African violets, also called Saintpaulia, are beautiful indoor plants that are easy to care for. Native to Tanzania and Kenya, they are perennials that bloom outdoors in some climates, but perform best as indoor plants in most parts of the world, as they cannot tolerate cold. They come in many varieties and colors, including blue, purple, pink, red, white, and multicolored. Some have fringed or double petals. This delicate yet tough flowering plant will look great in hanging baskets, bowls, or a single pot. Learn the abc of African violets to have a plant that will last you for many years.
Steps
Step 1. Choose African violets at the greenhouse or plant store
As she has many admirers, she is an easy plant to find.
Decide which color you prefer, or try several different varieties
Step 2. Choose an area of the house with enough light
The light must be slightly filtered and not directed from spring to autumn, in order not to damage or dry out the plant. In winter, place it in the sun instead to make sure it gets as much natural light as possible
Step 3. Water carefully
The best way to water African violets is to soak the pots so that they keep the moisture vital to them.
Step 4. Place the violets in the water for no more than 30 minutes and let the excess water drain
This way you will know that it will have absorbed all that is necessary and you will not risk drowning them.
If you decide to water from above, do not moisten the leaves or you will damage them
Step 5. Feed them every week
Add 1/4 to 1/8 tablespoon of fertilizer for every 4 liters of water. A generic 20-20-20 fertilizer or one with a higher median value is best. Do not use "bomb" fertilizers that can burn plants.
Step 6. Remove the suckers that grow from the main branch
They are small new twigs that can grow larger and spoil the overall appearance of the plant.
Step 7. In winter, keep your African violet cool and dry
The plant will go into a kind of hibernation, so giving the watering and heat a cut will help it to be reborn once the cold season is over.
Step 8. Repot as needed
Twice a year for large ones and once every 3-4 months for small ones. Loosen the earth every 4 waterings. (Pour the water from above without touching the leaves until you see it come out almost completely transparent.)
The rule of thumb for repotting is to choose a new pot that is 1/3 the diameter of the plant. Small violets want a vase that is no more than 30 cm. Reduce the leaves only to 3 or 4 rows, so that they are comfortable and cut the root system by burying the collar according to its length
Step 9. A mix of 1/3 African violet soil, 1/3 perlite and 1/3 vermiculite is perfect for dry climates
If you use a self-watering pot or live in wetter climates you can add more vermiculite.
Advice
- Keep your violets in areas of the house where they get a lot of light. In dark places or where they are not exposed to light they will not perform.
- Try growing new seedlings by taking leaves and placing them in soil mixed with sand. They are easy to propagate with this technique.
- Never let the temperature of the room where you keep the violets drop below 15 ° C.
Warnings
- When learning how to grow indoor African violets, it's important not to overdo the water. Test the soil with your finger. If it's wet, it's not time to water yet.
- Never get the leaves wet. They would stain themselves brown and die.
