African Violet Watering Guide: How To Water An African Violet Plant
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.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."
Be sure the container has a good drainage hole in the bottom.
A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.
-
Grow a Bathroom Oasis: 8 Best Bathroom Plants With No Light or Low Light
Some apartment dwellers grow the best bathroom plants with no light or low light. Read how one of our favorite plant lovers does it in the big city.
By Teo Spengler
-
"My Worst Mistake" – Gardeners Share 10 Hard-Learned Lessons
Gardeners never stop learning, and sometimes our mistakes are the best teachers. But why not save time and heartache by learning from other gardeners' failures?
By Melanie Griffiths
-
African Violets: Complete Care And Growing Guide
For people who love these sweet plants, African violet care is easy and fun. Knowing what they need is the key.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
What Are Episcia Plants – Learn About Caring For Episcia Varieties
Growing Episcia plants adds eye catching appeal to household décor. These colorful houseplants can test the hand of the most experienced green thumb.
By Laura Miller
-
African Violet Flowering Needs: Tips For Getting African Violets To Bloom
Most African violets are sold when flowering. After that, people can have trouble getting them to bloom. What should you do if your African violate won’t flower? Click here for info on African violet flowering needs and tips on how to make African violets bloom again.
By Teo Spengler
-
African Violet Leaves Are Curling – What Do Curling African Violet Leaves Mean
African violets are among the most popular flowering houseplants. But there can be issues with these houseplants. If your African violet leaves are curling, there are a few potential causes and easy solutions. Click this article for more information.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
African Violet Repotting – How To Repot African Violets
African violets can live a long time, as long as 50 years! To get them there, you need to provide good care which includes repotting African violets. The trick is knowing when to repot an African violet and what soil and container size to use. This article will help with that.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
African Violet Nematode Control: Treating Root Knot Nematodes In African Violet
Nematodes of African violet are tiny worms that infest the roots. They are extremely destructive. For information about African violet root knot nematodes, click this article. We’ll also give you tips on African violet nematode control.
By Teo Spengler
-
Fertilizing African Violets – Learn How To Feed African Violet Plants
There are just a few straightforward rules for growing African violets. Water and light needs are two of these, but just as important is how to feed African violet plants. Click on the following article to learn more about African violet feeding.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
DIY African Violet Soil: Making A Good African Violet Growing Medium
Some people think they’ll have issues when growing African violets. But these plants are simple to keep up if you start with the right soil for African violets and the proper location. This article will help provide tips on the most suitable African violet growing medium.
By Becca Badgett