African violets, which are favorite houseplants, can be in bloom for several months at a time depending on the environment and care they receive. Regular pruning and pinching of buds will help african violets stay in bloom.
They thrive in indirect sunlight and temperatures between 65-75 °F. They require watering twice a week and the soil should be moist, but not soggy. Well-potted and nurtured African violets can remain in bloom for up to 8 to 12 months as new blooms will come in regularly during this period.
Do African violets flower continuously?
No, African violets generally do not flower continuously. African violets typically flower in spurts when the weather is right. In general, they will flower multiple times throughout the year, but they will have periods of dormancy in between those flowering spurts.
Most varieties of African violets require specific conditions (i. e. , temperature, light, humidity, air circulation, and nourishment) in order to maintain healthy foliage and stimulate new blooms. If these conditions are maintained consistently and in the right balance, the African violets will break dormancy and flower again and again.
How often should you water African violets?
African violets require consistent watering every 5-7 days to promote healthy growth. To keep the soil moist but not wet, use a watering can or gently pour lukewarm water over the soil. It is important to avoid getting water on the plant’s foliage and directly onto their delicate flowers to prevent fungal infections and rot.
Be careful to not overwater your plants, as they are susceptible to root rot and other issues caused by over-watered soil. Water African violets until the surface of the soil appears to be slightly moist.
Check the soil in-between watering to ensure it is not drying out too quickly. If necessary, consider relocating the plant to a more humid location.
What time of year do violets bloom?
The time of year when violets bloom depends on the species of violet and the climate in which they are planted. Generally speaking, most species of violets will bloom in early spring, typically between March and May.
For violets that are planted in warmer areas with mild winters, they will often begin to bloom in late February and continue blooming until April or May. On the other hand, cooler climates tend to favor later bloom times—some varieties may not bloom until late March and will continue blooming into June or July.
It’s also important to note that some species of violets are shorter day, or winter bloomers, meaning that they will start to flower in late autumn and continue blooming until early spring.
Where is the place to put an African violet?
The best place to put an African violet plant is near a window that receives bright, indirect sunlight. The plant will also need to be provided with consistent warmth and humidity. African violets are sensitive to temperature and air circulation, so it is important to place the plant in an area with no drafts or direct heating or air conditioning vents.
African violets also like to be lightly misted twice daily to increase humidity around the plant. It is also important not to place the African violet in direct sunlight, as the sun’s rays can cause sunburn on the leaves.
Do you deadhead African violets?
Yes, it is important to deadhead African violets to keep them healthy. Deadheading involves removing the flowers and 18-20 leaves when they begin to fade. By doing this, it allows the plant to focus energy on producing new flowers, foliage and leaves.
It is also recommended to use clean and sharp scissors to avoid transmitting any diseases to the African violets. Additionally, deadheading not only helps keep the plants healthy, but it also helps them look more aesthetically pleasing.
It is important to remember to gently pinch off or snip off the flower stem at the base to avoid damaging the plant.
Can you repot African violets when they are blooming?
Yes, you can repot African violets when they are blooming. However, if you damage the roots or the leaves too much during the repotting process, it can damage the blooms and cause them to drop off. It is best to wait until the flowering period is over before attempting to repot, as the stress from repotting can also shorten the flowering period.
When it’s time to repot African violets, it’s important to be gentle with them and be careful not to damage the roots. Always use high-quality potting soil that is fast-draining and avoid overwatering your violets.
The new pot should also have a drainage hole in the bottom, so excess water can easily pass through. To help the soil stay moist and prevent the blooms from wilting, it may be helpful to put a layer of sphagnum moss in the new container before adding soil.
With the right potting technique, you can repot your African violets without damaging the roots or blooms, and ensure your plant continues to thrive.
Why are the flowers on my African violet dying?
As there are many factors which may be contributing to their decline. In most cases, the cause of death for African Violets is generally attributed to incorrect or poor care. Some of the most common causes of African Violet death include inadequate watering, too much or too little light, poor fertilization, and improper soil.
Improper watering is usually the biggest culprit when it comes to flower death on African Violets. If the plant is not receiving enough water, it may not be able to produce enough energy to keep its blooms alive, resulting in wilting and eventual flower death.
African Violets should be watered deeply, allowing the water to go all the way to the roots, then allowing the soil to dry out completely before the next watering.
Excessive sunlight, or sunlight that is too harsh, can also cause flower death on African Violets. African Violets should be kept away from direct sunlight, as too much can burn the delicate leaves and blooms.
African Violets should be kept in bright, indirect sunlight and be rotated to ensure that all sides are receiving the same amount of light.
Incorrect fertilizer can also be a factor in flower death for African Violets. Fertilizer should be used sparingly, as too much can cause them to become too nitrogen rich, leading to wilting and flower death.
African Violets should be fertilized every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, usually at one-quarter to one-half of the recommended strength.
Finally, improper soil can be detrimental for African Violets. The soil must be well-draining, as poor drainage can lead to the roots sitting in soggy, waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot and eventually flower death.
The soil should also be enriched with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to ensure proper aeration and drainage.
Are you supposed to prune African violets?
Yes, you should prune African violets to ensure they remain healthy and keep blooming year-round. Depending on the age and size of the plant, pruning should be done every few weeks. Pruning should involve trimming off the plant’s elongated stems, which have little or no leaves, to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
If the stem is hollow and dried, it shouldn’t be pruned at all. Dead flowers should also be removed from the plant, just be sure not to remove the buds as they will grow into flowers. Finally, if the leaves start to appear unhealthy you should remove them as well, otherwise, healthy leaves should be left.
If you are new to pruning African violets, it is a good idea to start small and try different techniques to find the one you are most comfortable with.
How many times a year does an African violet bloom?
African violets typically bloom throughout the year, but will peak in flower production during spring and summer. During the blooming season, each plant typically produces several blooms that can last for up to 4 weeks.
Depending on the variety, some African violets can even produce flowers year-round in the right lighting and soil conditions. In order to ensure consistent flowering, African violets should be kept in optimal conditions in temperatures between 65-75°F, with bright but indirect light, and watered when the soil is completely dry.
With proper care and an ideal environment, your African violets will bloom happily and continuously throughout the year.
What do I do with dead African violet flowers?
You should gently remove the dead African violet flowers from the plant to encourage new blooms. Hold the spent bloom at its base and gently twist to the side until it snaps off. Make sure to remove all of the old petals and stamens, as failing to do so could damage the plant or encourage disease.
Deadheading also prevents the plant from wasting energy on producing useless seed, allowing it to divert all of its energy onto creating new blooms. Additionally, removing the dead flowers can increase the aesthetic appeal of your African violet.
Do African violets require direct sunlight?
No, African violets do not require direct sunlight. Instead, they prefer bright, indirect light and should never be placed in direct sunlight as the direct sunlight will cause them to become sunburned.
African violets should be placed in a bright spot that gets several hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. A great option is a spot that is near an east or west facing window. If your African violet is not getting enough light, its growth will become slow and its leaves may fade.
However, you should still avoid putting the African violet in direct sunlight.
How many hours of sunlight do African violets need?
African violets need about 12 to 16 hours of indirect but bright light for optimal growth and flowering. The best place for African violets is east or west facing windowsills as the light from these locations will be most consistent and filtered.
Try to place the plants no further than four feet away from the window so they receive the maximum amount of indirect light. Morning sunlight is most helpful for African violets and should be avoided in the afternoon as even indirect sunlight at this time of day can be too intense and scorch the leaves.
Additionally, be sure to rotate your violets to redistribute the light and stimulate new development around the entire plant.
Can African violets get too much sun?
Yes, African violets can get too much sun. African violets prefer bright, indirect sunlight for healthy growth and thrive best in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the plant is exposed to too much sun, the leaves will become discolored, wilted, and may develop brown spots or patches.
To avoid sun damage, keep African violets away from hot, sunny windows, and use sheer curtains or blinds to filter direct sunlight. It’s also important to turn the pot every few days to ensure the plant gets evenly exposed light.
Additionally, high levels of sunlight can cause the soil to dry out quickly, therefore frequent watering is necessary to keep the plant healthy.