African Violets are one of the most beautiful and fickle indoor plants. They are favorable because they produce beautiful flowers and are low-growing, perfect for decorative indoor planting. Violets that are kept in good condition will bloom continuously.
When potting an African violet, the soil composition is important. The mixture should comprise two parts of a fertile loam: leaf mould or peat and sand or perlite. Porous soil is important because it allows water to pass through. Violets are also often readily grown in a soilless mix; this would consist of three parts sphagnum moss, two parts vermiculite, and one part perlite. It would also be wise to add a line to balance the acidity of the moss. Soil drainage is imperative when it comes to growing violets. If the soil remains overly saturated, it will encourage root rot and unpleasant top growth. The soil, therefore, is extremely important; the mixture must be 50 percent matter, 25 percent air, and 25 percent water. Simply adding a layer of gravel to the bottom of the pot will not work.
A homemade potting mix must be pasteurized, and the container should be disinfected before planting begins. To pasteurize the soil, take a flat pan, place a four-inch layer over it, and slightly wet it. Cover the pan with aluminum foil, making sure to seal the edges. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, place the tray in the oven, and bake it for roughly 30 minutes. Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool, and the soil will be ready to use. Planters will need about 30 minutes to soak in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, and then should be thoroughly rinsed until the chlorine is completely gone.
Violets need to be repotted once a year. To do this, remove all lateral crowns, leaving only the central crown. Then, trim off one or two rows of leaves, leaving a wheel of leaves around the crown. Then, use a paring knife to scrape off the brown plant material until the neck is firm and green. Have a clean pot ready for this newly pruned violet. Firm the soil gently around the plant and water well. Four-inch pots usually work best.
The best method for violet propagation is leaf cutting, which is best done in the spring. Mature leaves need to be cut off with one inch of their stalk. Then, firmly press the stalk into the sand with the leaf blade exposed. Water the sand thoroughly. In two to six months, the stalk will be ready to plant; it should have two to three leaves.
When it comes to successfully growing violets, the soil should be kept moist, but the foliage needs to be dry. Water on the leaves causes discoloration. Consider keeping pots in watertight saucers or bowls so that water can be added to the bottom every few days. Violets need light, but direct sunlight is not necessarily needed. The violets will adjust well to the dry and warm temperatures of homes. For the winter, place the violet in a sunny and warm window.
Overwatering is one of the major problems when it comes to caring for African Violets. Excessive water causes the roots and crown of the plant to rot. Make sure the plants are properly watered, and do so from the bottom to avoid harming the beauty of the leaves. If powdery mildew appears on your plants, it can also cause the plant to die. Well-ventilated air movement can help keep this problem away.
Violets are also susceptible to mealyworms, mites, and aphids. Often, pests can be eliminated by a jet of warm water or by using a Q-Tip dabbed in alcohol. Keeping these pests off the plants will allow them to grow and prosper.