Humidity is vital to the health of African Violets. In their native habitat, in the Usambara Mountains of Africa, the relative humidity is generally about 70 to 80 percent. While this level of humidity would be difficult to maintain in most homes, African Violets should have at least 50 to 60 percent humidity.
In the winter, use a warm-mist humidifier so that the increase in humidity does not affect the air temperature. In the summer, use a cool-mist humidifier. Because humidity is so important to African Violets, good air circulation also becomes a vital concern.
How do I raise the humidity in my African violet?
But during the winter, and especially if you live in a dry area, you may want to set up a humidifier nearby or place your African violets, pot and all, on a shallow tray of pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, this will create some humidity around your plant to keep the leaves and flowers nice and soft.
Do African violets like to stay moist?
The African Violet likes its soil to stay lightly moist at all times, just like it would in its natural habitat. However, the African Violet is also quite sensitive to overwatering, so don’t let the plant sit in wet soil. To prevent your plant from sitting in water, make sure to use a pot with drainage holes.
Do African violets need a humidifier? – Related Questions
How often do I water an African Violet?
Only water once a week and allow the plant to completely dry between waterings. One ingenious way of making sure your African violets are never over watered is by setting up a wicking system.
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.
How do I make my African violets happy?
Where is the best place to keep African violets?
Place African violets in a location that receives bright, indirect light. A site near an east or north window is often a good location. (Do not place African violets in direct sun.) If a suitable window isn’t available, place African violets under a fluorescent light fixture containing two 40-watt fluorescent tubes.
How long should African violets sit in water?
Let the water sit for a bit.
Your African violet is finicky about its water. Make sure the water is either tepid or at room temperature before giving it to your plant. It’s best to let it sit for 24-48 hours, but if you can’t, then let it stand for at least an hour.
Do violets like to be misted?
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.
Why do you water African violets from the bottom?
The roots of the African Violet need aeration, so keeping them moderately moist but never soggy is the key. Watering from the bottom so they can soak the water up, over an hour or so, will help to keep water out of the crown of the plant. African Violets like warmer water, around 70 degrees.
Do African violets like bathrooms?
These plants love humid air, so they like being in humid rooms such as kitchens or bathrooms. If they get enough humidity they will grow quickly and flower for a long time. Another way to provide the required humidity is to place a humidity tray underneath your African violets.
Why can’t African violets get wet?
African violets are sensitive to temperature, so always use water that is room temperature. Be careful not to soak the fuzzy leaves or stem of the plant, as water can get trapped and cause rot or fungus. The best way to water an African violet plant is from the bottom up.
How do I force my African Violet to bloom?
8 Ways to Get Your African Violet to Bloom Again.
Let There Be Light.
Turn Up the Humidity.
Replenish Essential Nutrients.
Keep it Pleasant.
Choose the Right Soil.
Protect From Pests & Disease.
Constrict the Roots.
Why do African Violet leaves curl under?
Likely Culprit: Too Much Sunlight
African violets like bright, indirect sunlight. But when they’re placed in hot, direct sunlight, their leaves can start to suffer. If your plant is placed in a windowsill—or a particularly sunny room—too much sunlight might be causing its leaves to curl under.
Can you use tap water for African violets?
In most locations, tap water will be fine, but the quality of tap water can vary. Chlorine levels may fluctuate, depending on the season. In some areas, tap water may have high amounts of chlorine, chloramines, or dissolved solids. All these things may adversely affect your African violets.
Can I use Miracle Grow on my 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.
