that do not circulate air.