Can I use orchid soil for African violets?

Even though African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) and phalaenopsis orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) both require well-drained potting mixes, their growing conditions are too dissimilar for them to do well in the same kind of planting medium.

Just so, can you use cactus soil for African violets?

The exceptions to this rule are few, including cacti and sedums. Seeds and transplants do very well in a light soil mixture, and African violet potting soil may be perfect for them.

Also, when should you repot an African violet? African violets should be repotted about twice a year, or every 5-6 months. One mature, this simply means repotting the plant with some fresh soil, into the same size pot.

Thereof, what is the best potting mix for African violets?

Below are three common African Violet Potting Mix recipes:

Two cups Peat Moss +one cup Vermiculite + one cup Perlite (50:25:25 ratio)
One cup Peat moss + one cup Vermiculite or Perlite (50: 50 ratio)
One cup AV potting mix + one cup peat moss + one cup vermiculite /perlite.

Can African violets be planted in regular potting soil?

You can use an actual African violet potting mix or an all-purpose potting soil. Here's how to create your own mix. Keep them planted in small pots and re-pot once a year to mix in fresh soil. The soil should be loose and well-drained, and high organic matter content is beneficial.

31 Related Question Answers Found

What is the difference between African violet potting soil and regular potting soil?

African violet mixes also are slightly more acid than regular house-plant potting soil. They do not contain natural soil from outdoors. Soilless mixes usually contain sphagnum peat moss and sand, or horticultural vermiculite or perlite and a small amount of African violet fertilizer.

How long do African violets live?

50 years

How often should you water African violets?

Examine the soil with your fingertip, if it feels dry, be ready to water the plant. They require more or less water depending on what type of potting soil you use. However, flush the soil thoroughly with water every month or 6 weeks. This will reduce the risk of any harmful salts to build-up in the land.

What window is best for African violets?

West- or south-facing windows offer the best light in winter, and windows that look north or east are preferred in summer. African violets thrive best with daytime temperatures between 70° and 80° F and nighttime temperatures near 65° F.

Can you split an African violet?

African violets often develop multiple crowns, which can be split apart and used to propagate new plants through a process called division. Division propagation creates mature African violet plants faster than other methods. However, they are susceptible to damage and must be handled with care to ensure success.

Is African Violet a succulent?

The same goes for a totally unrelated plant: the African violet. Violets do best with crowded roots and need good drainage, just like succulents. Don't take a violet (or succulent) in a 3-inch pot up to 10 inches in one repotting. I love these shallow clay pots, but many plant roots need more depth.

How do you propagate an African violet?

African Violets: Propagation by Leaf

Step 1: Remove and trim leaf. Remove a fresh leaf from the plant that you wish to propagate.
Step 2: Cut leaf petiole.
Step 3: Root the leaf cutting.
Step 4: Plantlets at 12 weeks.
Step 5: Separate plantlets from leaf cutting.
Step 6: Prepare pot for plantlet.
Step 7: Pot plantlet.
Step 8: You're done!

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.

Can I use Miracle Grow on African violets?

African violets not only produce beautiful blooms, but are easy to grow and can live for decades. Plant African violets in African violet pots filled with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix. Water and feed with Miracle-Gro® Blooming Houseplant Food.

How long does it take for African violet leaves to root?

It's a good idea to create a little greenhouse environment for your cutting by covering the pot with a plastic bag and securing it with a rubber band, being sure to give the cutting some occasional fresh air. Place the pot in a sunny location, keeping the soil just moist. Roots will usually form in 3 to 4 weeks.

Can you use African violet potting soil for succulents?

For the best potting soil for succulents, start with a basic cactus and succulent soil mix, or even an African violet mix, available at most garden centers. Peat moss, the main ingredient in most potting soils, is hard to wet and then dries out quickly.

How big do African violets get?

Large African violet plants when fully mature range from 16 inches (40cm) or larger in diameter across a single crown. The flowers on these plants can grow to 3 inches (7.5cm) across the petals and a single leaf blade can grow to 6 inches (15cm) in length.

How do you use African violet pots?

Remove the inner pot from the water and fill it to within 1 inch of the top with the potting soil mixture. Plant your African violet or other decorative plant in the soil mix. Pat down the soil mix to ensure good contact with the soil.

How do you fertilize African violets?

Fertilizing. A low-nitrogen, high-phosphorous, soluble plant food is terrific for African violets. I fertilize every time I water, using Jack's Classic 10-30-20 formula (click here to order from Amazon) . Window garden plants receive one 1/4 teaspoon to 1 gallon of warm water.

When should you repot orchids?

3 Signs It's Time To Repot Your Orchid

Your Orchid Has Outgrown Its Pot. Once you notice your orchid's roots seem too crowded in its current container, it's time to repot your orchid.
When The Potting Media Goes Bad.
Your Orchid Roots Are Tightly Tangled.

Where did African violets come from?

Tanzania

Why do African violets get leggy?

Depriving your plant from light will cause longer stems as they reach for light to grow. Leaves of African violets don't like to be wet. If leaves stay wet, they are more susceptible to mold, rot, and fungus growth. The flowers will try to get away from the mold or fungus and become leggy.