How to grow and care for African violets
African violets are cherished for their delicate blooms and velvety leaves, making them a popular choice for indoor gardeners in the UK. With a little care and attention, these charming plants can flower for months. There’s a wide range of different types of African violet available, so whether you prefer big, small, frilled, ruffled, single or double flowers, you’re sure to find one that suits you.
African violets are not toxic to cats or dogs, so pet lovers can enjoy these beautiful plants in their homes too!
Top 5 African violet care tips
- Position your African violets in a location with bright, indirect sunlight, ideally within 30cm of a window. African violets need at least 12 hours of sunlight a day to flower continuously, so in winter, you may need to use grow lights to supplement the light.
- When watering African violets, always water the compost, not the leaves, to avoid fungal diseases like grey mould. Use tepid water, as cold water can chill the plants and affect their growth.
- Use a potting mix that retains moisture yet drains well, such as a specialised African violet compost or houseplant compost.
- Rotate the pot regularly to promote even growth and remove spent flowers or yellowing leaves.
- Gently dust the leaves with a soft brush to keep them clean, as they are sensitive to water.
Shopping list for growing African violets
To successfully grow African violets in the UK, gather the following essentials:
- A small to medium-sized pot with proper drainage holes or a self-watering pot.
- African violet-specific potting mix or houseplant compost that ensures good aeration and moisture retention.
- Liquid houseplant feed or a specialised African violet liquid feed.
- A soft brush or cloth to gently dust off leaves without damaging them.
How to plant African violets
African violets flourish in temperatures between 18–24°C by day and around 16°C by night, and prefer a humidity level of around 60%. Avoid placing them near radiators or in draughts to prevent temperature fluctuations.
Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes. Terracotta pots with saucers or specialised self-watering pots are ideal. Fill your pot halfway with a suitable African violet potting mix or houseplant compost. Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot, lightly tease out the roots if compacted, and place it into the new pot.
Initially, water from the top using tepid water, ensuring no water touches the leaves. For subsequent waterings, allow the top of the potting mix to dry slightly before watering from the base. Place the pot in a saucer with water, allowing the plant to absorb moisture for about half an hour, then remove and let it drain. Alternatively, use a self-watering pot and refill the reservoir as needed. Don’t leave the pot standing in water for long periods, as this may cause root rot.
Propagating African violets
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African violets are very easy to propagate, either by leaf cuttings or by division.
How to propagate African violets from leaf cuttings
- Cut a few leaves off the mother plant, making sure each leaf has a section of leaf stem attached.
- Trim the leaf stems to around 1cm in length. This reduces the risk of rotting in the compost.
- Fill a shallow container with a 50/50 mix of houseplant compost and perlite.
- Insert the leaf stems into the potting mix so that the edge of each leaf touches the surface of the potting mix.
- Water the potting mix so that it is moist but not saturated, taking care not to wet the leaves.
- Cover the container with a lid or clear plastic bag and place it in a cool bright area.
- After several weeks, each leaf will have developed roots and a cluster of smaller leaves around the base of the leaf. Pot each leaf cluster into a separate pot filled with houseplant compost.
How to propagate African violets in water
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You can also propagate African violets in water using leaf cuttings.
- Take leaf cuttings as described above, including a length of leaf stem with each leaf. Leave the stems long to make it easier for them to reach the water.
- Place each leaf in a small glass of water so that the stem is in the water and the leaf is resting on the rim of the glass (this keeps the leaf dry). If you don’t have any suitable small glasses, fill a container with water, cover it with tinfoil, poke holes in the tinfoil and insert the leaf stems through the holes so that the ends of the stems are in the water and the leaves remain dry.
- After around 6 weeks, the leaf stems should have developed roots. Remove the leaves from the water and pot up into individual pots filled with houseplant compost mixed with perlite.
African violet problems
African violets can occasionally face issues with pests and diseases, but timely action can keep your plants healthy.
Common problems
- No flowers: This is usually caused by insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location or use grow lights to supplement natural daylight. Cold draughts and dry air can also reduce flowering.
- Brown or yellow leaf blotches: This is a sign that the light is too strong, Move the plant out of direct light into a more sheltered position.
- Pale spots on leaves: This can be caused by watering with cold water, or by wetting the leaves when watering. Always use tepid water and water the compost, not the leaves.
Common pests and diseases
- Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can gather on flower buds and stems. Wipe off aphids to prevent infestations, or spray with insecticide.
- Mealybugs: These appear as white, cotton-like clusters on leaves or stems. Remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests cause mottling on leaves and fine webbing in heavy infestations. Increase humidity and use insecticide if needed.
- Powdery mildew: A white, powdery coating on leaves caused by excess humidity. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the leaves. Use a fungicide if needed.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage leads to yellowing leaves and wilting. Repot the plant in fresh soil, ensuring proper drainage.
With a little care, your African violets will give you months of flowers to add vibrant colour to your home!
FAQs
When do African violets bloom?
African violets can flower almost all year round if given the amounts of light, humidity and water. They are less likely to flower in winter when the light levels are lowest, so to keep your plant flowering, move it to a brighter spot in winter or use grow lights to supplement daylight.
