Do African violets like to be root bound?

Do African violets like to be root bound?

African violets only bloom when they're root bound. When it is time to repot, be sure to use an organic potting soil made specifically for African violets, such as Espoma's African Violet Mix. They flower best in small pots — choose one that's about a third of the diameter of their leaf spread.

Do you deadhead African violets?

When removing spent blooms, also remove dead or dying foliage. Deadhead African violets to encourage more blooms. African violets make useful flowering houseplants since they can bloom for up to nine months per year. They do need the other three months off as a rest period.

Do African violets need to be watered from the bottom?

Should I water African violets from the top or bottom? Either is fine. It is important not to use cold water; lukewarm or warm is preferred. If you water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun; this is to avoid leaf spots.

Is Epsom salt good for African violets?

Applied once per month epsom salts will help trigger bloom in your violets and be a good companion to your African violet specialty fertilizer. Dissolve two tablespoons of epsom salts in one gallon of tepid water in a watering can or pitcher. Swish or swirl the salts in the water to dissolve them and combine the two.

Should I repot my African violet?

African violets should be repotted about twice a year, or every 5-6 months. One mature, this simply means repotting the plant with some fresh soil, into the same size pot. Repotting is necessary to eliminate this.

Where do you put African violets?

While African Violets will tolerate direct sunlight very early or very late in the day, they should, in all other cases, be shielded from direct sunlight. For best results, place your Violets in a window where they will receive light most of the day, i.e., a window with western or southern exposure.

What window is best for African violets?

African violets need bright, indirect light such as from a south- or east-facing window, although direct sunlight can burn the leaves. They will do best at 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C), and although they can survive temperatures up to about 90°F (32°C), they will die if exposed to below 50°F (10°C).

How often should African violets be watered?

Examine the soil with your fingertip, if it feels dry, be ready to water the plant. They require more or less water depending on what type of potting soil you use. However, flush the soil thoroughly with water every month or 6 weeks. This will reduce the risk of any harmful salts to build-up in the land.

Can you split an African violet?

African violets often develop multiple crowns, which can be split apart and used to propagate new plants through a process called division. Division propagation creates mature African violet plants faster than other methods. However, they are susceptible to damage and must be handled with care to ensure success.

What kind of fertilizer should I use for African violets?

African violets need a certain percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium plus trace minerals. The recommended ratio for African violets is 14-12-14. There are commercial formulas available specifically for fertilizing African violets, but many of these use urea as the nitrogen source.

How long do African violets live?

An African violet (Saintpaulia spp.) can last indefinitely, according to the Bay State African Violet Society. It's not unusual for them to live 50 years or more with proper care. The key is to avoid overwatering, chilling and direct sunlight — three things that can drastically reduce an African violet's lifespan.

Can I use orchid potting mix for African violets?

Potting mixes for phalaenopsis orchids must provide the sort of air movement the plants are used to in nature. The result is a potting mix very different from African violet soil, which is typically a mixture containing 1 part each of soil, perlite and sphagnum peat.

Do African violets need sunlight?

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.

Can you repot African violets when they are blooming?

Think before replanting. African violets only bloom when they're root bound. When it is time to repot, be sure to use an organic potting soil made specifically for African violets, such as Espoma's African Violet Mix. They flower best in small pots — choose one that's about a third of the diameter of their leaf spread.