african violets Archives

September 3, 2023November 28, 2024

African Violet Light Requirements

African violets are a beautiful and popular houseplant that can be easily grown with the right care. Having the right light source is one of the most important factors for their growth. As they require a specific amount of light to thrive and bloom. However, with so many different types of light sources available. And it can be challenging to know which one is best for your African violets. In this post, we will identify the advantages and disadvantages of each type of light source. And then you can make an informed decision on the best African Violet light requirements for your AVs.

Also keep in mind not all African Violet varieties perform the same way in the same conditions. Different varieties have different genetic light requirements. Plants with darker leaves need more intense light than plants with lighter leaves. However there can be exceptions to that rule.

Therefore your best option is to watch your Violets for signs they are receiving too little or too much light. African Violets receiving too little light will bloom sparsely. Their leaves will develop long stems, reaching upwards for light and the leaves will become thin and weak. Violets receiving too much light with have tight distorted leaf growth and will shows signs of leaf bleaching. Light green foliage will change to a pale yellow or near white color. While darker green foliage with change to a coppery brown with brittle leaf stems. Flower are usually smaller and some plants have leaves that pull down from the light source, hugging the sides of the pot.

African Violet Light Requirements – Natural Light

The most natural light source for African violets is sunlight. They thrive in a bright, sunny location. But they do not tolerate direct, intense sunlight. Direct sunlight can often cause the plant’s leaves to become scorched. Therefore, it’s best to provide filtered or indirect sunlight. Place the plant in an east, west or north-facing windowsill to provide good filtered light. However, keep in mind that the sun’s strength and angles change throughout the year. And you might have to rotate your plant regularly to keep it growing healthily.

Tips for Growing in Natural Window Light

When growing African Violets in natural window light, there are a few important rules to keep in mind.

Avoid Direct Sunlight – As mentioned earlier, African Violets do not tolerate direct sunlight well. Too much sun can cause their leaves to scorch, so it’s best to keep them in a spot that receives filtered or indirect sunlight.
Choose the Right Window – Not all windows are created equal when it comes to providing the ideal light for your African Violets. East, west, or north-facing windows are generally the best options as they provide good filtered light. South-facing windows often get too much direct sunlight.
Rotate the Plant Regularly – As the sun’s strength and angles change throughout the year, you will need to adjust your plant’s positioning. Regular rotation can ensure your plant gets even light exposure, promoting balanced growth.
Use Sheer Curtains or Blinds – Even in the best window, there may be times when the sun is too strong. Consider using sheer curtains or blinds to help regulate the light intensity. These can be opened and closed as needed to provide your plants with the optimal amount of light.

Remember, African Violets are sensitive to their environment. The key to successfully growing them in natural window light is paying attention to their needs and adjusting their care accordingly.

African Violet Light Requirements – Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lights are a popular and economical light source for African Violets, especially those without the right window. Or those who want to grow on a larger scale. They are energy-efficient, produce only a small amount of heat. And they do not emit UV radiation that can damage the plant’s foliage. They are also available in full-spectrum grow-lights, which imitate natural sunlight. The only disadvantage of fluorescent lights is that they need to be placed directly above or close to the plant, so the plant gets adequate light. This means that you may need to purchase a lighting fixture to hold the bulbs and to adjust the height of the light source so that the plant gets the right intensity of light.

Tips for Growing under Fluorescent Lights

When growing African Violets under fluorescent lights, there are some key rules to follow to ensure the health and vibrancy of your plants.

Distance – The distance between the African Violet and the fluorescent light source is crucial. Lights should be placed 10-12 inches above the plant. As this is the perfect distance to provide the necessary light concentration without causing leaf burn.
Duration – African Violets need about 10 to 12 hours of light each day. Therefore, if you’re using fluorescent lights, make sure to turn the lights off at night to mimic the natural day-night cycle.
Type of Bulb – Use full-spectrum or grow-light bulbs as they replicate the spectrum of natural sunlight most closely. This will provide your African Violets with a balanced light spectrum, promoting healthy growth and blooming.
Rotation – Rotate your plants every few weeks to ensure all sides of the plants receive equal light exposure. This will promote even growth. Without rotation, plants tend to lean toward the light source, leading to uneven development.

Remember, if you observe any signs of distress in your African Violets such as leaf bleaching or weak growth. Then adjust the light intensity, distance, duration, or rotation accordingly. Consistent observation and care are the keys to successfully growing African Violets under fluorescent light.

African Violets Light Requirements – LED Grow Lights

LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are a contemporary and energy-efficient lighting solution. Are available in full spectrum grow-lights. Consume very little energy and have a long lifespan. They also do not generate much heat and are safe to use around plants. LED lights are more expensive than fluorescent bulbs, but they consume less energy, and replacing them is less frequent. The LED lights are a good investment if you plan to grow a lot of violets. And they can also be set up so that you can control the amount of light they emit.

I have LED grow lights on a shelf in my kitchen that gets no sunlight so I can enjoy my violets while in the kitchen. I also have a LED grow light on a shelf in my entertainment center for my mini AV’s. The fox garden grow lights are the ones I use and they have an automatic timer, so they come on each morning at 7am and off at 7pm each night and my violets thrive and bloom consistently!

Tips for Growing under LED Grow Lights

Distance – Similar to fluorescent lights, the LED light source should be properly distanced from the plant. It is generally recommended to keep the light about 12-16 inches above the plant. However, different LED lights have different intensities, so adjust the distance according to your specific light’s output.
Duration – The rule of 10 to 12 hours of light per day applies to LED lights as well. Make sure to turn the lights off for several hours each day to mimic the plant’s natural day-night cycle. Many LED lights come with built-in timers, making this easier to manage.
Type of Bulb – Opt for full-spectrum LED lights. These offer a balance of cool and warm light that replicates the natural solar spectrum, providing your African Violets with the light quality they need for photosynthesis.
Rotation – Just as with fluorescent lights, rotate your plants every so often to ensure all parts of the plants receive equal light exposure.
Adjustment – Keep a close eye on your violets for any signs of distress. LED lights can be quite intense, and their height or intensity may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Remember, consistent monitoring and care are essential for successful growth of African Violets under LED lighting. The flexible control offered by LED lights enables you to provide the perfect lighting conditions for your violets to flourish.

Happy Gardening!

Choosing the right light source for your African violets is essential for their growth and health. Each type of light source has its advantages and disadvantages. The type of light you choose will depend on your gardening needs. You can keep your African violets healthy and happy by providing them with the right amount of light, and they’ll reward you with their beautiful blooms and foliage. Remember to check the amount of natural light available in your home and consider the cost, energy-efficiency and amount of light provided before purchasing the light source. With the information provided in this post, you’re better equipped to choose the right light source for your African Violets.

Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Saving, Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!

June 26, 2023November 28, 2024

How to Care for African Violets

I love my African Violets and currently have over 50 of them! Yes I have a problem, but admitting it is the first step right? African Violets have a bad reputation for being difficult although if you know just a few easy steps on how to care for them they reward you with beautiful blooms of every color!

African violets are a type of flowering plant native to tropical climates. They’re popular houseplants, thanks to their bright flowers and low maintenance requirements. Growing African violets is easy if you follow the right steps. Here’s how you can successfully grow these beautiful plants in your home.

African Violets

Are you fascinated by the world of African violets? From the delicate flowers, it’s no wonder these majestic plants have captivated the hearts of gardeners everywhere! With care, patience, and a few expert tips, you can learn how to take your African violet gardening game to the next level – and enjoy beautiful blooms all year round.

Whether you’re looking for easy maintenance tips or advanced watering schedules, this blog post will provide you with all the advice and guidance needed to achieve success as an African violet gardener! Leaves can be solid green or variegated green and white and either smooth or quilted/wavy or frilly. Finally they come in a variety of sizes which will help you determine the pot size you will need.

Choose your plant

When selecting an African Violet, look for healthy looking plants with dark green leaves and vibrant blooms. Avoid any plants that have yellowing or wilted leaves as this may indicate a pest infestation or disease. If possible, try to select a plant that has multiple buds so that it will flower for longer.

African Violet Sizes

African Violets are a wonderful addition to any home and come in many different sizes. Full-sized African violets range from small, to medium, and large. There is also the option of miniatures, which often appear similar to full-sized African violets but are much smaller. Trailers are closely related to the African violet family, although they have trailing vines instead of rosettes. Finally, micro miniatures offer more intricate shapes and colors than their regular miniature African Violet relatives. African Violets can be quite beautiful when cared for properly and there’s sure to be a variety that fits everyone’s needs perfectly!

Best light for African Violets

African Violets need bright, indirect light to thrive indoors and produce flowers year-round. The best spot in your home will depend on orientation; south-facing windows provide more direct sunlight whereas east-facing windows provide more diffused light throughout the day which is better for plants like African violets which prefer indirect sunlight rather than direct sun rays hitting their delicate petals directly throughout the day. They do not like direct sunlight as this will cause the leaves to yellow and the plant will die.

It is said the best window for African Violets is a South facing window. Although I have mine in South, North and West windows along with a few under grow lights. On my North and West windows I do partially close my blinds a little allowing only filtered light. You can also use a shear curtain to filter the light if you don’t have blinds. Some of my Violets’s thrive best in North window but tend to wither in South window. So I just move them around and see where they want to bloom and grow best. I have a post just on the different types of lights for African Violets that you can read by clicking here.

Grow Lights for African Violets

My grow lights are at least 12″ above my plants and set on 12 hours on and 12 hours off. These Foxgarden full spectrum light strips are perfect. I have owned two of them for over a year now with no issues at all. My violets are doing great under these grow lights and bloom continuously without fail!

Grow light on my miniatures — Grow light on my shelf of miniatures!

African Violet Pots – African Violet Planters

African Violets prefer shallow pots with drainage holes at the bottom and plenty of room around the sides for roots to grow. Clay or ceramic pots are best as they help keep soil moist while also providing good air circulation to the roots.

Just like children or pets every African Violet is different. The best pot for one African violet may not work for the next. I have transplanted more than one African Violet that was suffering in its current pot. Once transplanted it flourished! So don’t be afraid to experiment, as with lighting move them around until they are happy! You do what works not only for you and your circumstances but also for the health of the African Violet.

Pot Sizes

It can be tricky to figure out the best pot size for your African Violet, as each size needs a specific one. Generally, for a micro-miniature African Violet, you should use a pot no larger than 2 inches in diameter, while a miniature will do best with a pot between 2-3 inches. For small African Violets you can use a pot that is 3-4 inches in diameter and medium ones should have pots at least 4-5 inches wide. And lastly, large African Violets need to be planted in pots that are 5 or more inches in width.

Picking the right size of the pot is essential for keeping your beloved plants healthy and thriving! African Violets like to be slightly root bound although when they are growing out of the bottom it’s time to move them up a size! If you do water wicking for your African Violets these Greenpara Transparent Pots are great, you can see your roots and they come in various sizes in one package. These Mintra 4 pack of pots come in a variety of colors and range from 4″ up to 7″.

African Violet Self Watering Pots or Water Wicking Pots

A majority of my African Violets are in water wicking pots. You can buy many different types of water wicking pots like this 3 pack of clear water wicking pots or these Santino Calypso 3 pack that come in a variety of colors. Or if you prefer to make your own like I do then you can use these 4″ pots, I love the variety of colors and I can write the name of the African Violet on the pot with a sharpie. Next I put a piece of yarn, split into either two or three strands so not too much water is absorbed, long enough to touch the water, come up through holes in bottom of pot and up to the top of your pot.

These screens are perfect for the bottom of the pot to keep the soil from falling out of the holes. Finally I put them in one of these glass bowl vases that hold the water. I have even started coloring the outside of these vases with this alcohol ink!

Two of the glass bowl vases I mentioned above that I colored with alcohol ink – I love how they turned out! You can see multiple videos on YouTube on how to use Alcohol Ink on vases.

Water Wicking for Trailers, Micro-Miniature and Miniature African Violets

My latest obsession is trailers, miniature and micro-miniature African Violets and they are in water wicking pots I created. I use these 2″ plastic pots with screens on the bottom, piece of 3 strands of acrylic yarn for my wick. And finally put them in shot glasses, I love these beautiful cut glass vases! Trailers differ from the other African Violets as they have multiple crowns. Where all other Violets grow from a center crown, trailers continue to grow and can have multiple crowns causing them to spread wider and wider! I have some in 2″ pots and others in a 4″ shallow pot-the possibilities are endless with trailers!

One of my favorite trailers called Rob’s Miriwinni. This is in a shot glass although due to the multiple crowns you can’t even see it! This one is very easy to start new ones from the leaves-I have given away so many of these.

Ceramic African Violet Pots

I also have some that thrive better in ceramic African Violet pots. There are a variety of these, they last forever and you buy in multiple colors to match your decor. They have a ceramic outer pot that holds the water and an inner porous pot that slowly absorbs the water and keeps your soil moist. Here are just a few of my favorites – Laughing Moose Ceramic African Violet pot, Repotme Teardrop African Violet pot and finally this White Glazed African Violet pot that will match any decor.

Pots with Trays

And finally I have few in a regular pot with a saucer, these are watered from the bottom. I love this assortment of colored 4″ pots with matching saucers or you can even put a large assortment of pots on a metal tray with a layer of stones, fill the tray with water weekly to water your violets and promote humidity which they love!

How often do you repot your African Violet?

I care for my African Violets by repotting them once a year to give them fresh soil. If I have them in plastic pots for water wicking then I also give them a fresh pot. For my Violets in ceramic African Violet pots then I remove the plant, clean the ceramic inner pot and then repot with fresh soil. If your inner ceramic pot is not taking in water like it should you can soak it in a mixture of half white vinegar and half water for 30-60 minutes. This will open up the porous inner pot that can build up with minerals and allow water to seep in to the roots again and keep the plant healthy. Also once they are full grown you just repot in the same size pot they were in.

Fertilizing African Violets

Fertilize Regularly – African violets need regular fertilizing to reach their full potential – once every two weeks during spring/summer months and once per month during fall/winter months is ideal depending on how often you water them (more frequent fertilizing may be necessary if you are watering daily). Choose a fertilizer specifically designed for flowering plants such as African Violets as these have higher levels of phosphorus which helps promote healthy flower growth and development over time. My favorite African Violet fertilizer is Schultz AV liquid fertilizer.

Propagating African Violets

Propagating African Violets is easier than you think. You can do this multiple ways and everyone has their favorite, you do what works for you. You want to get a leaf from the middle row of leaves and cut the end off at an angle with a clean sterilized knife. I wipe my knife down with alcohol and let it air dry. Then you can dip the leaf in rooting hormone and put it in African Violet potting soil. My Dad always started his in perlite only until they rooted and small new leaves began to show. He then moved them on to a pot of African Violet potting soil.

Propagating African Violets in water.

I start my African Violets in water, I have a wooden holder that holds 4 test tubes and I fill them with purified water and put my leaves in there until I get a long set of roots, this usually takes 2-3 weeks. Then I pot them in a 4″ pot of African Violet soil. You can also use any vase or cup you want by putting saran wrap over them, secure with a rubber band and poke holes so only the stem goes through to the water.

Here are a few of my favorite propagation stands and even a few hanging ones! Foosibo wooden and glass tube stand, Mkono Desktop propagation stand, Creproly wire and glass Propagation Stand, Mkono Boho macrame and glass wall hanging propagation center and finally Mkono 3 tiered wood and glass hanging plant hanger. There are so many more and when you click on any of these you will find pages of propagation stations!

Propagating African Violet leaves in water — Propagating my leaves in water!

Dividing African Violets

Many African Violets will duplicate as they grow and get what is called suckers or new plants started at the base of the plant.

African Violets can easily be propagated by division. In time, these plants will produce sucker-like shoots around the base of the main plant. These are baby plants that have been produced from asexual propagation and are also known as offsets or plantlets. When enough of these have formed, it is time to divide your African Violet and transplant them into their containers.

Start by removing each baby plant from the main parent plant with a sterile sharp knife or pair of shears (I clean mine with alcohol and let them air dry). Cut as close to the base as possible, making sure to keep some roots attached to each sucker.

Once you have all your offsets, use a potting mix made specifically for African Violets and fill small containers with the soil. Plant each sucker in the container and pack it down gently so that they are secure. Water them well and place them in a sunny spot where they can get some indirect sunlight or artificial light if using grow lights.

With proper care and attention, these offsets will eventually become beautiful African Violets in their own right. Dividing your plant can be a great way to share the beauty of the African Violet with friends and family!

African Violet Soil

African violets need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Good quality potting soil mixed with compost is ideal for growing healthy plants. You can also buy a special African violet mix from your local gardening store which contains all the necessary ingredients for optimal growth.

Everyone has their favorites. I started with store bought African Violet potting soil like Miracle Grow African Violet soil or Black Gold African Violet soil that you can purchase at your favorite garden center or online at Amazon. Now with so many African Violets I have come up with my own mixture of 2 parts sphagnum peat moss, 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculite. You should use the soil that works for you and makes your African Violets happy.

African Violet Water and How Often to water your African Violets

The key to successful watering is consistency – water your plants when they are dry, but be careful not to overwater them as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. The best way to tell if your plant needs watering is by feeling the soil – it should be slightly damp but not wet or saturated with water when touched lightly with your fingertips. I have a blog post written solely for how to water African Violets and you can read it by clicking here.

I water my African Violets weekly with tap water that I let sit for 24 hours first. In one gallon of water I put 1 Tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide (to cut down on algea growth in my glass water wicking pots) and 2-3 droppers of Schultz African Violet food. You want to keep your soil moist but not overly wet. A majority of my African Violets are in water wicking pots and I replace the water weekly. My Violets in Ceramic African Violet pots I just top off the water in the outer pot weekly. And finally those in trays I just add enough water the reach bottom of pot and let them absorb the water from the bottom.

Problems with African Violets

African Violets can be a bit finicky at times but once you find out where they are happy they reward you with year round blooms and beautiful foliage!

Cupping of Leaves – This can be caused by your African Violet being too cold, happens allot when placed in North windows. Especially at night when the temperature drops and the wind blows. Most Violets don’t like temperatures cooler than 65 F. Different cultivars react differently so while one looks fine and the other starts cupping of leaves or has a tight center growth then just move it to a different window. You might want to invest in a temperature monitor like this ThermoPro and it will let you know how warm and cool the plants are in a 24 hour period.

African Violet Leaves Drooping – This happens when the soil is too wet or if it’s not watered enough. Just make sure your soil is moist, not dry to the touch or soggy and saturated with water.

Spotting on Leaves – This can be caused by water damage to the leaf. You should never mist your African Violets. Also try to never get water on the foliage as this will cause permanent leaf spotting.

Happy Gardening!

African Violets come in an impressive variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to find one that suits both your decorating style and place in the home. With their varying hues of purple, pink, white, and yellow blooms, African Violets are sure to brighten up any room of the home with their delicate beauty.

June 26, 2023November 28, 2024

Best African Violet Supplies

Below is a list of my favorite and what I consider best African Violet supplies that I use or my fellow African Violet friends use. Most of my items are purchased on Amazon because I am a prime member and returns are free. This way if I don’t like it I simply return and try the next one. I will only recommend what works for me or what my other African Violet loving friends use and work for them.

Please let me know if you have any recommendations. I’m more than happy to buy any new African Violet supplies and try them out. Just don’t tell my husband!

Best African Violet grow lights.

I have a grow light on one of my entertainment center shelves for my miniature Africa Violets. And also one on a wire rack in my kitchen to display some Standard African Violets along with a few miniatures. These Foxgarden full spectrum plant strip are the ones I use and I have had two for over a year with no problems at all. They are both set for 12 hours on and 12 hours off.

Best African Violet Supplies including Grow Lights — Grow light on my group of miniatures!!

Desk Grow light for African Violet

My latest obsession to add to my list of best african violet supplies is this Romsto individual grow light. Since my desk isn’t near a window I wanted a light so I could still enjoy one of my African Violets while at work. The violets can easily be switched out if I want a different color bloom to look at!

Grow light bulbs

If you have a larger area and you can use a Briignite LED grow light bulb in the existing light I recommend these. Have used them in the past, they work great and last for months!

Table Top grow lights

These are all on my list to buy soon, I have a friend who has them all and loves them! My living room has a very dark corner. Since it gets no light at all, I plan on putting this single plant light on a small table in the corner. This double plant light would be perfect for a slightly larger table. And finally my dream a triple plant light! This would be great for a sofa table or large table in windowless spot of home that needs some plant life!

African Violets Pots

Personally I use three different types of pots for my African Violets depending on the Violet. A majority are water wicking, some are in ceramic African Violet pots. And finally a few in regular pots with trays below as these are watered from the bottom. Below are just a few examples of what I consider the best African Violet supplies for your African Violet pot needs.

African Violet Self Watering Pots – Specifically Water Wicking Pots

The majority of my African Violets are water wicking and for these I use these 4″ multi-colored plastics pots. Next I put these round screens over the bottom so the soil does not fall through to my water reservoir, they work perfectly.

For the wick I use yarn that is cut to length so it will drop into water reservoir and come up to top or at least middle of pot. I usually cut them to around 6 inches, these are 6 strands so I split them into 3 strands. This way they won’t pull up too much water into the plant, causing root rot.

I like a different look for displaying my violets so I have played around with different ideas. These glass bowl vases work perfectly for the base and the 4″ plastic pots fit perfectly in them. I have even experimented with Alcohol ink to color my glass vases. This alcohol ink set is easy to use and has multiple colors, I have colored over a dozen pots so far and still have enough for probably 30 more!

Here are a couple of my glass bowl vases colored with alcohol ink – love how they turned out and love matching them with the color of the blooms!!

Water Wicking for Miniature and Micro-Miniature African Violets

My new obsession is miniatures and micro miniature African Violets. Mainly because I can have more in a smaller space! These 2″ plastic pots work perfectly for my miniatures. And they fit into a shot glass and you can find pretty shot glasses like these to put your violets in.

Ceramic African Violet Pots

Ceramic pots are great for your moisture loving African Violets. The unglazed inner pot allows water to seep through slowly from the outer pot. Although I have had few that don’t do well in them so like I’ve said before do what works best for your violet. One of the issues with these pots is they tend to get mineral build up in the porous inner pot and no longer absorb water. You can fix this problem by soaking the inner pot in a mixture of 75% white vinegar and 25% water for 30-60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and then pot as usual.

Best Pots for African Violets with trays or saucers to water from the bottom

These pots are for your really picky African Violets that don’t like the soil to stay moist. I have a few Russian/Ukraine Violets that are extremely picky prefer to dry out between watering. You can put these in any pot with bottom drainage and place them inside a tray or decorative bowl. To the bowl I added some clay beads that retain water I had left over from my hydroponics project! I love this economical eight pack of plastic pots and their various colors. Also these are the clay beads if you would like to use them. I add a single layer to any pretty bowl the pots will sit down inside.

***Dutchess in an acrylic bowl with clay beads to hold moisture-I water this one by filling the bowl.***

Best Soil for African Violets

I use my own mixture, mainly because I have so many and it’s just more cost effective for me. My soil mix is 1 part perlite, 1 part vermiculite and 2 parts sphagnum peat moss. I have friends that use Miracle Grow African Violet potting soil. Others perfer Black Gold African Violet potting soil.

Best African Violet Fertilizer or Best African Violet Plant Food

Some people call it fertilizer and some plant food so I decided to put both in the title. For me the best African Violet Fertilizer/Plant Food is the Schultz African Violet Plus Plant Food. I put 2-3 droppers full in my one gallon of purified water.

Plant Stands

Below are multiple plants stands that can be used to display your African Violets. I have mine on both the wooden plants stands and a metal stand with plant lights.

Large Wooden Plant Stand – I own multiple of these type in different configurations and all very easy to put together with large shelve space to hold your African Violets. Uneedem Tall plant shelf, Bamworld Tall Plant Stand , Bamworld Large plant stand to hold both hanging and shelves for plants, GEEBOBO tall plant stand and Bamboo tiered stand just to name a few!!
Metal Plant Stand – these are great for attaching grow lights to the top, set on 12 hours on and 12 hours off and fill up the stand with color in a room where you have no windows!
Another absolutely beautiful large metal plant stand – Potey 6 tier heart shaped metal stand that can be used together or separated-beautiful either way!!

June 11, 2023November 28, 2024

African Violet Varieties

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance and captivating plant to add to your indoor garden, consider an African violet. With hundreds of African Violet varieties and colors to choose from, these plants are perfect for gardeners of all levels. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the most popular African violet varieties, explore their unique features, and understand why so many gardeners have fallen in love with these stunning plants.

Classic African Violet Varieties

Typically found in shades of pink and violet, Classic varieties are some of the most popular African violets. They usually grow to be about 6-8 in width, with lovely, round leaves and vibrant blooms. These plants are perfect for beginners since they are easy to care for and maintain, and they thrive in less-than-perfect indoor conditions.

Miniature African Violet Varieties

As the name suggests, miniature varieties of African violets are significantly smaller and compact than the classic ones. They grow to be about 1-3 inches in width and are perfect for gardeners with limited indoor space. Be aware that these plants require slightly more attention than their larger cousins.

Trailing African Violet Varieties

If you’re looking for a dramatic effect, consider adding trailing African Violet varieties to your collection. These plants have multiple crowns and can reach up to 12 inches in width and some of the most beautiful blooms you’ll ever find. Trailers can be classified as miniature, semi-miniature or standards depending on the size of their leaves.

Variegated African Violet Varieties

These gorgeous Variegated African violets sport multi-colored foliage with a mix of chartreuse, green, yellow, and pink, giving them a stunning, variegated appearance. They usually grow to be about 6-8 inches in width, and their blooms range in color from light-pink to deep-red.

Purple African Violet Varieties

Many gardeners consider purple African violets to be the most iconic of all, and for an excellent reason. These stunning plants range in shades from pale-lavender to deep-purple and sport beautiful, heart-shaped leaves.

Double African Violets

If you’re looking to add some drama to your indoor garden, consider the Double variety of African violets. These plants boast larger and fuller blooms with multiple layers of petals in shades ranging from white to pink to red. Adding one of these to your indoor garden will undoubtedly draw admiring glances from your visitors!

Colors of African Violets

From white to green to pastel pinks to vibrant purples and deep reds, African violets come in an array of stunning colors. No matter what your color preference or indoor decor may be, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you!

Happy Gardening!

In conclusion, African violets are a fantastic addition to any indoor garden. With a variety of colors and textures to choose from, there is an ideal African violet for any gardener. These plants are easy to care for, beautiful to look at, and have a unique charm that makes them the perfect accent to any room. So go ahead and add an African violet to your indoor garden, and you’ll discover why so many gardeners have fallen in love with these stunning plants.

June 11, 2023November 28, 2024

African Violets Seeds

For seasoned African Violet growers and beginners alike, growing African violets from seeds is a great way to explore the beauty of nature and the joys of gardening. African violets are beautiful, delicate, and easy to grow plants that can provide a colorful and calming atmosphere to your indoor garden. In this blog, we will discuss how to plant African violet seeds, the perfect soil, water and light requirements, humidity levels, and when to pot them in their own pots. Follow along to learn some tips and techniques that can help you grow beautiful African violet plants.

Soil for African Violet Seeds

Preparing the Soil – To plant African violet seeds, you need a well-draining, nutrient-dense, and slightly acidic soil. You can use commercially available African Violet soil mixes, or you can make your own. My soil mix for African Violets is 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite and one part vermiculite. Some people prefer to mix half AV Commercial soil mix with half perlite. Just experiment and see what works best for you.

Planting your African Violet Seeds

Planting the Seeds – Before planting the seeds, make sure to clean and disinfect your pot or tray and any gardening tools that you will be using. Scatter the African violet seeds evenly onto the surface of the soil. Do not cover the seeds with soil, as they are light-sensitive. You can cover the pot or tray with plastic wrap of you can plant in trays with covers to create your own greenhouse effect to retain moisture and germination rate. Place the pot or tray on a warm surface with bright, indirect sunlight.

Water and Light Requirements

African violets love bright, indirect sunlight and moist soil. Avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the delicate leaves and flowers. Or as many growers do you can use LED Grow lights. I personally have AVs under these grow lights and they fantastic with non-stop blooming! Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the soil every day to keep it moist. Do not water the soil too heavily, as it can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing your African Violet Seeds

You can provide your African violets with balanced liquid fertilizer, preferably high-potassium, once every two weeks. For all my African Violets, which are on the water wicking method, I use Schultz African Violet fertilizer and use half strength one week and full strength the next.

Humidity Levels

African violets love high humidity levels, but they can quickly get damaged in too much moisture. The ideal humidity level range for African violet plants is between 40-60%. This TheraPro humidity hygrometer lets you know when you have reached the correct humidity level. You can use a humidifier or place a tray of water under the plant to increase humidity.

Potting up your new African Violets

Trailer AV — This is on my Trailer African Violets

Once your African violet plants are big enough and have several leaves, you can transplant them into their own pots. Make sure to use a potting mix mentioned above. Gently remove the plant from its pot and loosen the soil around the roots. Place the plant in a slightly bigger pot and cover the roots with new soil. Water well and place the plant in a bright, indirect sunlit area.

Happy Gardening!

Growing African violet plants from seeds may seem daunting, but with patience and care, you can explore the beauty of indoor gardening. A well-draining soil mix, bright indirect sunlight, and high humidity levels are key to keeping these plants healthy and blooming. Remember to water and feed your plants regularly and to keep them away from direct sunlight and cold drafts. With these tips and techniques, you will be rewarded with charming and vibrant African violet plants that will bring life to your home.

Amour Elite African Violet — Amour Elite

June 9, 2023November 28, 2024

African Violet Soil

African violets are a beloved flowering plant among gardeners worldwide for their vibrant blooms and easy care. However, to foster healthy growth and abundant blooms, African violets need to be grown in appropriate soil. The soil type and quality will heavily impact the plant’s health. In this post, we will discuss the different types of African violet soil, the best commercial type, and how to mix your own.

There are two categories to consider when it comes to African violet soil – commercial and homemade. Commercial soil is well-prepared and safe to use, while homemade soil may be cheaper, but it requires more effort and time.

African Violet Commercial Soil

The best commercial soil for African violets is usually made by reputable brands and is neither too heavy nor too light. It should retain moisture long enough to ensure the roots have access to water without causing them to rot. Our favorite brands for African violet soil include Espoma Organic African Violet, Miracle Grow African Violet Mix, and Sun Grow Black Gold African Violet Mix.

Mixing your own African Violet Soil

I prefer to mix my own since I have around 50 African Violets and it’s just more economical for me. After all if I save a little money I can buy more Violets!! I live in Florida and all my plants are on the water wicking system. The mix I make is 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculite. I know some prefer 1 part peat moss to 1 part perlite. While others use 1 part African Violet commercial potting soil to 1 part perlite. Experiment and see what works best for you and your African Violets!

Once your soil is mixed

Begin by thoroughly cleaning a large plastic container with warm soapy water and allowing it to dry. Combine the ingredients in the container and mix well before using.

It’s important to note that African violets prefer to grow in shallow pots that are no longer than one and a half times the diameter of the plant’s foliage. Often, African violet growers use self-watering containers that provide a consistent moisture source for the plant. This makes it unnecessary to water the plant that often.

When planting an African violet, ensure that the soil is moist before planting the plant. Fill the pot with soil, ensuring that the plant’s roots are covered. Place the plant in a warm, airy, location with indirect sunlight for at least eight hours a day, and keep the plant’s soil consistently moist. Also if you don’t have an area for them to get enough light a LED grow light works great-I have four of them!

Happy Gardening!

In conclusion, growing African violets can be a delightful and rewarding experience. To promote healthy plant growth and blooms, it’s essential to put your African violet in a well-prepared commercial or homemade soil mixture depending on what works with your schedule and resources. Remember, African violet soil should retain moisture, be light, and most of all not compact. For best results, use a shallow pot and keep the soil consistently moist. With a bit of effort and patience, your African violet will reward you with beautiful blooms!

April 8, 2023November 28, 2024

Variegated African Violets

Discovering and nurturing the beauty of Variegated African Violets, with their unique colored foliage, is a rewarding experience for any African Violet gardener. The beauty of just the foliage in the Variegated AV is enjoyed even without the blooms!

These Violets are easy to care for, however, they require the same attention as regular African Violets. Including light requirements, soil type, and moisture level when it comes to successful growth. With proper management, you can enjoy vibrant plants year-round as well as propagate them yourself by taking cuttings or removing suckers. Read on to find out all the secrets behind these magical plants. And how you can create your stunning display of Variegated African Violets in no time.

African Violet Variegated Leaves

Variegated African Violets are beloved among African Violet gardeners for their variegated leaves that can be enjoyed even without the blooms These beautiful leaves come in many hues including colors like cream, yellow, pink, white, yellow, lavender, and shades of green. To grow variegated African Violets, the gardener must be sure to provide ample indirect light, fertilizer, moist soil with good drainage, and frequent watering. Understanding how to propagate this houseplant is relatively easy as well: through leaf cuttings or removing suckers.

Miniature - Definitely Darryl — Miniature African Violet-Definetly Darryl

Controlling the Amount of Varigation

Variegation of African Violets can be controlled by providing the correct conditions. To ensure that Variegated AVs maintain their desirable variegation, control the temperature. Most Variegated AVs maintain a good color balance at 72 degrees F. Warmer temperatures produce a greener color and cooler temps produce more variegation. You might want to invest in a temperature monitor like this Thermapro to monitor your temps for not only your Variegated but also standard AVs.

Lighting for African Violets

Variegated African Violets just like regular African Violets thrive in bright, indirect light. The best lighting for these plants is provided by a south-facing window. Because it provides the most consistent source of light throughout the day. Although I have mine in the south, north, and west windows. I just close the blinds part way to avoid direct sunlight, you can also use sheer curtains to filter the light.

If growing indoors with little to no light fluorescent or LED lights are a great alternative. However, they should be placed at least 12 inches away from the plant, and up to 12 hours a day. I love these FoxGarden LED lights and have them on both a shelf of miniatures and one full of standard violets in my kitchen away from any windows. Too little light can cause the leaves to become dull in color, while too much light will quickly cause them to wither and die.

African Violet Soil

Variegated African Violets need a soil that drains quickly yet still retains some moisture. A potting mix specifically designed for African Violets is recommended. Choices like Black Gold African Violet soil, Epsoma African Violet soil or Miracle Grow African Violet soil are great choices. I used all of them when I started out. Although now, I have so many violets that I like to mix my own. I use 1 part perlite, 1 part vermiculite and 2 parts sphagnum peat moss.

African Violet Pots

The best pot type for African Violets is a ceramic, terracotta or plastic pot with several holes in the bottom for good drainage. This allows excess water to be released and prevents root rot from occurring. It is important when selecting a pot that it have adequate drainage holes as African Violets are prone to root rot if overwatered.

Some people swear by terracotta although, I have a majority of mine in plastic on water wicking (method described below). The others are in Ceramic African Violet pots. Every AV is different so if not thriving in the pot you have it in, switch it up and see if it likes a different type pot better. I have some that the leaves become limp and the plant becomes waterlogged in a ceramic AV pot. Then when I switch to water wicking they thrive and vice versa. So see which pot they like best-trust me they will let you know when they are not happy!

Watering African Violets

Variegated African Violets just like regular African Violets are sensitive to both over and under-watering. Some believe it’s best to water from the bottom, using a shallow dish or tray filled with room-temperature water. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Others like to water from the top but be sure to avoid getting water on the leaves.

I prefer Water wicking method, most of my AVs, regular and variegated are in water-wicking pots. I use this 4″ plastic pot in which I can write the name of the violet with a sharpie. Then I place one of these 2-4″ screens over the holes in the bottom so the soil does not fall into the water. Next I put a piece of acrylic yarn that I divide into three strands (so as not to take up too much water) long enough to go from the top of the pot down into the water. Then I place the potted violet into one of these bowl vases that fill with water just below the bottom of the pot. This keeps the soil moist but not too wet.

Fertilizing African Violets

Variegated African Violets require a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for African Violets. Generally, I recommend using a liquid fertilizer once every two weeks in spring and summer, then only once a month during fall and winter. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle as too much fertilizer can damage the plants. Also, it depends on where you live, I live in central Florida so pretty much the same temperature year around. So I fertilize with Schultz AV Fertilizer weekly and have been doing this for years with blooms year around!

Propagation by leaf cuttings or suckers

Variegated African Violets can be propagated from leaf cuttings. Cut off a healthy leaf with 3-4 inches of stem attached and remove any lower leaves from the stem. Dip the end of the stem into hormone-rooting powder and place it in a moist AV potting mix, perlite or vermiculite. The cutting should take root within 4 weeks. Once the new plant has developed a root system of its own, it can be transplanted into a pot and grown as a normal African Violet.

Sometimes the plant will develop suckers or small offshoots of the AV plant, remove these with a sterile knife (I like to sterilize my knife with alcohol and let air dry). Once removed pot in AV soil and treat it like a normal AV plant.

Propagation in African Violets in water

Another way to propagate Variegated African Violets and my preferred method is by placing a leaf cutting in water. Place a healthy leaf in an empty jar or propagation station filled with room temperature water and wait for roots to develop. Once the roots are about 1 inch long, you can transplant them into African Violet soil. Keep moist and make sure there is adequate drainage.

African Violet leaf propagation in water — Leaf propagation in Water-look at those beautiful roots!!

Potting and repotting Varigated African Violets – when to do it and how

African Violet (AV) gardening can be a rewarding hobby, and Variegated AVs are very popular among enthusiasts. Picking the right size of pot is essential for keeping your beloved plants healthy and thriving! African Violets like to be slightly root bound although when they are growing out of the bottom it’s time to move them up a size! A majority of my violets are in 4″ pots as they like to be slightly rootbound. The root system is 1/3rd the span of the leaves, therefore a good rule of thumb is to choose a pot 1/3rd the size of the leaf span

When it comes to re-potting, it is best to stay on top of things: AVs do not like to spend more than about two years in the same pot. Re-pot early spring or mid-summer when the plant is actively growing; look out for the presence of roots through the drainage holes which can indicate a need for bigger space. African violet gardeners can also use this opportunity to refresh their growing medium to ensure proper light, water, soil, and nutrients.

Troubleshooting common problems with Varigated African Violets

Variegated African Violets can be tricky to keep healthy, but with a few extra steps in your care routine you can troubleshoot some of the most common problems. Yellow leaves are often due to too much light – try moving your violet a bit further away from direct sunlight and make sure it gets 12 hours of darkness. Cupped or drooping leaves usually point to needing more water – be careful not to leave them sitting in the water though, as this will cause root rot.

Happy Violet Gardening!

In conclusion, Varigated African Violets make a great addition to your home and are relatively easy to care for. They enjoy bright light, should be watered regularly, and need a soil mixture that is well drained. When propagating your plants you can either use leaf cuttings or remove suckers. While potting and repotting should only occur when necessary, the timeframe for making a switch depends on the size of the plant and its growth rate. Lastly, fertilizing your Variegated African Violet with either liquid or slow-release fertilizer helps keep them healthy and beautiful. So what are you waiting for? Bring out the green thumbs in you by getting a variegated African violet today!

Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!

April 5, 2023November 28, 2024

Trailing African Violets

Welcome to the world of Trailing African Violets! These colorful and vibrant plants are a favorite among gardeners, but they can be quite finicky. With the right care, however, you can create a beautiful display of these glorious African Violets in your home. In this blog post, we will cover all aspects of caring for and propagating these magnificent plants. Including pot sizes, soil type, water needs, lighting requirements, and more. By the end of this post, you’ll have everything you need to know about growing amazing African Violets!

African Violet Trailers

African Violet Trailers are an eye-catching addition to any home, adding a beautiful touch of color to any room. But they do provide special care requirements that need to be addressed to keep them vibrant and healthy. The right pot size, soil mix, and light exposure are essential for optimal health.

Additionally, you’ll want to learn how to propagate your African Violet Trailer. Not only beneficial in the case of a sick or damaged plant but also economical in terms of providing a larger number of plants for minimal cost. Learn how to navigate these thorough care instructions to gain the maximum benefit from your African Violet Trailer today!

– What are African Violet Trailers

Trailing African Violets are an exciting variety of the miniature or standard African Violets.They They have multiple crowns that topple over the the pot and cascade down the sides. When cared for properly, these trailing African Violets make show-stopping additions to any home. Pot selection, soil type, and level of light required must all be taken into consideration when growing. As well as water requirements, pest prevention, and how to propagate them. But if you’re willing to put in a bit of work, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful ever-flowering display!

Best Trailing African Violet Pots

When it comes to potting Trailing African Violets, the right size pot is essential. In general, it’s best to choose a 2-4 inch sized pot with drainage holes in the bottom as they will allow water and oxygen to flow freely. Also, make sure that your soil is well-drained and not water-logged as it will cause root rot.

While plastic or ceramic containers both work well for these plants, terracotta pots are recommended due to their breathability. Terracotta absorbs excess water and helps the soil drain properly, preventing root rot and other moisture-related issues. Since an optimal environment is essential for healthy African Violet Trailers, ensuring that they cannot become over-watered is critical. I prefer plastic pots, I have 4 trailers and all are in 2″ plastic pots.

Soil Type

The ideal soil mix for Trailing African Violets is light, airy, and well-draining. The combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite should provide an ideal balance of moisture retention and drainage. I have so many AVs that I mix my soil mix of 2 parts sphagnum peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part vermiculite. If you wish to use a potting soil mix for your African Violets, look for one specifically designed for them like Black Gold AV mix or Miracle grow AV mix-I have used both and they work great. With the right soil mix in place, your African Violets should have all they need to grow strong and healthy!

Watering African Violets

When it comes to watering African Violets, it’s important to keep an eye on the moisture level of the soil. These plants thrive best in environments that are kept evenly moist, but never soggy. It’s important to avoid contact with water on their leaves as much as possible, which means watering from the bottom is often best. The frequency of watering will depend on factors such as light level and temperature – generally speaking.

You should water your African Violets once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. I have all my African Violets, standards, mini’s and trailers on a water-wicking system. You can read about how I set it up here. Additionally, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of over-watering such as yellowing leaves and root rot – if you suspect that your plant is being overwatered, reduce the frequency of watering and ensure proper drainage. With proper care and attention, you’ll soon have a living bouquet of African Violets thriving in your home!

Light Requirements for African Violet Trailers

African Violet trailers are truly the crown jewel of houseplant selections and with the right light requirement restrictions they can thrive in any space. The optimal lighting conditions for African Violet trailers include exposure to indirect or filtered sunlight/bright ambient light. Such as a north or east-facing window. The intensity of the light also needs to be monitored, because too much light can lead to leaf burn whereas inadequate lighting can result in poor flowering and plant growth. Monitor your African Violet trailer closely and adjust according to need, remembering that these vibrant plants need very little direct sunlight.

If you want to provide your African Violets with supplemental light, grow lights are a great option. Use full-spectrum grow lights for best results – these types of lighting will give the plant all the light it needs without giving too much ultraviolet radiation that could cause leaf burn. A good rule of thumb is to provide the plants with 12 hours of light per day. I use the FoxGarden Full Spectrum grow light on my trailers and mini’s for 12 hours on and 12 hours off and they bloom continuously! Carefully monitor your plant’s progress as you adjust the amount of light it receives to find the ideal balance for optimal growth. With a bit of trial and error, you will soon have thriving African Violet trailers!

How to Propagate Your Trailing African Violets

African Violet Trailers are a great way to add ever-flowering, easy-to-care-for beauty to your home. Get started by carefully either picking leaves or separating plantlets off the leafy stems of established growth simply pull them away or cut them if necessary before transferring those little “babies” into moist, well-draining soil within their separate containers. Provide adequate light, avoid overwatering, and wait for your African Violet Trailers to thrive!

Propagating African Violets in Water

I start my African Violets in water, I have a wooden holder that holds 4 test tubes and I fill them with purified water and put my leaves in there until I get a long set of roots, this usually takes 2-3 weeks. Then I pot them in a 2″ pot of African Violet soil. You can also use any vase or cup you want by putting saran wrap over them, secure with a rubber band and poke holes so only the stem goes through to the water.

You can use any propagation station but here are a few beautiful ones – Tube plant propagation has the test tubes like mine, or I also love this glass bulb propagation station and even this wall hanging station!

Happy Gardening!

If you have been considering adding an African Violet Trailer to your home, now is the time! African Violets are easy to care for with the right tips. When potting your African Violet, consider using soil specifically for African Violets. Then, give them plenty of indirect light and water that is tepid to room temperature using once or twice a week depending on humidity and temperature. And don’t forget to propagate and share your love of African Violets with others. With just a few simple steps you can successfully grow an African Violet Trailer right in your own home! So what are you waiting for? Get your African Violet Trailer today!

April 2, 2023November 28, 2024

Miniature African Violets

Miniature African Violets are potted plants that bring a splash of vibrant beauty to any room. They can make an elegant addition to your home, and they’re surprisingly easy to care for! Whether you’re new to the world of miniature African violets or looking for refreshing gardening ideas, this blog post has got you covered with tips on pot size, soil, light, water requirements, and propagation methods. AV gardeners who want the best results should learn how these delicate plants thrive to ensure their long-term health and create lush blooms all year long. Discover all there is to know about Miniature African Violets so you can become its proudest proprietor!

Mini African Violets

Miniature African Violets are a popular houseplant due to their eye-catching colors and easy upkeep. Officially known as Saintpaulia Goetzeana, Miniature African Violets are small in size. With fuzzy, velvety leaves that come in an assortment of shapes, sizes, and colors. To identify African Violets be sure to look for the fuzzy heart-shaped leaves and the vivid violet flowers atop long stems. There are several types of African Violets available ranging from standard single colors to the rarer tri-colored petals or rosette leaf styles. Proper care of Mini African Violets begins with selecting the right pot size and soil mixture. And exposing them to medium indirect sunlight, watering when dry with lukewarm water, and providing adequate humidity. With just these few basic steps any novice gardener can quickly become experienced at caring for miniature African violets!

African Violet Pots

One of the most important aspects of caring for a Miniature African Violet is selecting the right pot type and size. When choosing a pot size, you should aim for one that is just wide enough to hold the plant’s root system to provide optimal growth. For miniatures, this is anywhere from 2″ up to 3″. I use these 2″ pots for all but 2 of my 20 Mini African Violets. Although I do have one in a 3″ plastic pot to see if works better with one that keeps getting larger and so far so good. I have also experimented putting one of my mini’s in a small fairy head planter and I love how it looks. This one is on a saucer and watered very carefully from the top, making sure not to get the leaves wet.

Wick Watering African Violets

I use a water-wicking system for all my Mini African Violets. These 2″ plastic pots work perfectly, I put a 2″ piece of screen over the bottom to keep soil from leaking out into the water. I use yarn pieces as my wick split into 2 strands so as not to draw up too much water. The wick goes from the top of the soil line down into the water. For a water reservoir, I use decorative shot glasses or miniature bowl vases. The water is topped off weekly with AV fertilizer added to my water. I use filtered water, and to one gallon I add 1 Tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide (to deter algae growth) and 2-3 droppers of Schultz AV fertilizer. Every other week I clean out my water receptacle and replace it with fresh.

Best Soil for African Violets

In terms of soil, you can purchase a mix specifically labeled for African Violets like Black Gold AV soil or Miracle Grow AV soil. I have used both and they work great. These mixtures typically contain sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. I prefer to mix my own since I own over 50 African Violets and just find it more cost-effective. I use 2 parts sphagnum peat moss, 1 part vermiculite, and 1 part perlite. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Miniature African Violets will thrive in their new home and live long lives full of vibrant color!

Lighting for African Violets

Miniature African Violets (MAV) need approximately 12 hours of bright, yet indirect sunlight each day to thrive. The best way to provide this is by placing MAVs near a sunny window that filters out direct light through curtains or blinds, as direct exposure can scorch their delicate leaves. I have mine in North, South, and West windows in my home, the West window gets the most direct sun so I just partially close my blinds to filter the light and this works great. If you don’t have blinds, sheer curtains will also work.

African Violet Grow Lights

For those without access to natural light, grow lights are an effective and affordable solution for providing your MAVs with the light they need. The best type of grow lights to use are fluorescent or LED bulbs that produce full spectrum light which mimics natural sunlight. I have this FoxGarden full spectrum light on my shelf of miniatures for over a year and they love it! Be sure to place your MAV at least 8-10 inches below the bulb and turn it off at night.

As long as MAVs receive the required balance of light and darkness with adequate soil drainage and humidity, they will continue to be among the most rewarding indoor houseplants one can cultivate!

Watering African Violets

Watering Miniature African Violets is an important part of their care and maintenance. These types of plants require frequent watering, with the soil maintained at a level of moistness at all times. The best way to gauge when your mini violets need water is to check how dry the soil feels below the surface. Too much water can cause root rot so be sure not to over-water and instead watch for signs of distress such as wilting, yellow leaves, or drooping stems before you add more moisture.

As described above under pot types I water wick all my African Violets except for a few that don’t do well in water wicking. Remember every AV is different and will let you know what way is working for them by drooping, yellow or brown leaves.

Fertilizing African Violets

As a miniature African violet enthusiast, you want to promote healthy growth and blooms for your beautiful plants. One way to do this is by proper fertilization. It is recommended to feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer weekly, I use 2 droppers of Schultz AV Fertilizer in one gallon of water one week and the next week I use 3 droppers. I have continuous blooms on all of my African Violets year-round with this system of fertilization. With regular monitoring of your miniature African violet’s conditions, including nutrient intake from fertilization, you can ensure optimal growth and flowering throughout the year.

Propagating African Violets

Miniature African Violets are a great addition to any home, and propagating them from existing plants is an incredibly rewarding experience. With the right materials and basic knowledge, anyone can get started growing their miniature African violets. Propagation can be done either through cuttings or division.

When propagating with cuttings, take at least three-inch (7.6 cm) long stem cuttings from nonflowering stems and place them in vermiculite, perlite, or specialized African Violet Soil Mix. Place the cutting in a humid environment out of direct sunlight until it develops root buds before transferring it to its own pot with fresh african violet soil mix. Occasionally your plant will have sucker plants or babies. Remove the sucker plant by using a sterile knife or scissors (I wipe mine down with alcohol and let them air dry) to separate established plants at a leaf juncture; transfer each newly separated plant into moistened soil mix within its pot.

Propagating African Violets in Water

Propagation by water is also an option and my preferred method of propagation. To propagate in water, simply take a stem cutting with at least one leaf and place it in water in a propagation station. Place the station out of direct sunlight and change the water every few days to keep it fresh. In about three weeks you should see roots starting to form; once these are visible, transplant your new miniature African violet into a pot with fresh soil mix. With the proper care, your miniature African violets should be healthy and happy for many years to come!

African Violet Seeds

One other way to propagate Miniature African Violets is from seed. You can purchase seeds online or from a reputable nursery, and then sow them in AV soil. Cover the seed lightly with 1/4 inch of soil and mist it with water. Place the pot in bright indirect light, maintain consistent moisture levels, and cover the pot with a plastic bag or dome lid to maintain high humidity. In about 10-14 days, you should start to see sprouts! Once the seedlings reach 2-3 inches in height and have several leaves, transplant them into individual pots of fresh soil mix.

African Violet Terrariums

Terrariums are a great way to create your own miniature African violet landscape. They’re easy to care for and fun to assemble! Start by selecting an appropriate-sized container, then add some potting soil. Next, add rocks or gravel on top of the soil, followed by a layer of sphagnum moss. Place your miniature African violets in the soil and arrange them to your liking. Make sure that each plant has some room to grow, as well as adequate light and humidity. Decorate your terrarium with small rocks and pebbles for a unique look. With regular care, your terrarium should be a show-stopping display of miniature African violets for years to come!

Now that you know the basics of how to properly care for and propagate your miniature African Violets, you can start creating your unique displays and enjoy these beautiful plants all year round.

Problems with African Violets

African Violets can be a bit finicky at times but once you find out where they are happy they reward you with year round blooms and beautiful foliage!

Happy Gardening!

In conclusion, Miniature African Violets have become a popular houseplant. With understanding the basics of these plants, identifying different types available, pot size and soil, light requirements, and watering schedules, as well as fertilizing and propagation methods; you are now equipped with all the tips you need to care for your miniature African violets. Taking the proper steps in caring for them will ensure a healthy, vibrant addition to your home or office décor. So why not give these amazing little plants a try?