African violets are classic houseplants that have been cherished for generations. With their velvety leaves and cheerful flowers, it’s easy to see why they remain so popular. However, African violets have a reputation for being finicky. This has led many people to treat them as disposable plants. But with proper care, African violets can thrive for years. Here’s how to keep these beauties blooming.
Getting Started With African Violets
If you’re new to growing African violets, start by getting the basics right. Here are tips for getting started on the right foot:
Choose healthy plants – Select African violets with green, perky leaves and no signs of pests or disease. Avoid plants with yellowing, drooping leaves.
Pick the right potting mix – Use an African violet specific mix, or make your own mix of 1 part peat moss, 1 part perlite or vermiculite. The soil needs to be loose and airy.
Water properly – Water from the bottom to keep leaves dry. Let soil dry between waterings but don’t let pots completely dry out.
Give them bright, indirect light – Place in an east or west facing window, or supplement with grow lights. Avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves.
Keep temperatures around 70°F – Avoid drafty areas and ensure nights don’t get too cool. African violets thrive in average household temperatures.
Increase humidity – Set pots on a pebble tray of water, use a humidifier, or place in higher humidity rooms. Violets like 40-50% humidity if possible.
Follow these tips as you get started and you’ll set your African violets up for success!
Encouraging African Violets to Rebloom
The colorful blooms are one of the best parts of African violets. Here are some tricks to get African violets reblooming more frequently:
Provide optimal light – Bright, indirect light encourages African violets to produce more buds. Rotate plants or supplement light as needed.
Use room temperature water – Cold water can shock roots and delay flowering. Allow tap water to come to room temperature before watering.
Fertilize regularly – Use an African violet fertilizer or balanced fertilizer at 1/4 strength every 2-4 weeks in the growing season.
Remove spent blooms – Deadhead flowers by pinching them off to encourage new bud production. Leave flower stems intact.
Keep older leaves – Removing healthy lower leaves can delay reblooming. Only prune old leaves if they yellow or die back.
Consider repotting – Rootbound African violets may not flower well. Repot every 2-3 years in fresh potting mix.
Avoid drafty spots – Cool drafts from windows or vents can prevent buds from forming. Keep violets away from drafty zones.
With a little attentive care, you can have your African violets flowering again and again!
Troubleshooting Common African Violet Problems
While they have a reputation for being fussy, African violets are susceptible to common issues that are easy to fix:
Yellowing or drooping leaves – This usually indicates overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Brown leaf tips or edges – Low humidity often causes these dry brown spots. Increase humidity around plants.
No blooms – Insufficient light is the most common cause for no flowers. Give more bright, indirect light.
Dead leaf center – A sign of under-watering, ensure soil doesn’t totally dry out between waterings.
Mushy stems or leaves – Overwatered plants will appear mushy or translucent. Water less frequently.
Pests like spider mites – Try misting plants to dislodge pests, or use insecticidal soap sprays.
Powdery white substance on leaves – This is likely powdery mildew fungus. Improve air circulation around plants.
With some simple adjustments, most African violet issues can be remedied quickly. Consult this troubleshooting guide when problems arise.
Long-Term African Violet Care Tips
To keep African violets thriving for years to come, incorporate these tips into their long-term care:
Trim plants as needed – Carefully pinch off new shoots to shape plants and remove dead or damaged leaves.
Rotate plants – Occasionally move plants to a different window so all sides get light exposure.
Propogate new plants – Use leaf cuttings or offshoots to grow new African violet babies!
Repot mature plants – Every 2-3 years, repot African violets in fresh potting mix to refresh the soil.
Clean leaves regularly – Gently wipe leaves to remove dust buildup and improve light absorption.
Change watering habits seasonally – Water more during growth periods in spring and summer. Reduce water in fall and winter.
Watch for pests and disease – Inspect violets routinely and address issues quickly to keep plants healthy.
Fertilize regularly – Feed plants every 2-4 weeks while in bloom according to product instructions.
With attentive long-term care focused on lighting, watering, and grooming needs, your African violets can thrive for many years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions About African Violets
African violets remain one of the most popular houseplants for good reason. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about these lovely plants:
How often do African violets bloom?
With proper care, African violets will bloom heavily in the spring and summer months, but can rebloom year-round. Established plants may bloom several times per year.
What type of soil do African violets need?
A loose, airy potting mix formulated specifically for African violets works best. You can also make your own mix with peat moss, perlite and vermiculite.
Should I mist my African violets?
It’s best not to mist the leaves, as water can cause spots and encourage disease. Increase ambient humidity instead with a humidifier or pebble tray.
How do I get rid of bugs on my African violets?
Spider mites or other pests can be treated by spraying insecticidal soap on plants. Be sure to treat undersides of leaves where pests hide.
Why are my African violet’s leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves often indicate overwatering. Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings. Drooping yellow leaves can also mean too little light.
Should African violet leaves touch the pot?
It’s best to avoid letting lower leaves touch the pot, as this can cause crown rot. Trim any leaves that sit on the pot rim.
How do I propagate new African violets?
Propagation is easy! Just remove a healthy leaf with stem intact and place in potting mix. New baby violets will begin to grow.
With the right care, African violets can stay vibrant and blooming for years of enjoyment. Avoid treating them as disposable plants, and you’ll be rewarded with their beauty.
Conclusion
African violets have earned their place as one of the most beloved houseplants thanks to their cheerful blossoms and attractive foliage. While their need for specific growing conditions gives them a reputation for being finicky, African violets can live for many years when given proper care.
By choosing healthy plants, providing bright indirect light, maintaining average room temperatures, watering properly, and troubleshooting issues as they arise, African violets can thrive and rebloom regularly. With a little attentive care focused on their preferences, these traditional favorites can be a long-lasting addition to any home. No longer does this classic houseplant need to be disposable – instead, African violets can be nurtured and enjoyed for many seasons.