Last Updated on June 17, 2023 by
Even if you’re not particularly good at gardening, you may wish to keep a few indoor plants to spruce up your home. There are many options for beginners at gardening, but we think the African Violets are the easiest to care for while also providing a pop of color. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the small plants, from how often do you water african violets, to the type of soil you should be using.
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Why African Violets Are A Popular Choice
Not only does this beautiful flowering plant add a vibrant touch of color, it is compact, so it is suitable for any small apartment or even an office desk. African violets are well suited for the indoor environment, and with proper care, they are in bloom all year. Even though some people think they are difficult to care for, they aren’t as demanding as they are rumored to be.
How To Care For African Violets
You should know that the plant originally grew in an area with lots of sunlight, and in a warm and humid climate. So you should do your best to replicate these conditions. One thing that might discourage some people from growing African Violets is that their leaves quickly brown when they come in contact with water. However, nowadays you can get specially designed pots that can be watered from the bottom – allowing you to avoid getting any water on the flower and its leaves. Here are all the conditions you should try to recreate for your new plant:
They Love Brightness But Not Direct Sunlight
Keep them near a window that is bright but doesn’t get any of that high noon sun.
Keep It Slightly Warm
Ideally, they will grow at 70 degrees (Farenheit), which is just warm enough not to need any air conditioning.
Balancing The Potting Mix
Try to find a potting mix that is well-drained to avoid root rot, and add fertilizer to the mix every other week. Do not allow the plant to sit in a pool of water, and water from below. Alternatively, insert the water spout into the soil before watering.
Can I Plant African Violets Outdoors?
Although it is commonly seen as an indoor plant in the western world, it is also possible to grow them outdoors. Of course, this depends on whether the climate is suitable for them to thrive.
Are All African Violets So Small?
No, they grow in different sizes. In fact, the range of this plant’s size starts from those that are less than 3 inches in diameter (the micro variety) to having a diameter of up to 16 inches (Giant variety). If you have a larger variety you may notice signs that the plant is stressed out and it will need to be repotted. If you notice that the plant is overcrowded in the pot, or that leaves are falling more than usual, then it is probably time to repot it. Otherwise, leave it in the same pot to avoid damaging the root system.
Apart from that, if you are interested to know about 12 beautiful plants then visit our Home Improvement category.
