Watering
When to water an African violet is probably the most difficult thing to teach. Over or under watering are the most common mistakes people make and the number one way to kill an African violet. Everyone has their prefer way of watering, but you just have to learn what works best for you as you go. If you top water or fill a saucer from below, water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. The easiest way to water your plant(s) is by using a self-watering pot (0yama pot), mat watering or to wick-water. You may make your own wick-watering container(s) or buy them at an African Violet show. African violets like to be kept moist but not soaking wet!
Oyama Pot
Mat Watering
Mat watering means that you place your potted plants on a damp mat, and the plant absorbs the moisture and fertilizer from the mat. It also is effective in increasing the humidity level around the plants. The Mats: Mats MUST BE A SYNTHETIC MATERIAL. Matting material is available through our commercial members, as well as supply houses. You can also buy a cheap blanket, fleece or felt and cut it to the size you need. Mat watering works very well for small plants. The Soil Mix: Because mat watering is much like wick watering, the soil mix must also be very light with plenty of perlite to prevent root rot. Wicks: While the pots are able to absorb the fertilized water by just sitting on top of the matting material, some growers like to add an extra measure of reliability by adding a synthetic wick to each pot. The wick will help draw up water into the pot, especially if the pots are not flat-bottomed. Set up with a Reservoir: Some growers like to lay their matting over plastic egg-crating (often used in overhead light fixtures to diffuse fluorescent light) which is elevated above the water. The egg-crating is cut to sit on the rims of the tray. The matting is cut and laid on the crating with one or more “tails” dangling on the side into the tray of water below. These tails will wick water and keep the matting moist for a longer time. The matting must be fully moist for the wicking action to work properly. Problems: The biggest problem is that the mat may dry out very quickly. Another problem is if the shelf is not level, some of the plants may not get enough water. Be sure to check the plants on both ends of the container. If you have any type of insect problem like mealybugs, they will spread quickly with mat watering. Again, algae can be controlled by using Physan 20.
This article appeared originally in the African Violet Magazine, September/October, 1993 (Revised 2019).
This article appeared originally in the African Violet Magazine, September/October, 1993 (Revised 2019).