How Often to Water African Violets and How to Water African Violets?
If you are passionate about plants, especially African violets, a healthy-looking plant. One of the most important aspects of their care is watering. Watering African violets can be a bit tricky, as they require just the right amount of water.
The frequency and timing of watering the African violets is a big way to keep them blooming and nourished year-round. In this article, we will provide a complete guide on how often to water African violets.
Read More About African Violets:
How to Propagate African Violets?
African Violet Leaves Turning Brown
African Violet Leaves Problems and How To Fix Them
African Violet leaves drooping
How much water do African violets need?
There is no rule of thumb to water the African violets in terms of how much, but you should never let the soil be dried completely. As the African violets bloom and nourish throughout the year, the amount of water they need depends on abundant factors, such as the size of the pot, potting mix, and the growing circumstances.
However, African violets need somewhat moist soil that has not been too waterlogged. If the soil is dry from 1 inch below the surface, it should get water to some extent.
Factors that Affect African Violet Watering Needs
Several factors affect the watering needs of African violets, including:
Temperature
Temperature plays a significant role in how often you need to water your African violet. If the temperature is warm, the plant will require more frequent watering than if it's cooler.
Humidity
African violets prefer high humidity levels. If the air in your home is dry, you may need to water your plants more often to keep their soil moist.
Soil Type
African violets grow best in well-draining soil that retains moisture. If the soil is too heavy and doesn't drain well, the plant will be prone to root rot and other diseases.
Pot Size
The size of the pot also affects how often you need to water your African violet. Smaller pots will dry out more quickly, requiring more frequent watering.
How do I know when my African violets need water?
Watering African violets should only be done when they are required to be hydrated, and the only best way to know the best time is by checking the soil. Press your finger into the top surface of the soil, and you will know the intensity of the dryness it has. So, the best time to water these plants is when the top surface of the soil is not moist but dried. Therefore, let the soil be dried completely between the intervals of watering.
Signs of Overwatering
Overwatering is a common problem when it comes to African violet care. Some signs that your plant is being overwatered include:
- Yellowing leaves
- Soft or mushy stems
- Foul odor
- Wilting leaves
- Moldy soil
Signs of Underwatering
Underwatering can also be detrimental to African violets. Some signs that your plant is being underwatered include:
- Dry, crispy leaves
- Drooping leaves
- Stunted growth
- Brown leaf edges
- Brown spots on leaves
How to water African violets?
It is a best practice for African violets to be watered from the bottom of the plants as the leaves of this plant do not like to be wet. Alternatively, if the leaves get wet, the result will be spotting and blighting on the parts of the leaves and can lead to mildew and other types of issues.
How do you water African violet plants from the bottom?
Watering the plants from the bottom can ensure the hydration of the soil well in time while keeping the leaves dried. You can water African violets by using the saucer, while for larger plants, the alternative way to water the plants is by using a tray that can accommodate one inch of water at a minimum level.
- Watering the African violets from the bottom of the soil prevents the damage and discoloration of the leaves.
- The pot for African violet should not sit in the water for a longer time, more than one hour, because it can lead to overwatering of flowers.
Watering African violet plants using self-watering pots
Watering African violets with self-watering pots is one of the most well-known and popular ways as it lets your fantastic and picky plant nourish and grow by itself. The method takes very less time and effort.
Here are the steps of how it goes to work.
- The African violets self-watering pot method comes in two ways, first is by using a deep container to fix your plant and soil. The second pot is filled with water and should be placed under the first one.
- The African violet plant will take the water up from the bottom of the first pot and stop the over-watering of the plant.
- You should watch the amount of African water violet has on its bottom surface. If it lacks water and leads to dryness which happens after every two weeks, refill it with water.
Tips on Watering African Violets
When you discover how to grow African violets, you can go on the process in various indoor spaces for the cheerful and bright blooms, especially when the outdoor landscape is bare and brown in most cases.
African violets are very sensitive to water, so you have to be extra cautious while watering them. Self watering planter is a good solution for African violet. Water the African violets with tepid water and lukewarm water that should be in the plants for 48 hours. It is better to water from the base and should not be foliage with water because a drop of water can lead to spots and damage.
Moreover, properly watering the plants and time is an important factor in making them nourish and grow. Water the plants when they get dry to a large extent, and soils feel less moist while touching them.
Never let them completely dry and stand in water for a longer time. From the bottom, wick watering can be good but may not be good practice for new offsprings of African violets.
How long do African violets need to be watered?
Put the African violets in the tray filled with a water bowl or saucer. Make sure that the bottom of the container is immersed in water up to one inch from its bottom. Or it is submerged in water. Wait for 20 minutes to let the plant absorb water, and the top surface of the soil becomes enough moisture by getting a sufficient amount of water.
Conclusion:
To wrap up the article on how often to water African violets? Watering of African violets depends on many factors, like a cold, dry moist environment, type of soil, nature of the soil, temperature, type of fertilizers being used, and amount and frequency of water used.
Therefore, consider the ways and tips discussed above with extra care and caution to grow and nourish the African violets well. Moreover, watering African violets is not complex as you might think because these charming plants are easy to go and surprisingly adaptable in every way and condition.
Moreover, the essential thing is to remember that overwatering of African violets can lead to the failure to thrive and grow plants and can be the worst thing that you might have in the future.
FAQs
Can I water my African violet with tap water?
Yes, you can water your African violet with tap water, but make sure to let it sit out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate.
Should I mist my African violet?
Misting can be beneficial for increasing humidity levels, but make sure not to get the leaves wet, as this can lead to fungal growth.
How often should I fertilize my African violet?
African violets benefit from regular fertilization, but be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can harm the plant. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize every 4-6 weeks.
Can African violets grow in low-light conditions?
Yes, African violets can grow in low-light conditions, but they will not bloom as frequently or as vibrantly as they would in brighter light.
Why are my African violet's leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. It's essential to assess the plant's environment and adjust accordingly.
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