Watering African violets (Saintpaulia) isn’t as complicated as you may think. Actually, these
charming, old-fashioned plants are surprisingly adaptable and easy to get along
with. Wondering how to water an African violet? Read on to learn more about
African violet water needs.
How to Water an African Violet
When watering African violets, the main thing to remember is
that overwatering is the number one reason a plant fails to thrive, or just up
and dies. Overwatering,
without a doubt, is the worst thing you can do for your African
violet.
How do you know when to water an African violet? Always test
the potting mix with your finger first. If the potting mix feels moist, try
again in a few days. It’s healthiest for the plant if you allow the potting mix
to dry slightly between watering, but it should never be bone dry.
One easy way to water an African violet is to place the pot
in a container with no more than an inch (2.5 cm.) of water. Remove it from the
water after about 20 minutes, or until the potting mix is moist. Never let the
pot stand in water, which is a surefire way to invite rot.
You can also water at the top of the plant, but be careful
not to wet the leaves. Actually, it’s a good thing to water thoroughly from the
top once in a while to leach out salts that can build up in potting soil. Water
well and let the pot drain.
Tips on Watering African Violets
African violets tend to be sensitive to cold water, which
may create white rings (ring spot) on the leaves. To get around this, let tap
water sit overnight before watering. This will also allow chlorine to evaporate.
A light, porous potting mix is best for African violets. A
commercial mix for African violets works well, but it will be even better if
you add a handful of perlite
or vermiculite
to improve drainage. You can also use a regular commercial potting mix mixed
with half perlite or vermiculite.
Be sure the container
has a good drainage hole in the bottom.
Watering African violets (Saintpaulia) isn’t as complicated as you may think. Actually, these
charming, old-fashioned plants are surprisingly adaptable and easy to get along
with. Wondering how to water an African violet? Read on to learn more about
African violet water needs.
How to Water an African Violet
When watering African violets, the main thing to remember is
that overwatering is the number one reason a plant fails to thrive, or just up
and dies. Overwatering,
without a doubt, is the worst thing you can do for your African
violet.
How do you know when to water an African violet? Always test
the potting mix with your finger first. If the potting mix feels moist, try
again in a few days. It’s healthiest for the plant if you allow the potting mix
to dry slightly between watering, but it should never be bone dry.
One easy way to water an African violet is to place the pot
in a container with no more than an inch (2.5 cm.) of water. Remove it from the
water after about 20 minutes, or until the potting mix is moist. Never let the
pot stand in water, which is a surefire way to invite rot.
You can also water at the top of the plant, but be careful
not to wet the leaves. Actually, it’s a good thing to water thoroughly from the
top once in a while to leach out salts that can build up in potting soil. Water
well and let the pot drain.
Tips on Watering African Violets
African violets tend to be sensitive to cold water, which
may create white rings (ring spot) on the leaves. To get around this, let tap
water sit overnight before watering. This will also allow chlorine to evaporate.
A light, porous potting mix is best for African violets. A
commercial mix for African violets works well, but it will be even better if
you add a handful of perlite
or vermiculite
to improve drainage. You can also use a regular commercial potting mix mixed
with half perlite or vermiculite.
Be sure the container
has a good drainage hole in the bottom.