The first is that the violet has been allowed to develop more than one crown (growing point in the center of leaves). … This happens when “suckers”–the small, secondary crowns growing from the leaf axils, are not removed and are allowed to develop into larger crowns.

Do African violets multiply?

African violets and rex begonias both multiply readily from leaf cuttings. Use whole or even parts of leaves to propagate either of these plants. Because a detached begonia or African violet leaf wilts quickly, always have your pot of soil ready before you take the cutting.

Do violet plants spread?

Violets have developed numerous ways to spread. Violets spread by underground rhizomes and may form vegetative colonies. They also spread by seed. Flowers near the soil surface that never really open, called cleistogamous or non-opening, self-pollinating, shoot seeds out to establish a new colony away from the parent.

Do African violets like to be crowded?

Violets need to feel crowded to bloom, but when a plant gets too big for its pot, divide the plant’s separate-looking leaf heads. When you repot, tease the roots apart and plant in room-temperature potting soil.

Do African violets get big?

African violets are typically classified by size, based on how wide they grow: Miniature: less than 8 inches across. Standard: 8–16 inches across. Large: more than 16 inches across.

What do you do with overgrown African violets?

1. Step 1: African violet with a “neck”. A “neck” is the palm-tree like trunk that appears over time as the lower rows of leaves are removed. …
2. Step 2: Cut-away bottom of root ball. …
3. Step 3: Push plant back into same size pot. …
4. Step 4: Add fresh soil. …
5. Step 5: The repotted violet.

How often should African violets be watered?

An important point to remember when bottom watering African Violet plants is to top water at least once a month. This way you are flushing out any extra fertilizer salt build up and refreshing the soil/roots from the top too.

How long can African violets live?

Repotting these blooms is so important due to their long lifespan. “Remember that African violets have a very long lifespan and have been said to last up to 50 years,” says Ryan McEnaney, public relations and communications specialist for Bailey Nurseries.

Is coffee grounds good for African violets?

Yes, coffee grounds are a great homemade fertilizer for African Violets. Make a mixture of dried coffee grounds and dried egg shells, then work the coffee ground mixture into the top of the soil. Replenish every couple of months.

What kind of pots do African violets like?

For best results, plant African violets in African violet pots, which are small (4- to 5-inch) ceramic or plastic self-watering containers. Growing plants in these pots will provide the proper amount of continuous moisture to the plants.

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Do violets come back every year?

Wild violets (Viola odorata) have heart-shaped leaves with purple-blue flowers. … Although in some areas they are considered annuals or biennials, wild violets often self-seed, coming back each year in unexpected locations.

What are violets a symbol of?

Violets symbolize modesty. According to Greek mythology, violets were created when one of Artemis’ nymphs, who had all sworn to stay maidens, was being pursued by her twin brother, Apollo. To protect her nymph, Artemis transformed her into a violet, which in turn led the violet to become a symbol of modesty.

Are violets considered weeds?

One of the most difficult weeds to control in the lawn is wild violet. This native plant may look cute and dainty, especially in the spring when it produces pretty purple flowers. … Wild violets are very tough plants that tolerate drought.

Can you divide an African Violet?

There are several methods of African violet propagation, from cuttings to division. The plants often develop multiple crowns, which can be split apart and used to propagate new plants. Division propagation creates mature African violet plants faster than other methods.

Why does African Violet not bloom?

Too little light can cause of African violets not to bloom well. They prefer bright, indirect sun. Too little sunlight causes them to stretch for the light and produce few or no flowers; too much sun can burn the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, especially with a sheer curtain to block the sun’s harshest rays.

Should you cut dead flowers off African Violet?

If you have success getting your African Violet to bloom, be sure to pinch or deadhead spent blooms. This allows the plant to continue to put energy into creating more buds/blooms and beautiful foliage.

Why do you water African violets from the bottom?

Top Watering (Specialty African violet watering cans are available online.) This gives you more control over the stream of water: poke the nozzle beneath the leaves to wet your soil while keeping your plant dry. Grow Tip: Bottom watering can allow fertilizer salts to build up in your plant’s soil.

Should African violets be watered from the top or bottom?

The roots of the African Violet need aeration, so keeping them moderately moist but never soggy is the key. Watering from the bottom so they can soak the water up, over an hour or so, will help to keep water out of the crown of the plant. African Violets like warmer water, around 70 degrees.

How do you know when to transplant an African Violet?

African violets will grow better in small pots. Small plantlets can be potted into 2” pots. When they bloom, you should transplant them into 3” pots until your plant gets bigger, 8 to 10” in diameter.

Why do African violets grow crooked?

Sometimes, if an African Violet is left unattended it can develop a long thick neck (5-6 inches) long. This kind of neck ultimately tilts sideways due to the weight of the crown. This kind of neck is known as a “goose neck”. A neck can also resemble a palm tree/coconut tree trunk.

Why is my African violet growing straight up?

Why Do African Violet Leaves Curl or Reach Upwards? African Violet leaves curl or reach upwards when the light they receive is too low. The stems start growing longer in size and growing upwards as if they are reaching for the light. The leaves no longer grow flat as they usually should, but grow upwards too.

How cold can African violets get?

Keep Violets as close to 70 degrees F as possible. In all cases, avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 60 degrees. Be aware of cold drafts coming through windows, and keep your Violets insulated from them. For more about proper temperature and other factors of air quality, see “Caring for African Violets.”

Can I pour coffee on my plants?

Coffee works great on many types of flowering indoor plants but can be used outside as well. Diluted coffee adds just enough organic fertilizer to encourage bushier, healthier plants.

Which window is best for African violets?

African violets need indirect sunlight, direct can burn the leaves. Choose a north- or east- facing window for best results. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light. Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.

Is Epsom salt good for African violets?

Applied once per month epsom salts will help trigger bloom in your violets and be a good companion to your African violet specialty fertilizer. Dissolve two tablespoons of epsom salts in one gallon of tepid water in a watering can or pitcher. Swish or swirl the salts in the water to dissolve them and combine the two.

Do African violets prefer plastic pots?

Clay Pots – These are not the best looking pots, but they are very porous, which can be good for you African violets to drain the water. Plastic Pots – Most of these pots, but especially the ones that have saucer bottoms, are well-draining pots that your African violets will love.

Should African violets be in clay pots?

You can use clay pots, but those are least recommended. You would have to continuously monitor the watering in clay pots, as they dry out quickly. The cycle of wet/dry soil can stress out the African Violet plant roots. … They can also develop mold in and around the pots.

How often do African violets need to be repotted?

African violets need to be repotted about once a year to keep them growing big and beautiful. It is best to inspect them first to see if their leaves and roots are healthy.

Do violets grow in sun or shade?

Using a slow-release fertilizer will help encourage continuous blooms. Although violets tolerate of a variety of light conditions, most will grow best in full sun to partial shade. Some woodland species tolerate more shade; in fact they can be planted in areas considered to be full shade.

Are violets poisonous to dogs?

With their fuzzy green leaves and stunning year-round flowers, African violets bloom in a range of lavenders, blues, pinks, reds, and white—depending on the variety. Both the plant and flowers are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance, blooming plant.

Do violets need a lot of water?

Place plants away from floor vents, fans, or entrance doors to avoid air drafts and bursts of cold air. In general, African Violets need just enough water to keep the soil moist, but never soggy. Too much waterwill leave your African Violets susceptible to such deadly pathogens as Pythium, Root Rot and Crown Rot.