African violets are cherished houseplants, known for their vibrant blooms and ability to thrive indoors. Their widespread availability at retailers like Lowe’s makes them easily accessible to many gardeners looking to enhance their living spaces. These plants offer a rewarding experience for both new and experienced enthusiasts.
Purchasing African Violets at Lowe’s
When selecting an African violet from Lowe’s, you will typically find options ranging from standard sizes to miniatures and sometimes variegated varieties. Lowe’s often stocks African violets under their own brand or from growers like Optimara, offering multicolor options in various pot sizes. Focus on the plant’s overall health rather than a specific cultivar.
To choose a healthy African violet, look for plants with firm, vibrant green leaves that show no signs of wilting, yellowing, or browning. Inspect the foliage for visible pests like tiny insects or webbing, and avoid plants with spots, crispy edges, or unusual discoloration. Healthy plants often display new growth, such as fresh leaves emerging from the center or developing bloom stalks. The pot size should be appropriate, ideally with a single central crown, which encourages consistent blooming.
Initial Care for Your New African Violet
Bringing a new African violet home requires a few immediate steps to help it adjust to its new environment. Place the plant away from direct sunlight, which can scorch foliage, and harsh drafts that cause stress. Maintain a consistent room temperature, ideally between 60°F and 80°F, for proper acclimation.
Quarantine new African violets, especially if you have other houseplants. Keep the new plant separate for a few weeks to monitor for hidden pests or diseases, preventing spread. After isolation, introduce it to its permanent spot. When watering for the first time, use room-temperature water applied carefully to the soil, avoiding leaves and the plant’s crown to prevent rot.
Long-Term African Violet Care
Long-term African violet care begins with optimal light. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, performing well in east or north-facing windows with gentle morning or filtered light. Too much direct sun causes brown spots or scorched leaves, while insufficient light leads to leggy growth and poor blooms. Many growers supplement natural light with fluorescent or LED grow lights, ensuring 10-12 hours of strong light daily.
Proper watering prevents root rot, a primary reason African violets decline. Water from the bottom by placing the pot in a saucer of room-temperature water for 15-30 minutes, allowing absorption through drainage holes. This method keeps leaves and the crown dry, reducing fungal disease risk. Ensure the soil is lightly moist but not waterlogged, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings.
African violets prefer a light, well-draining potting mix, ideally one specifically formulated for them, or a homemade blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This mix allows for good aeration and prevents water from sitting around the roots. They prefer to be slightly root-bound, as a smaller pot encourages more frequent blooming. Repotting every year or two with fresh soil replenishes nutrients and prevents salt buildup.
Maintain a temperature between 65°F and 80°F, with humidity levels around 50-60% being beneficial. Fertilize regularly during active growth with a balanced African violet-specific fertilizer, ensuring the plant receives nutrients for continuous blooming.
Addressing Common African Violet Issues
African violets can exhibit signs of distress, often pointing to environmental factors or care deficiencies. Yellowing leaves, particularly on older, outer foliage, commonly indicate overwatering or underwatering, though nutrient deficiencies can also be a cause. Soggy soil suggests overwatering, while consistently dry soil points to underwatering.
A lack of blooms is frequently due to insufficient light, as African violets require adequate brightness to flower consistently. Incorrect fertilizer, such as one too high in nitrogen, or a need for repotting can also inhibit flowering. Brown spots on leaves are often caused by cold water splashing on foliage or direct, intense sunlight.
Common pests affecting African violets include mealybugs and spider mites, which cause wilting or distorted growth. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses, while spider mites are tiny and may create fine webbing. For minor infestations, wiping leaves with a damp cloth or using insecticidal soap can help manage these pests. Promptly addressing these issues maintains plant health and encourages vibrant growth.