For best flowering and growth, many African violet aficionados grow their plants under grow lights. Set the bulbs about 12″ to 15″ above the tops of the plants, depending on the strength of the bulbs and size of the plants. Use a timer set to 14 hours of light and 10 hours of dark each day.
What type of grow light is best for African violets?
A good starting point for a broad range of African violets (AV) is one 5000K T5HO fluorescent light bulb placed above the AVs to achieve a range of 3000-3500 Lux for standards, and 4500-5000 Lux (two bulbs may be required) for mini’s and semi-mini’s.
How many watts do African violets need?
Most African violet light stands use 40 watt tubes, larger tubes are much dearer and 20 watt tubes are not so economical considering the cost of making a stand and the diminishing light at the ends of the tubes.
How do I know when my African violet needs more light?
If your African violet isn’t getting enough sun, it’ll let you know. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, leggy stems, and stunted bloom growth, the telltale signs that your plant is undernourished and needs more sun to stimulate healthy photosynthesis processes.
Can you use a grow light on African violets? – Related Questions
How long should African violets be under grow lights?
A fluorescent light fixture suspended 8 to 10 inches above plants and left on for 12 to 16 hours per day should provide sufficient light for African violets.
Should I mist my African violet?
DO NOT mist the foliage. Water on the foliage may cause permanent leaf spotting. Use water that is room temperature. African violets are susceptible to crown rot, so it is important that the crown (the section of the plant at soil level) is not saturated with water.
What should a healthy African violet look like?
What do Overwatered African violets look like?
If your African Violet plant has been over-watered, the soil will retain too much water. This retention of water will cause the leaves and /or leaf stems to turn soft, limp or mushy.
Can African violets survive in low light?
When they get ample indirect light, African violets grow well, stay healthy and produce abundant flowers. In too little light, they will have few or no flowers and will have leaves that become darker green and thin with long, weak stems. African violets are easily grown under artificial lights.
How do you perk up an African violet?
If your African violet has burnt or dry leaf tips, it’s likely dehydrated. Try placing your plant on a humidity tray to boost the moisture in the air. If your African violet has drooping leaves, it may be suffering from low temperatures. Keep your indoor environment around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night.
What kills African violets?
Use a broadleaf killer that contains 2,4-D or Dicamba, and it will selectively kill the violets without damaging the grass. Another great wild violet herbicide is called Drive (quinclorac).
Is coffee grounds good for African violets?
Are coffee grounds good for African violets? Coffee grounds are slightly acidic and contain nitrogen, which helps plants grow healthy foliage. Occasionally sprinkling used coffee grounds on top of your African violet potting soil can be good for the plant.
Does Epsom salt help African violets bloom?
Epsom salts provide plants with essential magnesium and sulfur – two minerals needed to produce beautiful blooms and healthy foliage. What is this? Mix one and a half teaspoons of Epsom salts in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Water your African violets (below the leaves) with this solution once a month.
Can I use Miracle Gro for African violets?
Promote more blooms (versus unfed plants) on your houseplants with Miracle-Gro® Blooming Houseplant Food. The formula instantly feeds all blooming houseplants, including African violets.
Should African violets be watered from the bottom?
Watering: Keep soil moist to dry, and allow soil around roots to dry out before watering to encourage blooming. Water from the bottom with room temperature water by placing the plastic grower’s pot in water, and allowing the plant to absorb the water ( not more than 30 minutes ).
Is it best to water African violets from the bottom?
Should I water African violets from the top or bottom? Either is fine. It is important not to use cold water; lukewarm or warm is preferred. If you water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun; this is to avoid leaf spots.
Do African violets need deep pots?
They like breathable, shallow pots
African Violet roots don’t go very deep; they like to go sideways, so don’t use a deep pot. Your pot must have suitable drainage holes so you can water from underneath.
