African violets are a beautiful and popular houseplant that can bring a touch of nature indoors. Caring for African violets can be tricky, however, as they can be sensitive to their environment. In this article, we will look at some common questions about African violets, such as what kills them, why you should water them from the bottom, why the leaves go limp, the proper way to water them, how to know when they need water, if you should mist them, if Epsom salt is good for them, how many times a year they bloom, if you should deadhead them, and if you can water them with tap water.
What kills African violets?
African violets are relatively hardy and easy to care for, but there are a few things that can kill them. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become sunburned and turn yellow, brown, or black. Too much water can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. Overfertilizing can cause the leaves to burn and turn yellow. If the soil is too cold, the roots may freeze and the plant will die. Finally, pests like mealybugs, aphids, and thrips can cause damage to the leaves, leading to death.
Why do you water African violets from the bottom?
Watering African violets from the bottom helps to keep the leaves and flowers dry, which prevents the spread of disease and fungus. When the leaves and flowers are kept dry, it also helps to reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial infections. Additionally, when the water is applied from the bottom, it helps to ensure that the water is evenly distributed throughout the soil, which helps to keep the plant well-hydrated.
Why do African violet leaves go limp?
African violet leaves go limp when they don’t receive enough water. When the soil dries out, the leaves lose their turgor pressure, which is the pressure of the water within the cells that keeps them stiff and upright. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as not watering the plant enough, or watering the plant too much. Additionally, if the plant is in direct sunlight, the leaves may become limp due to the high temperatures. If the leaves are limp, it is important to water the plant and move it to a location with indirect sunlight.
What is the proper way to water African violets?
The proper way to water African violets is to water from the bottom up. Fill a container with lukewarm water and place the pot into the water. Allow the pot to sit in the water for about 15 minutes, or until the soil is saturated. Remove the pot from the water and allow it to drain. Do not water from the top as this can cause leaf spots or other damage. African violets should be watered about once a week, or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause damage.
How do I know when my African violets need water?
African violets are typically drought tolerant, so they don’t need to be watered often. However, when they do need water, you can tell by looking at the soil. If the soil is dry and the leaves look wilted, it’s time to water your African violet. You should also feel the soil with your finger to check for moisture. If the soil is still damp, it doesn’t need to be watered yet. Additionally, if you see the leaves turning yellow or brown, this is a sign that your African violet needs more water.
Should you mist violets?
No, you should not mist violets. Violets are sensitive to moisture and can easily suffer from root rot and other fungal diseases if overwatered. Instead of misting, you should water violets from the bottom, allowing the soil to become evenly moist. If the top of the soil feels dry, then you can add a little more water. Be careful not to over water, as this can cause root rot and other problems.
Is Epsom salt good for African violets?
Yes, Epsom salt can be beneficial for African violets. It is most commonly used as a fertilizer to help promote healthy growth and beautiful blooms. Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, which is an essential nutrient for African violets. It helps to improve the soil structure and can also help to prevent certain diseases that can affect the plants. When used in the right amount, Epsom salt can be a great addition to the soil for African violets.
How many times a year do African violets bloom?
African violets typically bloom several times a year, with each bloom cycle lasting anywhere from two to three months. During this time, the plants will produce several flowers, with the most prolific blooming occurring in the spring and fall. However, with proper care, African violets can bloom year-round. This includes providing the plants with plenty of light, water, and fertilizer, as well as maintaining a consistent temperature. With the right conditions, African violets can provide a beautiful display of flowers all year long.
Do you deadhead African violets?
Yes, deadheading African violets can be beneficial for their overall health and vigor. Deadheading involves removing faded flowers from the plant, which helps to reduce the amount of energy the plant expends on producing and maintaining the flowers, and instead redirects that energy into producing more leaves and flowers. Deadheading also helps to keep the plant looking tidy and attractive, and helps to prevent the spread of disease. It’s important to note that African violets should only be deadheaded when the flowers are completely faded, as deadheading before this point can cause the plant stress and reduce its flowering potential.
Can I water African violets with tap water?
Yes, you can water African violets with tap water. Tap water is generally safe for African violets, but it is important to make sure that it is not too hard or too soft. If your tap water is too hard, it can cause mineral buildup in the soil which can cause your African violets to suffer. If the water is too soft, it can cause the soil to become too acidic and can cause the leaves to burn. It is best to test the pH of the tap water before using it to water your African violets.
In conclusion, African violets can be killed by overwatering, underwatering, or too much direct sunlight. To water African violets properly, you should water from the bottom, and allow the soil to become dry between waterings. African violet leaves may go limp due to too much or too little water, or if the potting soil is too dense. To know when your African violets need water, check the soil and feel if it is dry. Misting is not generally recommended for African violets, as it can cause fungal diseases. Epsom salt can be beneficial for African violets, as it provides magnesium and sulfur. African violets typically bloom two to three times a year. Deadheading is not necessary for African violets, as the flowers will naturally fall off. Tap water is not recommended for African violets, as it can contain too much chlorine and fluoride.