What are the cultivation methods for African Violet?
This article provides an overview of the cultivation methods for African Violets and knowledge about the planting and propagation of these plants. Let's introduce them in detail.
African Violets are one of my favorite herbaceous flowers. Now I have a thorough understanding of African Violets. They are potted plants in my home that can bloom all year round. You should know that the light in my home is not very strong. I place them by the south-facing windowsill, and I can enjoy the flowers frequently.
I. History of African Violets:
African Violets originally grew in the region of Tanzania. In the 19th century, Western colonists and amateur botanists discovered this plant in East African countries. These botanists sent these African Violets back to Germany, and thereafter, these varieties began to gain popularity in Europe.
Of course, African Violets have now become a popular ornamental flower worldwide.
The original species of African Violets had monotonous flower colors and weak plants. After continuous hybridization and cultivation, the varieties of African Violets we see today are more diverse and have enhanced ornamental value.
African Violets have exquisite flowers that look very fragile but are actually very resilient. They can grow well on warm windowsills, prefer diffused light, and require 3-5 hours of sunlight daily. Maintaining a temperature of over 15 degrees Celsius allows them to bloom frequently.
The flower colors of African Violets are also very rich, including common purples, blues, pinks, reds, whites, and red varieties. Their flowers are delicate, and a single plant can have multiple buds that can maintain continuous blooming. Removing withered flowers promptly will allow other buds to open.
What are the cultivation methods for African Violets?
The leaves of African Violets are evergreen, with fine hairs on the surface and slightly wrinkled edges. When caring for African Violets, it is important to avoid frequent watering on the leaves. If there is dust or sand on the leaves, they can be cleaned with a soft brush or a brush pen. Frequent watering can easily lead to leaf spot or leaf rot diseases.
II. Tips for Keeping African Violets Blooming Frequently:
Caring for African Violets is also very simple, and they can bloom frequently throughout the year if the environment is suitable.
1. Temperature is Key
Cultivating African Violets requires a consistently warm environment, but it should avoid excessive heat. The optimal growth temperature is between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. The nighttime temperature can be 3-5 degrees lower than during the day, meaning the nighttime temperature needs to stay above 15 degrees.
2. Cultivation Environment for African Violets
When growing African Violets in pots, it's best to place them on east or south-facing balconies, avoiding direct sunlight. During the middle and afternoon, they should be appropriately shaded to avoid excessive exposure, as this can easily damage the leaves and shorten the flowering period.
3. Using a Smaller Pot
The pot for planting African Violets should not be too large. They prefer a compact space, which promotes continuous blooming. When the plant grows vigorously and the roots fill the soil, it's time to repot. Each new pot should only be slightly larger than the previous one.
Do not use a too deep pot for African Violets, and avoid moving them to an overly large pot suddenly, as this can lead to excessive soil, causing root rot or even leafy growth without flowering.
4. Well-Draining and Loosely Aerated Potting Soil
For potted African Violets, use soil that is loose and well-draining, rich in humus. Generally, a mixture of peat soil and perlite is used, with 3-4 parts of compost or leaf mold soil mixed in to ensure the soil has appropriate humus content. The potting soil must have good drainage and aeration to ensure healthy root growth.
When caring for African Violets, if you notice some yellowing and withered leaves at the base of the stem, be sure to cut them off promptly and do not leave them in the potting soil.
5. Post-Flowering Treatment and Fertilization