African violet , with their vibrant , velvety blooms and attractive foliage , have long been cherish by indoor nurseryman around the earth . Their comparatively small-scale size of it and divers color variations make them a perfect conniption for windowsills , tabletop , and other cozy indoor spaces .
However , despite their popularity and repute for being easy to handle for , African violets can sometimes be amazingly finicky .
Even the most well - intend plant partizan can come into common pitfalls that hinder these plant ’ growth , lead to disappointing results .
Many African violet owners find themselves beat when their plants stop blooming , uprise xanthous leaf , or appear broadly insalubrious . The true statement is , these delicate beauties have specific needs that , if not get together , can lead to a host of problems .
From lachrymation practices to light exposure , every aspect of their concern must be cautiously make out to check they thrive .
In this article , we will explore 15 common mistakes that you might be making with your African violets . By identify these errors and learning how to sort out them , you could cultivate healthy , flourish works that honour you with their continuous and lush blooms .
Source: Reddit
Whether you ’re a novice or a seasoned gardener , realise these nuances can make all the conflict in your success with African violets .
countenance ’s dive into these mistakes and discover how to leave the best care for your African violet , so they can prosper and sum up beaut to your home for years to come .
15 Mistakes You Might Be Making With Your African Violets
1. Overwatering
One of the most common fault with African violets is overwatering . These plants favor their soil to be evenly moist but not soggy . Overwatering can lead to rootage rot , a condition that can quickly kill your plant life .
To keep off this , water your African violets when the top inch of soil feel dry . It ’s also important to use well - drain soil and mass with drain holes to prevent excess water from accumulating .
2. Underwatering
On the impudent side , underwatering is just as damaging . African violets need consistent moisture to fly high , and drop to water them regularly can induce the leaves to wilt and the plant life to stop flower .
To forefend underwatering , establish a lacrimation subroutine and monitor the soil wet regularly .
3. Using Cold Water
African violets are sore to temperature , and using cold water can scandalize the root and farewell , leading to impairment . Always apply elbow room temperature water when watering your flora to quash this issue .
4. Incorrect Light Conditions
African violets need brilliant , indirect light to fly high . Placing them in unmediated sunlight can scorch their leaves , while too little light will forbid them from blooming .
The ideal billet for your African violets is near a N or eastward - face window where they can receive peck of filtered spark .
5. Using the Wrong Soil
African violets require a specific eccentric of soil that is light and well - draining . even garden grime is too dense and can retain too much moisture , leading to root rot .
Instead , habituate a soil mix specifically formulate for African violet or produce your own premix using adequate parts peat moss , perlite , and vermiculite .
6. Ignoring Humidity Needs
African violets flourish in environments with moderate to in high spirits humidness . If the aura in your household is too ironical , especially during winter , your plants may fight . To increase humidity , you’re able to place a tray of water near your plants or use a humidifier .
instead , group plants together can also create a micro - environs with eminent humidity .
7. Improper Feeding
African reddish blue require regular alimentation to get their beautiful blooms . However , using the unseasonable type or amount of plant food can make more damage than good . Use a balanced fertilizer specifically plan for African violets , and follow the recommend dose .
Over - fertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the grease , which can damage the roots .
8. Not Repotting Regularly
As African violets produce , their root can become crowd , leading to pitiful growth and reduce flowering . It ’s all-important to repot your African violets every 6 - 12 months to give them way to grow . When repotting , use fresh soil and a slightly larger pot if necessary .
9. Improper Leaf Cleaning
Dust and dirt can accumulate on the leave of African violets , blocking sunlight and impeding photosynthesis . However , unlawful cleaning methods can damage the delicate leaves .
To scavenge your African reddish blue , lightly wipe the leave-taking with a mild , dampish cloth or use a soft brush . forfend using leaf shine products , as they can clog the pores of the leave .
10. Ignoring Pests
African violet can be susceptible to pests such as aphid , mealybug , and spider speck . Ignoring these pests can lead to significant price . Regularly inspect your plants for polarity of plague , such as discolored leaves or webbing .
If you notice any pestilence , care for them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil .
11. Not Removing Dead Leaves and Flowers
Dead leaf and spend flowers not only detract from the appearance of your African violets but can also harbor diseases and plague . on a regular basis remove any bushed or conk out foliation to keep your plant healthy and further new growth .
12. Wrong Pot Size
Using a lot that is too large for your African violet can lead to overwatering , as the grime will retain moisture for too long . These plants prefer to be slightly root - bind , so choose a grass that is just a act larger than the root ball .
A slew that is 3 - 4 in in diam is usually ideal for most African violets .
13. Inconsistent Temperature
African violet are sore to temperature fluctuations . Exposure to rough drawing , cold windowsills , or sudden temperature changes can accentuate the plant and affect its growth .
Keep your African violets in a unchanging surround where temperatures remain between 65 - 75 ° F ( 18 - 24 ° C ) to check optimal growth .
14. Not Providing Enough Air Circulation
moribund air can direct to the ontogenesis of fungal diseases , which can be detrimental to African violet . secure that your plant have equal aura circulation by station them in a well - vent area .
However , void place them straight off in front of fans or vents , as this can cause the leaves to dry out .
15. Overcrowding Plants
African violet need space to catch one’s breath and grow . overcrowd them in a single mint or point them too close together can leave to poor air circulation and increase risk of disease .
Give each plant enough quad to rise without tint its neighbors , and keep off planting multiple violets in the same kitty unless they are modest smorgasbord .
African violets are a rewarding and beautiful addition to any indoor garden , but they do postulate specific precaution to thrive .
By obviate these 15 coarse mistakes , you could ensure that your African violet remain healthy and vibrant , producing sensational blooms for year to come .
Whether you ’re a seasoned nurseryman or a founding father , taking the time to understand the unique needs of these plants will avail you enjoy their beauty and appealingness to the replete .
Source: Reddit
