African violets are cherished for their stunning flowers, which come in shades of violet, purple, pink, red, and white. While they may seem finicky, these plants are relatively easy to care for once you understand the basics. Here’s a guide on how to care for African violets:
1. Plant them in potting soil: African violet plants thrive in a light, airy medium around their roots to ensure good air circulation. It’s recommended to use commercial potting soil or create your own mix by adding extra peat moss and vermiculite or perlite to make it lighter.
2. Provide the right growing conditions:
- Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn the velvety leaves. Instead, place them in bright, indirect sunlight from a south- or east-facing window.
- In the winter months, consider using a grow light to provide the necessary exposure for blooming.
- African violets prefer temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and should be protected from drafty areas where nighttime temperatures drop below 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Keep the soil moist:
- Water your African violets when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Use room temperature or slightly warmer water and avoid getting water on the leaves, as cooler water can cause leaf spotting.
- They appreciate relatively humid conditions, so if you live in a dry climate, consider grouping plants together or placing pots on a tray of pebbles that is kept watered.
4. Fertilize regularly:
- To encourage blooming, feed your African violets with a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer blend that limits vegetative growth.
- You can find violet-specific fertilizers, but a well-balanced, high-quality fertilizer will also work.
- It’s recommended to lightly fertilize the plants every time you water to provide continuous nutrition.
5. Remove old blooms:
- African violets bloom year-round when cared for properly. Pinch off or remove spent blossoms to stimulate the plant to produce new buds instead of directing resources to dead tissue.
6. Repot periodically:
- Over time, the nutrients in the potting soil become depleted as the roots absorb them.
- Refresh the potting mix by repotting your African violets once or twice a year, but the pot size typically doesn’t need to change and won’t exceed 4 to 5 inches in diameter.
With these care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of African violets and keep them flourishing in your home.
hello, I would also like such flowers as I can buy them