Essential growth and care for African Violets

The African violet plant is one of the most widely grown houseplants and has remained the top favourite flowering plant. Their compact size makes them perfect for growing as a houseplant.

Growing African violet plants

These popular and compact houseplants offer charming flowers in various colours. Given the right growing conditions, African violets can flower nonstop for months. With proper care, your violet houseplant can have a long lifespan. They are easy to grow and care for. Native to East Africa, they prefer a warm, humid environment that simulates their native jungle habitat.

If your home is dry, you need to take extra care of your plants. You can do this by providing supplemental humidity, especially during the winter months, by placing plant pots on a shallow dish away from direct sunlight.

Growing African violets is a unique experience, as they thrive in tight quarters and prefer slightly small pots. Surprisingly, the best blooms occur in small pots. They grow well in both porous and non-porous pots.

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African violet care

Growing the African violet houseplant is a matter of balance; you need to consider the different factors that go into its cultivation. Like many houseplants, don’t be discouraged if your plant suffers some damage, it’s all part of the process.

To care for it can be easy if you understand the behaviour of your violet. There will be signs that let you know what your plant needs.

Water the plant: Keep your potting mix consistently moist but never soggy, as this can cause root rot. Avoid watering your African violet with cold water, as this can lead to permanent spots on the leaves.
Pruning: You can prune your plant’s dying stems as you notice them to encourage the development of new blooms. As your African violet ages, it is common for leaves to die off.
Fertilising: Feed your plant with fertiliser specialised for it. Feeding can be halted in winter when your plant is in its dormancy.
It is good to repot your plant: Repotting is a good opportunity to divide plants that have developed multiple crowns and to refresh the potting mix to replenish depleted nutrients.