How To Give House Violets Water?

Watering African violets is crucial for their health and optimal growth. They have different watering needs compared to other flowering houseplants, and it is best to water them only when they are dehydrated. To determine if you need to water, feel the top and bottom soil by filling a saucer with room temperature water and allowing the violet to stand in the water for up to 30 minutes while the water is absorbed. Drain off the excess water.

There is no set schedule for watering African violets, but it is best to allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Keep soil moist with warm water and strive for high humidity. Use a moisture meter to determine how often to water instead of watering on a set schedule. Do not allow water to contact the leaves of the plant, as they should be placed at least 10″ over the plant to avoid heat from the bulb burning the leaves.

The safest type of grow light for winter care of African violets is LED grow lights. Place the pot in a container with no more than an inch of water and remove it after about 20 minutes. Water the plant in a pot once a week, but the exact amount of watering needed may vary.

Watering African violets should always water from the bottom, as they prefer root bound plants in smaller pots with indirect sunlight. To provide an adequately humid environment, use a humidifier or place pots in a tray filled with gravel and water. Do not mist the foliage. Watering should keep soil moist to dry, and allow soil around roots to dry out before watering to encourage blooming.

How do you water indoor violets?

Watering African violets is crucial to prevent crown rot and prevent root rot. To water, place the pot in a saucer filled with water for 15-30 minutes, avoiding root rot. Use a wicking system, burying a synthetic cord in the soil and fishing it out through the drain hole. This allows the soil to absorb water from the saucer, while a layer of gravel prevents direct contact with the water. This method also helps maintain humidity. Specialty, self-watering pots consist of a glazed ceramic outer pot and a non-glazed inner pot, allowing the inner pot to absorb moisture as needed.

Re-pot African violets once a year to deliver new nutrients and remove salt buildup. The container should be slightly rootbound and no more than one-third the width of the plant’s leaf span. For a plant with a leaf span of 12 inches, a 4″ pot is recommended.

Do African violets like coffee water?

It has been demonstrated that diluted coffee is an effective and organic fertilizer for a number of houseplants, including African violets, azaleas, amaryllis, aloe, and ferns.

Can violets survive indoors?

Violets are hardy annuals that thrive in full sun, cool weather, and moist soil. They can survive a light frost in the fall but not hard frost or freeze. Their lifespan lasts only through a single growing season, so bringing them indoors may extend their lives but may not survive to be replanted in the spring. However, they do grow well in containers, and a small clump of violets in a window box or hanging basket can be a good compromise.

The African violet, a houseplant similar to violets, grows well in low light and can stay tame even in small pots. If caring for violets indoors is a dream, consider getting an African violet. If not, enjoy a potted violet plant outdoors, which looks nice on the patio or porch and thrives under suitable growing conditions.

Liza Baessler, a gardening editor, has been with Gardening Know How since 2015 and a Senior Editor since 2020. She holds a BA in English from Brandeis University and an MA in English from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. After years of gardening in containers and community garden plots, Baessler now has a backyard filled with vegetables and flowers.

Can I water African violets with tap water?

Water quality is crucial for African violets, as it can vary depending on the season and contain high levels of chlorine, chloramines, and dissolved solids. To ensure the health of your African violets, it is recommended to use bottled water, filtered water, or reverse osmosis water, as water from a water softener may contain dissolved salts. Rainwater, while generally free from common contaminants like chlorine and chloramines, can acquire contaminants during collection, such as pollen, roofing chemicals, and bird droppings.

It is essential to test your water pH periodically, as it can fluctuate with the seasons. If your pH is outside the ideal range (6. 5-7. 5), you can adjust it using pH up or down products sold in aquarium or hydroponics stores, which also offer products that reduce or eliminate chlorine and chloramines.

How often should I water violets?

African Violets prefer to stay lightly moist but never water-logged or soggy. The first sign of needing water is when the top few cms or inch of substrate is dry. Don’t let the plant fully dry out, as their delicate roots can die and risk root rot. If the pot isn’t too full of foliage, stick a finger down into the substrate to check if the top couple of cms or half inch are dry. A slim water meter designed for smaller, shallower pots is a great way to check without getting your fingernails full of soil or disrupting the foliage. A budget-friendly water meter solution is a Soil Sensor, which is a slim, shorter probe that changes color based on the soil’s dampness at the tip of the probe.

Should violets be watered from the bottom?

Watering an African Violet plant from the bottom is a unique and effective method that saves time and energy. Self-watering pots are popular due to their slow and methodical watering, which prevents overwatering or underwatering of the plant. This method also helps prevent water droplets on the leaves, which can cause unsightly spots.

Another method is to place the pot in a saucer and use a watering can with a thin spout to pour water into the pot until it forms a shallow pool. Allow the plant to sit for at least 45 minutes, then check the water level. If there is still water, the plant doesn’t need more water. If there is no more water, pour the remaining water out and place it back under the plant. If the soil is still dry, repeat the process.

In summary, watering an African Violet plant from the bottom is a simple and effective method that ensures the plant is not overwatered or underwatered.

Do violets like to be misted?

Misting African Violet leaves can cause water accumulation in the crown, leading to rot and other issues. Instead, mist the surrounding air and wipe off moisture using a 100 cotton cloth. The best time to increase humidity for African Violets is during their active growing season, which typically lasts from spring to fall. During this time, the plant actively takes in nutrients and water through its roots and transpires moisture through its leaves.

Do violets need direct sunlight?

African violets can tolerate various light conditions, but they thrive in moderate to bright indirect light for 12-16 hours per day, with 6-8 hours of dark for bloom growth. They are easy to care for and make beautiful houseplants. To ensure healthy growth, pay attention to the space’s light and avoid over-exposure. Join the African Violet Club for resources to help your plant grow vibrantly. The Resource Center offers articles, an online shop, and a Facebook group for houseplant enthusiasts to learn more about this rewarding hobby.

How to tell if African violet needs water?

The African violet plant is a beautiful plant that can be a source of joy for plant lovers. However, if you notice signs of wilting, discoloration, or stunted growth after a change in care routines, it may be a sign of its dying. It is important to know that just because your plant shows signs of distress doesn’t mean it’s beyond saving. With a little knowledge and proactive measures, you can bring your plant back to its vibrant and healthy state. Healthy blooms generally indicate a plant is thriving, while damaged, limp, or wilted flowers often indicate distress. If your plant’s blooms are spent, it’s a sign that it needs extra care.

How to take care of violets indoors?

To grow African violets, maintain a room temperature between 60-80 F and 70 F, with humidity at 40-60%. Group plants together or set them on trays of pebbles and water. Plants should not sit in water but above it. For fine roots, use well-drained soilless potting mixes with a pH of 6. 2-6. 5. Pre-mixed commercial blends high in peat are available at garden centers. Some growers recommend a blend of 50 commercial African violet potting mix and 50 perlite. Plant containers should have holes for water drainage and re-pot plants once a year.

Are violets hard to keep alive?

In order to ensure optimal growth and well-being of African violets, it is essential to provide them with environmental conditions that closely resemble their natural habitats. These include humidity, damp soil, and bright, filtered light, which are vital for their survival and development.