what to feed african violets

Feed them fertilizer.

• There are specific fertilizers available for African violets, but the important thing is to provide them with balanced nutrients.
• A good fertilizer would be a 20-20-20, which means it has equal quantities of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. [6] X Research source
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for feeding the violets.

Full Answer

What is the best fertilizer for African violets?

What is the best fertilizer for your African violets?

• Nitrogen (N)
• Phosphorous (P)
• Potassium (K)

Do African violets need fertilizer?

To keep your African violet thriving, you’ll need to give it fertilizer. Houseplants only have access to a small amount of soil, and they cannot access additional nutrients once they use up all the ones in the soil. African violet soil should have plenty of nutrients at first, so you can wait a few months to begin fertilizing.

What is the best container for African violets?

• First measure the pot size of your current African Violet plant.
• Then go down 1″ in size and select another pot. ...
• The size of the pot is measured in diameter, so 2″ means 2″ diameter of the pot.
• The base and the top of the pot usually measure same. ...
• Follow the same steps as mentioned in the prior section (potting into a large size pot).

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What are the best type of pots for African violets?

When picking the best pot for your African violets, it’s best to stick to three pot varieties:

• Self-watering pots. These handy pots feature a water reservoir at the bottom of the pot that evenly distributes water the plant as it needs it.
• Plastic pots with saucers. If you plan to plant your African violet in a plastic pot, choosing one with a saucer on the bottom is essential. ...
• Ceramic pots. ...

What's the best fertilizer for African violets?

Best Fertilizer For African VioletsSchultz African Violet Plus Plant Food 8-14-9. ... Earthpods Premium African Violet Plant Food . ... Espoma Organic Violet Plant Food 1-3-1. ... Miracle-Gro Blooming Houseplant Food 0.5-1. ... Bonide Liquid African Violet Plant Food 7-10-7. ... Jacks Classic Special African Violet Fertilizer 12-36-14.More items...

What is a natural fertilizer for African violets?

Milk and juice are readily available in the grocery, making them a great option for homemade African violet fertilizer. Worm castings, diluted compost tea or fish emulsion can also serve as African violet food. These can be organic, do-it-yourself options for feeding African violets at home.

Do African violets need food?

You can purchase fertilizers formulated specifically for African violets. You should always use a balanced fertilizer that contains all of the major plant nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Nitrogen is important for the growth and development of leaves and stems.

Is Miracle Grow good for African violets?

Promote more blooms (versus unfed plants) on your houseplants with Miracle-Gro® Blooming Houseplant Food. The formula instantly feeds all blooming houseplants, including African violets.

What does Epsom salt do for African violets?

Epsom salts provide plants with essential magnesium and sulfur – two minerals needed to produce beautiful blooms and healthy foliage. What is this? Mix one and a half teaspoons of Epsom salts in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Water your African violets (below the leaves) with this solution once a month.

How do I make my African violet bloom?

The most common reason African violets don't bloom is because they aren't getting enough light. African violets need indirect sunlight, direct can burn the leaves. Choose a north- or east- facing window for best results. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light.

What is the secret to growing African violets?

African violets prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight and keep them at least a few feet away from bright south- or west-facing windows. An east- or north-facing window gives them the best lighting without the risk of burning their sensitive foliage.

Is coffee good for African violets?

Are coffee grounds good for African violets? Coffee grounds are slightly acidic and contain nitrogen, which helps plants grow healthy foliage. Occasionally sprinkling used coffee grounds on top of your African violet potting soil can be good for the plant. Don't go overboard, though.

Is banana peel water good for African violets?

Mix 6-8 tablespoons of banana peel powder and one teaspoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and stir well. Use it on annuals, roses, African violets, peace lily, anthurium, clivia, crown of thorns, orchids, flowering succulents, and azaleas for more blooms.

When should I fertilize my African violet?

Apply fertilizers to your African violets when the foliage becomes a lighter color green and when the rate decreases. Most African violets do well with fertilizer applications every four to six weeks. Any water soluble fertilizer labeled for use on houseplants is fine for African violets.

How often should you water African violets from the bottom?

Water your African violet plants from the bottom by placing them in a saucer or tray filled with water. Allow the plant to soak for 10-15 minutes, then remove and allow to drain. Bottom watering should be done once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Do you water African violets from the top or bottom?

bottom upThe best way to water an African violet plant is from the bottom up. Place your plant in a shallow tray of water for 30 minutes, allowing the soil to soak up the water through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

What Is The Best African Violet Fertilizer?

For Saintpaulia, the best fertilizer should have three characteristics: quick release, water-soluble, and urea-free product. Each feature mentioned is needed to suit the growing requirements of the plant.

Why fertilize African violets?

The main reasons fertilizer application is essential when it comes to caring for African violet are growth optimization and increasing the quantity and quality of flowers. Since its blooms are its main attraction, many growers prefer to plant them in pots and grow them as a household plant.

How to get flowers to bloom?

Yes, it will help induce flowering. The best way to prepare it is by diluting 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a gallon of water. Apply once a month.

What are the three nutrients in fertilizer?

Fertilizers have macroelements, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. These three nutrients are major elements that play a crucial role in the growth of any plant. Nitrogen helps for foliage development. On the other hand, Phosphorus aids in the development of roots and blooms.

How to know what plants need fertilizer?

In general, the best way to know what the plant needs is soil testing. Measuring the number of nutrients in the soil will help the grower determine the right fertilizer to apply. This test would also help prevent over-fertilizing the soil. Potted plants, such as the African violet, is extra sensitive to over-fertilized soils as it can easily alter the soil pH and accumulate salts. If these happen, the plant’s growth and appearance will be affected negatively.

What is the best plant for a house?

Who doesn’t like pretty flowers inside their homes? Everybody loves to see a splash of color and African violet ( Saintpaulia) is the perfect household plant for it. With its beautiful appearance and a variety of different cultivars, this plant is a household plant favorite without a doubt.

What is the role of potash in African violets?

Potash also plays a role in helping your African Violet fight off potential diseases.

What are the benefits of Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potash to my African Violet?

Nitrogen: The key function of Nitrogen is to help your African Violet grow.

How do I know if my African Violet is deficient in Nitrogen, Phosphate, or Potash?

Nitrogen Deficiency: If the leaves of your African Violet are smaller than you are used to and/or the leaves of your African Violet are turning a pale/yellowish color along their edges , there is a good chance your African Violet is not getting its required amount of nitrogen.

Why is my African violet not blooming?

A phosphate deficiency can lead to your African Violet not blooming as expected, or even at all. Potash Deficiency: Whitening/Yellowing of leaves, brown leaf tips, and smaller blooms than normal can all be attributed to a potash (potassium) deficiency.

What is balanced fertilizer?

A balanced fertilizer contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash.

What fertilizer should I use for African violets?

What’s the best fertilizer for African violets? Any reputable fertilizer is good. I like to use a water-soluble fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen (first number), phosphorus (second number), and potash (last number), such as 18-18-18, has produced good show plants for me. If you are not getting good bloom try a fertilizer with a higher middle number, which will contain more phosphorus, such as 15-30-15

How often should I repot an African violet?

How often should I repot my African violet? Repotting African violets is beneficial to the plant’s lasting health. Repot in fresh soil every year or two at most. Do not necessarily use a larger pot each time you repot.

When did the Usambara violet come to Germany?

When Baron Walter von Saint Paul first brought a flowering plant he called the Usambara violet from East Africa to Germany in 1894, little did he know how many people would fall passionately in love with the African violet. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about African violet care, along with prize-winning violet grower Jessie ...

Do African violets bloom in the winter?

African violets do well in a south window in the winter. For east and west windows, check to see that plants do not get too warm when the sun is in that area. North windows will provide sufficient light to bloom most of the year. Keep plants close to the window for maximum light.

Should I water my African violets from the bottom?

If you water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun; this is to avoid leaf spots. If you water from the bottom, the excess water should be discarded after the plant has taken up all it needs . Do not allow an African violet to sit in water indefinitely.

Should you withhold fertilizer when the African violet is in bloom?

Should you withhold fertilizer when the African violet is in bloom? In my opinion this is poor practice. African violets need food when producing blossoms, and since the plant ideally should bloom continuously. It would severely deprive the plant if fertilizer were withheld.

What temperature should I keep my African Violets in?

African Violets enjoy growing in temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When in doubt, it is safer to be warm then cool when it comes to these plants. For more information on climate control for your African Violets, click here.

What is an African Violet?

African Violet (Saintpaulia) plants are a popular species of houseplant, native to East Africa. Known for their striking resemblance to violets, African Violets have become a household favorite due to their resilience and easiness to grow. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned grower, African Violets are a joy to work with and look at.

How long do African Violets typically live?

Theoretically, African Violets can live indefinitely. In practice, if well cared for, African Violets can easily live for decades. It all depends on how well they are taken care of. The reason African Violets decline is usually due to grower error, not because of the plant itself.

Should I fertilize my African Violets?

Much like with Orchids, we recommend that you fertilize your African Violet regularly. Fertilizer helps deliver important nutrients that are essential for strong root growth, healthy leaves, and beautiful blooms. We carry a popular, balanced, 20-20-20 fertilizer, as well as a phosphorus rich (encourages more flowers) 12-36-14 fertilizer for African Violets.

How much light/darkness does my African Violet need?

Typically, we want our African Violets to get a full day (11-14 hours) of indirect sunlight . Recall, indirect sunlight is not the same thing is direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight refers to placing your African Violet in a bright windowsill or somewhere else where the sun won’t be beaming down on it directly.

Why are African violets dying?

The reason African Violets decline is usually due to grower error, not because of the plant itself . To ensure that your African Violet lives a long and healthy life, it is important to learn the necessary care information for these wonderful plants.

How many petals does an African violet have?

African Violet leaves have tiny hairs and a lush green appearance. They also typically have 5 or more petals, each with an elegant look.We recommend these amazing plants to both beginner growers and experienced growers alike. Not only are they beautiful, they are usually inexpensive as well.

How big do African violets get?

The growth habit of different types of African violets varies, from micro-miniature varieties that grow to be less than 3 inches across to large varieties that can grow to be more than 16 inches across. African violets have fuzzy leaves with blooms that are blue, white, pink or purple.

Can you fertilize African violets?

Every time you water African violets, you can apply a mild fertilizer by diluting one-quarter of the recommended amount of fertilizer in water. Flushing the plant monthly with plain water will also keep fertilizer from building up in the pot, which is not desirable.

Do African violets bloom in low light?

African violets have fuzzy leaves with blooms that are blue, white, pink or purple. As the Old Farmer’s Almanac notes, African violets can bloom in low light, but they prefer medium to bright indirect light. You should pot your African violet in soil that is not too compact and that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. You should also re-pot your African violet once a year to refresh the soil. In terms of watering, African violets prefer slightly moist soil.

What is the best fertilizer for African violets?

No matter which application type you choose, the best African violet fertilizer for your plants will have an NPK balance that supports their specific needs. The NPK ratio supported by experienced horticulturalists is 14-12-14. If you’re familiar with NPK, this ratio might seem a bit high. But, as fragile as African violets appear, it takes a lot of stamina for them to put on the kind of colorful, summer show we’d like to see. That comes from the right NPK balance. (If you grow miniatures or super-miniatures, these will need a lower to at least an N-P-K of 7-9-5, as a rule.)

How to use African Violet Plus?

How To Use: Simply stir 7 drops of this liquid feed into one quart of water every time you hydrate your plants and you’ll never have to remember when you last fed them. Buy Schultz African Violet Plus here.

How long does Jack's African Violet last?

When applied as directed, this blend of essential NPK nutrients is released directly to the roots for up to 4 months. Efficiently saving time while providing optimum support for strong, vibrant leaves and flowers growing from a robust root system. You’ll find Jack’s Classic African Violet Plant Food at Amazon.com

Why are my African violet leaves yellow?

If the leaves of your plant are yellowing, this may be a sign of a nitrogen deficiency.

When do African violets bloom?

In their natural habitat, African violets will bloom between late spring and late summer. Triggered by the rise and fall of the surrounding temperature.

Is African Violet fertilizer good for primroses?

These little wonders contain organic macro and micronutrients so you can be assured that the vivid color you get from the blooms is first-rate. They are not only a great African Violet Fertilizer, but they are also great for similar tropicals like primrose, amaryllis, poinsettias, and begonias. What could be easier?

Can you put potassium capsules in violet soil?

With no measuring and no smell, you just pop the recommended number of slow-release caps into the soil around your violets for vigorous root growth and leaf formation. Click here to buy African Violet Fertilizer Earth Pods

How to wick African violets?

Wicking system – When potting an African violet, bury a synthetic cord (natural material will rot) in the soil and fish it out through the drain hole. The soil absorbs water from the saucer through this wick. Place a layer of gravel in the saucer to keep the soil from being in direct contact with the water in the saucer. The constant water source in the saucer allows the plant to absorb water as needed. This method can aid in overall humidity as well.

What type of soil do African violets like?

African violets prefer a light soil mix that allows for good drainage. An ideal mixture is equal parts of peat, perlite, and vermiculite. Most general mixes require the addition of dolomite lime to achieve an overall pH balance between 6.0 and 7.0. Another option is to purchase a mix specially created for African violets from your local garden center.

How much light do violets need?

The general rule is to supply plants with 10-12 hours of strong light each day. In their natural habitat, African violets are protected by forest tree canopy. As a result, they need filtered sunlight during the brighter summer months. During winter months when the sunlight is weaker, plants may benefit from light derived from southern exposure.

Can African violets burn?

Clay pots may accumulate fertilizer salts. When the African violet’s leaves and stems come into contact with these salts, they can burn and eventually rot. The best ways to combat this problem:

What is African Violet plant food made of?

What the professionals say: Use a gentle, urea-free liquid fertilizer every time you water. Our African Violet Plant Food is made with humic-fulvic acid and sea kelp extract to boost nutrient uptake and encourage hearty roots and vibrant blooms. It’s gentle enough to use every time you water and won’t burn your plant’s delicate root system.

How to encourage African violets to bloom?

To encourage your African violet to bloom, keep it in a small pot. African violets bloom only when they’re root-bound; they don’t enjoy big, soil-filled planters. What the professionals say: We recommend using a potting mix made for African violets in particular.

Why do you need African violet fertilizer?

You’ll want to use an African violet fertilizer to provide key elements for growth, improve nutrient uptake, and correct soil deficiencies.

Why do African violets turn yellow?

African violets need indirect sunlight to thrive. Direct sun will burn your plant’s leaves, while low-light conditions will prevent bloom and cause your plant to wilt and turn yellow. Your African violet will tell you if its light conditions are less than optimal.

How to keep African violets from getting cold?

Be sure to place your African violet away from floor vents or fans to avoid cold drafts or bursts of cold air. What the professionals say: To increase the humidity around your African violets, try grouping your plants together. This creates a unique microclimate where plants can thrive off of the collective humidity.

How to keep violets from getting watered?

Use a self-watering pot to prevent water from getting on your plant’s leaves and ensure proper hydration. Give your plant plenty of indirect sunlight. Use a gentle African violet fertilizer to encourage big, hearty leaves and eye-catching blooms.

How long can an African violet live in your home?

It’ll thrive. And with the right care, your African violet can be a part of your home for more than 50 years.

Why do African violets need fertilizer?

Because African violets are primarily indoor plants, it’s important to add fertilizer during their growing season to give them the nutritional boost they need to bloom and maintain their flowers. Phosphorus helps your African violets bloom and is important for maintaining healthy roots. [11]

How to keep African violets alive?

Use a humidifier if your home doesn’t retain much humidity. While they can survive in drier climates, African violets thrive in higher humidity. If you live in a drier climate or if your home gets too dry in the winter, using a room humidifier will help your African violets stay in bloom. [5]

How long do African violets need to bloom?

1. Give your African violets bright, indirect sunlight for 16 hours per day. To get your African violets to bloom and stay in bloom, place them in a location indoors where they’ll get about 16 hours of bright, ...

How much light do African violets need?

African violets need about 8 hours of darkness for florigen, their flowering hormone, to trigger blooming. [3]

How to keep violets blooming?

Keep the room temperature between 60 °F (16 °C) and 90 °F (32 °C). To help your African violets stay in bloom, regulate the temperature in your space so that it stays mild and comfortable. While African violets can tolerate some high heat and cooler temperatures, they will likely stop blooming and become discolored and brittle if they’re exposed to temperatures below 60 °F (16 °C) or above 90 °F (32 °C). [4]

How to prevent a plant from flowering?

Using cold water can prevent your plant from flowering.

How to keep plants moist?

Water the plants with room temperature water to keep the soil moist. When you touch the soil and it feels dry, add just enough room temperature water directly to the soil so that it feels like a wrung-out sponge but not sopping wet. [6]