Hello and welcome to Brainy Gardener! I'm a big fan of African Violets. In this video, I'm going to show you how to take care of them so they stay healthy and beautiful. whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, there's something for everyone in this video. So sit back, relax, and let me show you how it's done.
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RESOURCES & LINKS:
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How To Grow African Violets - Care Instructions
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Video Timestamps
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0:00 - Introduction
0:51 - Light and Location
1:13 - Watering
1:42 - Temperature
2:00 - Humidity
2:24 - Fertilization
2:36 - Propagation
3:18 - Potting and Repotting
3:46 - Toxicity and Common Pests
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Summary
African Violet is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, comprising about ten species. African Violets originate from the tropical regions of Africa, mainly Tanzania and Kenya. They are incredibly popular ornamental houseplants, grown mainly for their brightly colored flowers which vary from white to yellow to pink to purple and blue with many intermediate shades. Although, as the name might suggest, the most iconic species of these flowering plants produce violet flowers.
1. Light and Location
African Violets require a medium amount of bright, indirect light. Figuring out how much light is needed involves trial and error if you’ve never cared for one of these before. If you’re experiencing subpar blooms, adjust light conditions. You can also supplement natural lighting with artificial light as needed.
2. Watering
It is vital to water the plant in the growing season with lukewarm water. Always water from the bottom as the leaves can get brown spots from splashed water. Overwatering can be detrimental, so it is essential to ensure the soil is dry before watering again.
3. Temperature
African Violets perform best in temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is advisable not to allow the temperature to go above 80 degrees Fahrenheit as it can damage the plant. During winter, some varieties can tolerate temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit but do not allow it to drop further.
4. Humidity
African Violet thrives in high humidity levels above 70%. If the air is dry, try increasing humidity using a humidifier. If needed, you can also use a water-filled pebble tray, but don’t submerge the pot. To maintain high humidity levels, you can group these plants with other high humidity requiring plants.
5. Fertilization
African Violets are quite popular plants, and most gardening stores carry specialized fertilizers for these plants. Check if your local store has any before going with any other option. Always add water to the potting mix when a plant is dry to prevent root burn before fertilizing.
6. Propagation
African violets can be propagated from offsets and leaf cuttings. Adult plants occasionally produce small plantlets or shoots from the side. Remove these and pot these in already prepared pots. Propagation can also be done by taking leaf cuttings from the mother plant. For best results, wait for the plant to form a healthy, vigorous leaf. The best time to take cuttings is in summer before new growth begins.
7. Potting and Repotting
African violets like being rootbound and won’t flower if frequently disturbed. But if the plant appears congested and the roots are spilling out from the top layer of soil, it’s time for a new pot. When repotting, be sure to use a pot that is slightly larger than the current pot. Both the soiling medium and the pot itself should facilitate water drainage.
8. Toxicity and Common Pests
African Violets are non-toxic to cats and dogs. So if you’re a pet owner, it’s perfectly safe. These plants are susceptible to several pests, the most common of which are cyclamen mites and mealybugs. Mealybugs are easily controlled using rubbing alcohol. Just clean off the leaves with a cotton swab. But cyclamen mites are much harder to deal with. As a result, most gardeners prefer to cut off affected plant parts instead of trying pesticide solutions.
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