For a year-round splash of color, give African Violets a try. These lovely flowering plants do well inside on a windowsill, needing simply the basics – air, soil, water, and light- to thrive and bloom.
Climate
Keeping African Violets inside provides more control over the moisture level and temperature, which is key. The ideal environment for African Violets is around 75 degrees during the day, and slightly cooler, around 65 degrees, at night. Violets like a humid environment, around 50% humidity, so consider using a humidifier near your plants to increase the moisture in your home’s air. Don’t have a humidifier? Place shallow bowls of water around the room and near your plant.
Soil
African Violets need sterile soil that is not compact but aerated and light. A good potting mix for your plant would include peat and vermiculite. Replace two-thirds of the soil when repotting, which you should plan to do every year.
Water
Be careful not to overwater, as this is a common issue for these plants. Use wicks to make this easier or manually water your Violets but follow this advice:
- Keep the soil moist but not wet or soggy.
- Use tepid or warm water and only water your African Violets when the soil on top is dried-out.
- Give your Violet a good watering once a month, from top to bottom, to flush-out any residual chemicals or salts from your fertilizers.
- Dab dry any drops of water that splatter on the leaves of your Violets.
Make sure your violets bloom with regular fertilization. Dilute your favorite fertilizer, adding no more than a quarter-teaspoon of fertilizer to a gallon of water and use each time you water. Choose products low in urea to ensure the Violets roots are safe from harm or burns.
Sunlight
If you want your African Violet to flower, you must give it sunlight. These plants prefer bright, filtered light, like near the kitchen window or behind curtains. Other tips include:
- Give your plant morning sunlight by positioning in an east-facing window.
- Protect with a sheer curtain or panel when your plants face the west or south.
- Rotate your plants weekly to keep them looking lush and flowering on all sides.
Attention to the amount of water and light you give your Violets will result in year-round flowers and foliage.
Want to know more about African Violets? Talk to the garden professionals at Terra Bella Garden Center, a Local Garden & Landscape Design Center in the low-country, Charleston, SC. Their years of experience will help you fine-tune your landscape and design greenspaces that work in any property. Call the garden and landscape team today.
