Many houseplant owners find it difficult to water African violets because they are fragile and sensitive. That is why it is very important to know how to water these houseplants.
So how often do you water an African violet? 2-3 times a month, although it depends on the weather. We recommend watering African violets when 2-3 inches of topsoil is dry. Too much or too little water harms these vulnerable houseplants.
Watering African violet plants may seem simple, but there are a few things you need to know to become a successful grower. We have written this detailed guide to provide information on watering African violet plants.
Contents
How often is an African violet watered?
African violets need water to stay hydrated and promote flowering. But too much or too little water can be bad for them. We recommend that you test the humidity of the soil before watering your favorite houseplant.
Water your African violets 2-3 times a month during the spring and summer seasons. This is the period when these plants go through vegetative growth and flowering. Water helps facilitate energy synthesis and other physiological activities.
Reduce watering frequency in winter and fall, as these houseplants tend to go dormant. Maintaining watering in the summer and spring will lead to overwatering problems.
Too much water in the potting mix leads to root rot, which can kill the houseplant in the long run. We recommend watering African violets once a month in winter.
But the rule of thumb is to stick your index finger in 2-3 inches of potting soil to test the moisture content. When the soil is dry, soak the potting mix until the excess water runs out of the drainage holes.
How do you know if African violets need water?
African violets are sensitive to too much and too little water. The sensitivity makes it easier to detect whether they need water or not. Below are quick tips for determining if your African violets need water:
hanging leaves
If the leaves of the African violet look limp, dull, and soft, it means your houseplant needs water. Leaving the plant unattended will leave crispy brown leaves.
dry topsoil
Dig your index finger into 2 to 3 inches of topsoil; if it comes out clean with a few spots, your African violet needs water.
Wilting of African Violets
If your plant looks limp and limp, it might be time to water. A lack of water will cause your houseplant to dry out, which can lead to long-term wilting.
How to water African violets?
African violets are vulnerable to crown rot and root rot due to improper irrigation techniques. We recommend that you take precautions to become a successful long-term grower. Here are two ways to water African violets:
How to water the African violet from below?
Step 1: Place the African violets in a saucepan on a tray or plate filled with water. Make sure the water covers the pot up to an inch after submerging it.
2nd step: Let the pot sit for about 20 minutes or until the top layer of soil is moistened. This period allows the houseplant to absorb enough water and hydrate itself.
Step 3: Discard the remaining water in the container or saucer. Place your African violet in a location that receives direct and indirect sunlight.
How to water the African violet from above
Step 1: Fill a watering can with distilled water or rainwater. Make sure the watering can has a long, thin spout to prevent water splashing onto the leaves.
2nd step: Simply water the soil from above. If your African violet is bushy, spread the leaves apart to access the ground.
Step 3: Water the potting soil until excess water runs out of the bottom of the pot through the drainage holes.
Step 4: Let the houseplant sit in the tray to drain excess water. Place your African violet in a location that receives indirect sunlight.
Factors Affecting the Water Frequency of African Violets
Several factors affect how often African violets are watered. Now let’s talk about these factors that influence the frequency of watering the African violet:
pot size
Choose a pot that is perfect for your African violet to avoid problems with too much or too little water. Larger pots take forever to dry out, which can lead to root rot in African violets.
plant size:
Larger African violets require more water than their smaller counterparts. If you have juvenile African violets, increase the watering frequency as they grow actively.
Humidity
Humidity affects the rate of evaporation of water from the soil and the transpiration of African violet leaves. Your African violet needs more when indoor humidity is low.
Pan type:
Terracotta pots lose water faster than plastic containers. Increase watering frequency if your African violets are grown in porous materials and vice versa.
Season
The season plays a huge role in determining how often you should water your African violet plants. These houseplants need more water in spring and summer than in winter because they are dormant.
Ventilation
An indoor space that experiences adequate air circulation will increase the rate of soil evaporation. Therefore, your African violet needs more water to stay healthy and hydrated.
Temperature
Higher indoor temperatures promote the rate of evaporation and faster metabolism in your African violets. The potting soil will dry out faster, causing the African violet to need more water.
Type of soil
A potting mix with more organic matter and densely packed particles will retain water longer. We recommend adding perlite or sand to improve water drainage.
conclusion
African violets are prone to crown and root rot due to improper watering routines. Any houseplant lover should be careful when watering an African violet plant.
Also use room temperature water to hydrate your African violet. Otherwise, cold water will cause yellow spots or spots on African violet leaves. Be sure to use rainwater or distilled water to soak dry potting soil.
Determining how often to water an African violet can be tricky for beginners because this houseplant is fragile and sensitive. We recommend performing a soil moisture test before watering the plant.
Readers reading this will also read:
- Why do my African violet leaves have spots?
- African Violets Turning Brown (Causes and Solutions)
- Drooping Leaves of African Violet (Causes and Solutions)
- Curling African Violet Leaves (Causes and Solutions)
- How to care for the African violet (detailed guide)