- care tips
- Which location is suitable?
- The right planting distance
- What soil does the plant need?
- When is flowering time?
- Properly cut African violets
- Water African violets
- Fertilize African violets properly
- Diseases
- pests
- hibernate
- Propagating African violets
- repot
- Is African Violet Poisonous?
- African violet does not bloom
- Yellow leaves
- Beautiful varieties
African violets spread a cheerful floral atmosphere on the windowsill. The cute houseplants with densely packed flowers and evergreen foliage are a little tricky to care for. If you still have questions about cultivation on your soul, you will get a practical answer here.
The African violet hibernates in winter
Table of Contents
Show all- care tips
- Which location is suitable?
- The right planting distance
- What soil does the plant need?
- When is flowering time?
- Properly cut African violets
- Water African violets
- Fertilize African violets properly
- Diseases
- pests
- hibernate
- Propagating African violets
- repot
- Is African Violet Poisonous?
- African violet does not bloom
- Yellow leaves
- Beautiful varieties
- Keep the substrate constantly slightly moist
- If the soil dries up, pour it with soft, lukewarm water
- Fertilize with liquid every 2 weeks from March to September or all year round
- Alternatively, administer a long-term fertilizer according to the dosage instructions
- Repot in spring when the flower pot is fully rooted
- Do not cut off withered plant parts, tear them off
- Half-shady place at the west, east or north window without blazing sunlight
- Artificial lighting does not affect growth and flowering
- Warm temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius without a cold draft
- Tropical high humidity of more than 60 percent
- Loose, humus-rich potting soil, optimized with 30 percent peat and some expanded clay
- Alternatively, peat culture substrate (TKS1), enriched with rhododendron earth and lava granules
- Apply a liquid fertilizer every 14 days from March to September
- Apply the preparation directly to the root ball
- Optionally press a long-term fertilizer in the form of sticks or cones into the substrate
- Wipe the lice with a cloth soaked in strong alcohol
- In the early stages of infestation, dip cotton swabs in alcohol and dab on the pests
- Spray the affected plant repeatedly with a mix of 1 liter of water and 15 ml of pure soft soap
- Spend November to February in a bright, cool location with temperatures around 15 degrees
- Water less and don't fertilize
- Water the leaf cuttings regularly from below with soft, warm water
- Place in the indoor greenhouse or put on a transparent hood
- Allow to root in a partially shaded, warm window seat
- Spread a drainage over the water drain in the new pot with Perlite (37.51€) or pottery shards
- Fill in the fresh substrate halfway up to press a trough in it
- Repot the African violet and tear off damaged leaves with a jerk
- Unsuitable location: the flower requires partial shade and temperatures of 20-25 degrees
- Air that is too dry: a humidity level of more than 60 percent is essential
- Compacted, calcareous substrate: Saintpaulia flowers only in slightly acidic, loose potting soil
- Incorrect watering: regular watering and spraying with lime-free water promotes the willingness to flower
- Nutrient deficiency: fertilize every 2 weeks from March to September or all year round
- Arcturus: dark red ruffled flowers with a white border
- Blue Wave: enchanting African violet with double flowers in bright lilac blue
- Irish Maiden: lush double flowers in creamy white with delicately ruffled edges above light green foliage
- An-Rio-Rita: red-purple flower stars with white-pink streaks over dark green leaves
- Rodeo Hilly Billy: Classic with dark purple flowers and rich green foliage
care tips
A prudent care program is required for the lovely African violet to produce its full bloom. Keep in mind that the plant is native to the tropical climate of East Africa, with a warm, humid climate all year round. How to meet the requirements:
If you grant a Saintpaulia a winter dormancy period, move the houseplant to a bright, cool room in November. At temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius, only water so much that the substrate does not dry out. The African violet does not receive fertilizer during this period.
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Which location is suitable?
The African violet will spoil you with a tireless gala of flowers if the following site conditions are guaranteed:
The African violet finds a humid and warm microclimate in the bathroom, the indoor pool or on the windowsill in the spa. In the living room, humidifiers, an indoor fountain or bowls filled with water create their purpose. Fill the coaster with pebbles and water and the tropical beauty is constantly enveloped in humid air.
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The right planting distance
If you combine different varieties of African violets or socialize the flower with other plants in the bucket, the planting distance should correspond to half the growth width. Planted too loosely apart, Saintpaulia will not develop the typical crowded abundance of flowers that is the magic of this tropical houseplant.
What soil does the plant need?
Tropical plants prefer to thrive in soil with a slightly acidic component. In this regard, the African violet is no exception.
If you have sifted, mature compost handy, this addition of soil puts the finishing touch to Saintpaulia.
When is flowering time?
African violets bloom all year round, site conditions permitting. This means that a constant temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius must be guaranteed even during the winter, as well as additional lighting of 40 watts from October to February.
Properly cut African violets
Avoid attacking an African violet with a knife or scissors. The very fleshy leaves and shoots tend to rot as long as even a minimal residue remains on the plant after a cut. Withered leaves and flower stalks are therefore torn off with a bold jerk.
Water African violets
The distinctive African violet loves balance when it comes to water supply. Therefore, water moderately but regularly with collected rainwater. Decalcified tap water is also an option, as long as it is at a comfortable 18-20 degrees. In addition, pamper the tropical houseplant every 1-2 days with a fine spray of lukewarm, soft water.
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Fertilize African violets properly
In order to achieve the feat of never-ending flowering and evergreen leaves, a constant supply of nutrients is essential. How to do it right:
If you prescribe a winter break for the African violet, stop giving fertilizer during this phase. Otherwise, the nutrient supply described continues uninterrupted.
Diseases
The chlorophyll damage that is widespread among African violets is not due to a pathogen but to neglect in care. If the tropical rain forest plant is subjected to cold, hard irrigation water and exposed to the blazing sun, yellow and brown spots develop on the leaves. These spread further and ultimately lead to the death of the plant. Fix the triggers as soon as possible to allow the flower to recover.
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pests
The brightly colored flowers and fleshy leaves are tempting for various pests to feast on them. Check your African violet regularly for aphids, mealybugs and mealybugs. Crippled leaves, falling buds and withered flowers all indicate the presence of these tiny parasites. How to deal with the plague:
In the greenhouse or conservatory, beneficial insects take care of the plague, such as ladybirds or lacewings. These are available in specialist shops and are removed after the work is done.
hibernate
It is up to you to decide whether you want the African violet to bloom all year round under the same tropical conditions or give it a winter break. The latter contributes significantly to a longer lifespan and lush flowering. How to handle it properly:
At the end of February, the plant moves to the usual, partially shaded and warm window seat. From now on, gradually increase the amount of water and start fertilizing from March.
Propagating African violets
The propagation of African violets is uncomplicated with leaf cuttings. Choose a healthy, strong leaf that is torn from the mother plant, complete with the stalk. Cut a narrow strip along the lower edge with a razor blade and place the leaf cutting about 1 cm deep in lean herb or pricking soil. A large match or a small wooden stick serves as a support. This is how it goes on:
Within 5-6 weeks, several daughter shoots will develop on each individual leaf cutting. From a growth height of 2-3 cm, cut or tear off these adventitious shoots to continue caring for them in small pots with a mix of potting soil, peat and sand. After an average of 3 months of cultivation, you hold a young Saintpaulia in your hands.
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repot
When the roots are protruding from the opening in the bottom of the pot, it's time to repot the African violet. An appointment in early spring is ideal, before the start of the new growing season. The new flowerpot should only be a few centimeters larger in diameter, since Saintpaulia grow more vigorously in the narrow planter and bloom more luxuriantly. Follow these steps:
Pot the flower so that the heart does not get under the ground. It is important to note that the vegetation point is below the edge of the pot. This ensures that the sheets can rest on the edge later on. Use soft water for pouring with a temperature of about 20 degrees.
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Is African Violet Poisonous?
The African violet is slightly poisonous. No special precautions need to be taken during planting and care work. However, consuming large amounts of flowers and leaves can lead to symptoms of poisoning in children and pets. Cats in particular should be protected from contact with the leaves, as their stomachs are sensitive to even the smallest amounts. Therefore, when cleaning out withered plant parts, make sure that they do not fall to the ground.
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African violet does not bloom
If an African Violet doesn't flower, don't throw it in the towel or throw the plant in the compost. Instead, research the causes to get the little diva to blossom. A brief overview of the most common triggers for the deficiency:
If your African violet has been flowering for a while and then withdrew, it is simply exhausted. Allow the tropical houseplant a winter break from November to February in a bright, cooler location at 15-16 degrees. Water occasionally without giving fertilizer.
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Yellow leaves
If the previously lush green leaves first turn light green and later yellow, with mosaic-like spots, the African violet is suffering from chlorophyll damage. This care deficit is triggered by too cold, calcareous irrigation water in combination with blazing sunshine at the location. If these omissions are remedied, the African Violet will quickly recover.