Watering

As in the case with most potted plants, more violets are lost through overwatering than any other cause. They prefer to be kept moist, without becoming waterlogged.

Water only when the surface of the potting mix looks or feels dry, then water thoroughly, and refrain from watering again until the surface is dry. There can be no set time when you should water your violets. It depends on the temperatures, potting mix, humidity and how actively your violet is growing.

Violets need to be watered more often during the warmer months when they are growing well. They do not like cold water on their leaves or roots. Use warm water or water that’s no colder than room temperature. Rainwater is great, if you have it. Never use water which has been filtered through a water softener.

Soil: African Violets may be grown in a variety of potting mixes, but as a rule these plants do best in potting mix, which is loose in texture, porous, and well drained, with a good amount of organic matter. Because they have fine hair-like roots, they need a substance that can be easily penetrated. It should also permit free movement of air and water and should be sterile at the time of planting. The pH should be slightly acidic—about 6.5.

African Violets have shallow roots and therefore do best in shallow pots. Also, be careful that you do not over pot them. (Over potting means indicates a containerised plant that has been potted in too large a container and is suffering consequently.)

The circumference of the foliage should be approximately three times that of the pot before it needs to be potted on to the next size pot. Over potting in anything but ideal conditions can be disastrous.