Basic Essentials
BySusan Gimblet
Among the many factors that are needed when growing healthy African violets are humidity and water. Just as we human beings benefit from living in a more humid environment, so will our violets benefit from a higher level of humidity. Remember that the original African violet species grew in the rain forests of Africa. It may not be easy to determine whether violets need greater humidity. A few signs may include buds that drop or fail to open, dull looking leaves and a general lack of good growth.
Upping the humidity level is a relatively simple matter. Violets will benefit from a humidity level in the 40-70% range. This may be accomplished in several ways. A humidifier may be placed in the plant room. Violets can be misted with warm or room temperature water. This should be done early enough in the day that the foliage will be dry before the lights go out. Plants may be placed on capillary matting or pebbles. I have some plastic crating material that has been cut to fit the plant trays. The plants sit on the crating which keeps them raised about an inch above the water. When I water my violets, the excess water stays in the trays. Wick watering will also provide additional humidity. One problem with all of these methods is the growth of algae on the trays, mats and containers. Regular cleaning with a dilute bleach solution (1 teaspoon bleach to a gallon of water) will work. Physan 20 (1 teaspoon to a gallon of water) will also work at inhibiting algae growth.
Water quality can make a difference in how violets grow. When I first began growing violets, I was using tap water. My violets were dull looking and were not doing well at all. I called the local water board and found out that my tap water had fluoride added and was in general very alkaline. If you think that your water may be a problem finding out the mineral content is the first thing to do. We began saving the water from the dehumidifier for use on our violets. Other options would be to draw the water and let it stand overnight before using, or try bottled water from one of those self-service vending units. Softened water is not recommended for violet watering as it is high in sodium.
Once the source of water has been settled, it is time to actually do the watering.
Rule 1, never use cold water. Always let the water get to room temperature.
Rule 2, water plants only when they need it. Both over
watering and under watering can damage plants. Soil should be moist to the touch but not damp.
Rule 3, violets may be watered from the top or from the bottom whichever is easiest. Water may get onto leaves as long as the violet is not sitting in direct light where the water droplet would serve as a magnifying glass and spot or burn the leaf. It is also usually suggested that water not be allowed to sit in the plant center. By using a watering can with a long spout, the spout may be worked under a leaf for top watering thus avoiding this issue.
Rule 4, do not permit the violet to sit in water for longer than thirty minutes. Violets do not like “wet feet”.
The entire violet collection may not need watering at the same time due to the size of the plants, their maturities, location on the plant stand etc., however, it is not realistic to water a few plants here and there. One solution might be to place all small plants together knowing that these may need more frequent watering. Plants on lower shelves may not need watering as frequently as those on upper, and thus warmer, shelves. Room temperatures will also affect water frequency. One solution to this is to consider wick watering. By placing violets on a wick, they will absorb only the amount of water needed. The reservoirs can be filled without concern for wet feet and damage to leaves. I find wick watering is also helpful when I am busy and may not get to my violets on a regular schedule.
Consistency is important. As a judge, I frequently see a plant that shows ‘changes in growing conditions‘. I can see it in my own plants when I have not been faithful to a watering and fertilizing regime.
Experiment with what works best under your growing conditions and fits into your lifestyle.
Enjoy your violets!
