Too little light can cause of African violets not to bloom well. They prefer bright, indirect sun. Too little sunlight causes them to stretch for the light and produce few or no flowers; too much sun can burn the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, especially with a sheer curtain to block the sun’s harshest rays.
How many hours of sunlight do African violets need?
Use a timer set to 14 hours of light and 10 hours of dark each day . Tip: African violets must have at least eight hours of darkness daily to produce flowers. African violets must have at least eight hours of darkness daily to produce flowers.
Do African violets need direct sunlight?
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. Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.
How often do you water an African violet?
An important point to remember when bottom watering African Violet plants is to top water at least once a month . This way you are flushing out any extra fertilizer salt build up and refreshing the soil/roots from the top too.
How much darkness do African violets need?
Growth and flowering of African violets is also affected by duration of exposure to light and darkness. To bloom, they need 8 to 12 hours (up to16 hours) of light and 8 hours of darkness per day .
Should you deadhead African violets?
Deadhead African violets to encourage more blooms . African violets make useful flowering houseplants since they can bloom for up to nine months per year. They do need the other three months off as a rest period.
How do I get my African violet to flower?
- 8 Ways to Get Your African Violet to Bloom Again. ...
- Let There Be Light. ...
- Turn Up the Humidity. ...
- Replenish Essential Nutrients. ...
- Keep it Pleasant. ...
- Choose the Right Soil. ...
- Protect From Pests & Disease. ...
- Constrict the Roots.
Should African violets be watered from the top or bottom?
Should I water African violets from the top or bottom? Either is fine . It is important not to use cold water; lukewarm or warm is preferred. 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.
How long will African violets live?
Repotting these blooms is so important due to their long lifespan. “Remember that African violets have a very long lifespan and have been said to last up to 50 years ,” says Ryan McEnaney, public relations and communications specialist for Bailey Nurseries.
Are coffee grounds good for African violets?
Yes, coffee grounds are a great homemade fertilizer for African Violets . Make a mixture of dried coffee grounds and dried egg shells, then work the coffee ground mixture into the top of the soil. Replenish every couple of months.
Do African violets like to be crowded?
Violets need to feel crowded to bloom , but when a plant gets too big for its pot, divide the plant’s separate-looking leaf heads. ... Place in potting soil after the roots and leaves become well formed.
How do I know if my African violet is getting too much light?
Doctor Optimara: Sunlight – Too Much. African Violets need plenty of sunlight, but only indirect sunlight. If Violets get more than this, they will begin to show signs of scorching on the leaves and flowers . In some cases, too much sunlight will turn variegated leaf varieties entirely green.
Do African violets like to be root bound?
Contrary to what you might have heard, African violets do not like to be root bound . They do, however, like to grow in the right shape and size pot. ... If you plant your violet in a pot that is as deep as it is wide, the roots will fill the diameter but will not get down to the lower part of the potting soil.
How often should you feed African violets?
These little plants need feeding every 4 to 6 weeks during their growing period . Prior to feeding, moisten the soil well. Use a liquid or soluble powder formula that will provide instant delivery. If you are using a concentrated liquid, follow manufacturer’s instructions for dilution.
What do I do with dead African violet flowers?
You can cut it off or, with some practice, “snap” it off with the flick of the wrist. African violets generally only will bloom once from the same axil so, unlike orchids, for example, there’s no need to leave old bloom stems on the plant. These will eventually brown and/or rot anyway.
How do you keep African violets alive?
- Tip #1: Choose a Well-Draining Potting Mix for Your African Violet.
- Tip #2: Keep Your African Violet in a Warm Environment.
- Tip #3: Perfect Your African Violet Watering Routine.
- Tip #4: Give Your African Violet Plenty of Indirect Light.
