African Violets are probably one of the most misunderstood houseplants as far as care. So many plant parents kill them simply because they don’t understand what they need. So let’s think about where they hail from. Native to Africa, hot and dry these plants can handle a little bit of drought. They have a fuzzy more succulent leaf which means they store a bit of water in case of a drought.
Soil Mix:
You can use an African Violet pre mixed soil if you wish. I use my mix for just about every plant in my care. It’s a potting soil called Pro Mix, I mix in a little Orchid Bark or vermiculite to add extra drainage. It’s an all around mix in my opinion.
Light:
I find that African Violets do well with bright indirect light and will bloom more freely in bright light. I keep two in filtered west facing light and one in bright east facing light.
Water:
The African Violet is a plant that I water when dry. Like all the soil in the pot is completely dry. Not 3 months dry more like it’s been dry for a week and now I’m watering it. They prefer to be bottom watered 75% of the time and 25% from above. Any moisture resting on the foliage and on the crown of the plant has a potential for fungal issues and rot.
Pot:
African Violets do well in any type of pot. Be sure to adjust the drainage depending on the pot you choose. Plastic pots will require more drainage additives such as perlite, vermiculite or Orchid Bark. Whereas Terra cotta will need less additives because Terracotta wicks water from the soil drying it faster.
Once you get the hang of African Violet care they will grow and bloom so well for you. They are a must have plant for your collection.
Happy Gardening
Ciearra
