African violets are a must-take for whatsoever indoor garden considering they flower year-round nether the right growing conditions. These pretty houseplants are available in more than than sixteen,000 named varieties! Their flowers come in soft pinkish, lavender, purple-blue, and pure white, and some types have ruffled or double-petaled blooms in unlike colors. The plants may be tiny (half-dozen inches in bore) to more than 16 inches across. With the sheer number of types available, they're a fun, inexpensive way to dress upwards any windowsill and add to your houseplant collection.

Hither'due south what else you should know about how to grow African violets.

How do I care for an African violet plant?

Originally from east Africa, these plants abound under a deep wood awning in the wild then they don't like direct sunlight. African violets adopt temperatures from about 65 to 80 degrees and humidity at about 30 to 50 percentage, which is roughly what's comfy for most people, too.

Go along them a human foot or ii away from a vivid eastward- or due south-facing window, or use a sheer drapery to filter the light.

LED or fluorescent lights also are a expert pick if yous don't have the right natural lighting atmospheric condition. Keep the lights on about 6 to 12 hours per day, and pay attention: With either natural or artificial light, your plant will tell you what it needs. If the stems of the leaves get long and leggy, information technology wants brighter light. If leaves lose color, the light is too intense.

Also, apply the right soil mix if you're repotting. African violets have fine roots that don't like beingness compacted. Look for a potting mix that'southward peat-based with 50 percent perlite. Or brand your ain past combining i-part potting mix with one-part coarse perlite.

How do I water my African violet?

The easiest manner to kill your plant is by overwatering it, so don't water until the pot feels lite when you lift it or if the surface feels slightly dry out to the bear upon. Yous tin water from the tiptop by pouring room temperature water into the pot (but not on the leaves to prevent rot!). Y'all desire to give it a practiced, long drink so h2o drains through the bottom of the pot into a saucer; wait about a half hr and then dump out excess water in the saucer. Information technology's also fine to bottom h2o past filling a saucer with room temperature h2o and letting the violet stand in it for xxx minutes. Or use a special self-watering pot which will allow the plant to drink what it needs.

The fuzzy leaves of many kinds of African violets have a purpose.

The nap, or the direction the hairs lean, help rainwater run off instead of into the center, or crown, of the constitute, where excess moisture can lead to illness. They also aid provide insulation for changes in air temperature. Likewise, most chewing pests won't bother African violets because they don't like the fuzzy texture. If the leaves of your violet go dusty or collect pet hair, blow on them gently or use a soft paintbrush or gummy lint roller to remove debris.

African violets are not toxic to pets.

According to the ASPCA, they're non toxic to pets, then they're a good choice if y'all have nibblers. Nevertheless, any plant can cause GI upset if a pet ingests enough, so keep whatsoever houseplant out of your fur baby'southward reach.

flower pot with blooming violet saintpaulia on the windowsill home decor concept blurred background

Mila Naumova // Getty Images

How exercise I brand my African violet flower?

Besides the correct light and proper watering, African violets adopt to be crowded; that is, the establish should be about 3 times wider than the pot itself. It's besides important to feed your violet every time y'all water with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Read the package instructions just cut it by ¼ forcefulness. To keep things great, pinch off flowers and leaves that have faded.

How do I start a new African violet plant?

In that location are a few means to propagate a new African violet, simply the easiest is the water method. Outset, gently jerk off a healthy leaf by nudging information technology from side to side until it pulls off. Then make an angled cut off the stem about an inch or two from the leaf blade. Place it in a container of water and then that the stalk is submerged just the leaf is held upright. Cover the container with foil and poke a hole so the stem can fit through it. Utilise bottled water if your water is softened. Alter the water regularly, and scout for roots, which should appear in about a month. Place in potting mix, h2o, and put in a bright spot. Later on a few months, you should have a few baby plants clustered around it!

African Violet Potting Mix

African Violet Potting Mix

African Violet Food

African Violet Nutrient

4 inch Self Watering Pot

4 inch Self Watering Pot

Mini Tool Set

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