Easy Mode: African Violet
The easy guide to caring and growing an African Violet
The African violet has gotten a reputation as being an outdated, old lady plant. However, this plant is a beautiful addition to any home and with the right care will flower almost year round.
Where it’s from
As may be guessed, African Violets are from well… Africa. East Africa to be specific. This region of Africa is known for its warm and humid temperatures with rain fall heavy through out the year.
Water
These plants like to be moist but not dry. They are a bit tricky when it comes to watering, take great care not to get too much water on the velvety leafs and ensure the water is room temperature. Africa Violets are very susceptible to salts and chlorine in the waters so its suggested that you let tap water sit out to help evaporate some salts and chlorine. If you’re feeling fancy you can invest a dollar and buy distilled water or learn to make it here.
Light
This is where my experience diverges from experts. I have two African Violets one is in medium indirect light (shown in photo above) and one is in low light, both thrive. The violet in low light was a budding of my mothers plant and it keeps growing and growing. The violet in medium light has bloomed twice in the three months it has been in my home. This is just a plant that needs to be watch and moved according to the signs it gives.
Repotting
African violets love small pots, so take time when repotting. When the roots grow through the bottom of the pot or if it stops growing its time to repot. Only repot to half inch larger increments at a time. If the violet is currently in a 2 1/2 inch pot it would need replanted in to a 3 inch pot.
Don’t over love it
There is a lot of advice on how to care for an African violet, from what kind of pot it needs to be in, to how to cut the root ball. The easiest way is to watch and adjust as needed, these plants are surprisingly low maintenance so, sit back and watch it bloom!
Not quite ready to take the leap? Check out these Easy House plants