African violets grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. For best results, plant African violets in African violet pots, which are small self-watering ceramic or plastic containers. Growing plants in these pots will provide the right amount of continuous moisture to the plants.
The easiest way to make sure you give African violets the right amount of water is to grow them in the self-watering African violet pots mentioned above. These pots have an upper part where the plant grows and a lower part that holds water. Ceramic pots are usually glazed on the outside, but the bottom of the planter is unglazed so that water can easily penetrate from the reservoir. Plastic African violet pots usually have a fibrous wick that connects the planter to the reservoir. Make sure to change the water every week.
Unless you’re growing plants in African violet pots, water just enough to keep the soil about as moist as a twisted mushroom. Be sure to use room temperature water and do not get water on the leaves, as this can cause spots on the leaves.
One month after planting, start feeding your African violets with Blooming Houseplant Food for more and brighter blooms. Add two pumps of plant food to the water reservoir in a self-watering pot every week when you change the water. If you are using a regular pot, add plant food directly to the soil or mix it into the water in your watering can. Be sure to follow label directions.
How to Grow More African Violets
Over time, African violets can become overgrown and begin to crowd their pots. Use leaf cuttings from these plants to propagate, or start, new African violet plants. Simply cut off a leaf where it meets the plant stem and stick the cut end into a small container filled with Seed Starting Potting Mix. Keep the soil evenly moist. New leaves will sprout in a few weeks. When the plants have 4-5 leaves, they can be replanted in African violet pots.
When to repot African violets
When the lower leaves of an African violet plant begin to die back, the lower part of the stem may become bare. Remove the plant from the pot, cut off the bottom of the root ball and repot the plant in the same container of Indoor Potting Mix, burying the stem so that the lower ring of leaves is flush with the edge of the pot. Place the plant in a high humidity location (or cover it temporarily with a plastic bag) for a week after planting to reduce the shock of removing part of the root ball.
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