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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.
What is a good fertilizer for African violets?
About African Violet Fertilizer The recommended ratio for African violets is 14-12-14. There are commercial formulas available specifically for fertilizing African violets, but many of these use urea as the nitrogen source. In certain conditions, urea can burn the plant’s roots.
Can you use regular plant food for African violets?
You can purchase fertilizers formulated specifically for African violets. You should always use a balanced fertilizer that contains all of the major plant nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Nitrogen is important for the growth and development of leaves and stems.
What can I do to make my African violets bloom?
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.
Are crushed eggshells good for African violets?
AAn old-time remedy for soil that was too acidic was to apply water in which crushed eggshells had been soaked. Present-day gardeners add crushed eggshells to the compost pile. I would not use them in the care of house plants.
Is coffee grounds good for African violets?
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.
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 you use regular Miracle Grow on African violets?
African violets grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix is specially formulated to provide indoor plants like African violets with just the right growing environment.
What is the best potting mix for African violets?
A mix of peat moss with vermiculite and perlite in the ratio of 50:25:25 is optimal. Commercial potting mixes such as Miracle-Gro and Dr. Earth Organic Potting Soil for African Violets are viable options for African Violets.
What causes brown spots on African violet leaves?
Water leaf-spotting: While watering African Violet plants, if water spills on the leaves, it can result in brown spots. If water does fall on the leaves, remember to wipe the water off and don’t let it collect on the leaves. However, if water starts to collect on the leaves, it can form brown spots over time.
How long does it take for African violets to bloom?
Give them the same care I described earlier, and in six to nine months they will bloom as beautifully as the parent plant did. Of course, after propagating the leaves, you’ll end up with an entire forest of African violets.
How often should African violets be watered?
With a self-watering system, water usually needs to be added every 5-7 days. A water level indicator or marking will be present on the outer container. When using self-watering containers, remember to add a layer of perlite at the bottom of the inner container.
Can African violets get too much light?
African Violets need plenty of sunlight, but only indirect sunlight. If Violets get more than this, they will begin to show signs of scorching on the leaves and flowers. In the most severe cases, too much sunlight can actually be fatal to African Violets.
What plants benefit from crushed egg shells?
Plants like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants in particular will benefit from shell fertilizer, Savio said. The extra calcium will help prevent blossom-end rot. Broccoli, cauliflower, Swiss chard, spinach and amaranth are also calcium-packed and could use extra from eggshells.
Can you put eggshells in potted plants?
Using eggshells in potted plants is an organic way to add calcium to the soil. Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate that can provide your indoor plants with the calcium they need. Prepare the eggshells before adding them to the soil so that calcium is available for absorption by the plant’s roots.
Do egg shells help plants grow?
Fertilizer. Above: When tilled into the soil, ground eggshells provide your plants with calcium. Though nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are most vital for healthy growth, calcium is also essential for building healthy “bones”—the cell walls of a plant. More shells can be mixed into your soil in the spring.
Can you water African violets with coffee?
Watering with Coffee. Popular plants, such as jade, pothos, African violets, spider plants, flowering cactuses such as Christmas cactuses and other flowering plants such as roses, hydrangeas, tomatoes and blueberries all like fresh brewed coffee as opposed to left over coffee grounds.
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.
Why are the leaves on African violet turning yellow?
Water issues – One of the most common explanations when African violet leaves are yellow is incorrect watering practices. The leaves don’t tolerate water directly on them, and the foliage will respond by developing yellow or bleached, necrotic spots or ring spot.
Which plants like Epsom salts?
Epsom salts are known to be beneficial to some plants in some situations. Primarily, roses, tomatoes, and peppers are the key plants that can take advantage of the magnesium levels contained in Epsom salts.
Will Epsom salt burn plants?
Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and are touted as a common garden cure-all. Adding Epsom salts to soil that already has sufficient magnesium can actually harm your soil and plants, such as by inhibiting calcium uptake. Spraying Epsom salt solutions on plant leaves can cause leaf scorch.
What do you do when African Violet leaves turn yellow?
Warm the water and eliminate the salt if your African violet has limp leaves that eventually yellow and drop off. Use room temperature water to avoid cold damage to the leaves. Then check for a white crusty substance on the soil surface or plant container.
