African Violets, a little houseplant that yields bunches of white, blue, and purple flowers over fuzzy leaves, could very well be the answer to your aesthetic needs. In spite of their reputation for being easy to handle, African Violets still require the utmost care, just like a child.
Among all other things, watering is the most important element to consider for any plant. This article talks about how often to water African violets so that they grow to their full extent and keep the flowers blooming.
After a stressful day at work, gazing at African violets helps increase the flow of oxygen to your brain and helps you unwind. Isn’t it wonderful? Looking at them stimulates the discharge of a small volume of adrenaline, which energizes you and increases your energy drive. Not only this, but it also helps clean the air and provides you with a fresh environment at all times.
The benefits are truly amazing, and it is one of the reasons people look for ways to care for the plant the right way. As far as watering is concerned, how often to water African violets depends on how much water they need for their growth. Let’s go deep down and see what it takes.
How much water do African violets need?
An African violet plant needs an amount of water that keeps the soil moist but not soaked to the skin. Overwatering for African violets turns out to be disastrous since the plants develop deadly viruses and can’t get the nitrogen required.
Keeping the soil moist doesn’t mean you keep watering the plant every so often but let the soil dry and then provide water. Overwatering and insufficient water, in both conditions, the plant can die. This gives rise to another important query and that is how long an African violet goes without water?
How long does an African violet plant survive without water?
If taken good care of and provided sufficient water from time to time, an African violet plant can last for as many as 50 years or more. But, in case the water is not provided, the roots will start to dry up and will die within a couple of days. After the roots are ruined, the plant will collapse in no time.
This depicts how important it is to provide water to the plant at the right time.
When should an African violet be watered?
You already know how much water African violets need, and according to that, there is no specific time or duration that can be given to water African violets. Nevertheless, the key is to assess the soil’s condition. In case it’s dry, it is when you should water. If it feels wet, let the plant sit and check the condition after a day or two. Remember not to leave the soil dry for too long, so it is suggested to keep checking every other day.
It’s important to remember that you must let the soil get completely dry between watering.
How to water African violets?
Considering how important it is to keep a balance, it is vital that you know how to water African violet the right way. While you have to keep the soil moist, it must not be too soaked.
People suggest that you should water the African violets from the bottom; however, any method is fine as long as you are providing the water in the right quantity. Plus, be watchful not to water on leaves when watering from the top.
Furthermore, it is crucial that you top-water at least once a month if you are used to bottom watering. It will help flush out any excess fertilizer salt and will also refresh the soil and roots from above.
A more important consideration here is that the water should not be too cold or too warm. Lukewarm water is preferred when watering the African violets.
Conclusion
African violets need to be watered only when the soil is dry, and you can easily check it out with inspection or with your fingers. When your finger sticks to the soil and feels damp when you touch it, it needs no water.
African violets should never be overwatered. If the roots or crown of the plant are over-watered, the plant will collapse. So, take good care of them, and they will provide you with a fresh and elegant environment