African violets are popular houseplants known for their fuzzy leaves and vibrant violet flowers. These plants from West Africa were first introduced in Europe by Baron Walter von St. Paul in the late 18th century. Their scientific name is Saintpaulia ionantha, a member of the family Gesneriaceae.
Since then, African violets have become among the most beloved indoor plants. However, many gardeners wonder whether they grow best indoors or outdoors.
Colours, Types, and Sizes of African Violet
African Violet colours span a wide range, including blue, purple, red-violet, orchid, lavender, red-pink, white, and bi-color or multi-colored varieties. There are various flower types as well, including single, double, semi-double, star-shaped, fringed, and ruffled.
Leaves also come in different forms, like plain, ruffled, fringed, scalloped, spooned, pointed, and variegated. The African Violet Society of America has divided the flowers into four different classes depending on the plant’s size, and they are as follows:
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Miniature: This type is less than 6 inches in diameter.
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Semi-Miniature: This type measures between 6 to 8 inches.
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Standard: This type measures between 8 to 16 inches.
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Large: This type usually measures over 16 inches.
African Violet Care
They often grow in bright, warm, and humid conditions. They should be placed in moist conditions in order to prevent them from drying out. They need good air circulation, and it is safe to periodically check the soil for excess moisture. The following are key elements to keep in mind when caring for an African Violet.
Light
They need bright light but not direct sunlight. When grown indoors, place them under fluorescent lights 12 to 15 inches above the leaves. Light green leaves indicate too much light, while thin, dark green leaves indicate too little light.
Soil
It is important to pot them in a well-draining potting mix; otherwise, wet soil may cause root rot. Avoid exposing them to standing water for extended periods.
Water
To determine how often to water, it is better to use a water meter. The soil should be kept consistently moist using warm water, while maintaining high humidity.
Water should not come into contact with the plant’s leaves to avoid damage. It is important to water from below or insert the spout directly into the soil while watering.
Temperature and Humidity
African violets prefer warm, humid conditions, ideally around 70°F. It is important to ensure that the temperature does not fall below 60°F.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization helps plants bloom year-round. It is best to use a complete fertilizer at a low concentration. Overfertilization can pose risks, including excessive vegetation growth, reduced flowering, and soil salt buildup.
It is important to use fertilizers that are formulated specifically for African violets. A general balanced fertilizer at 1/2 or 1/4 strength can also be used.
Can African Violets Grow Outside?
Drawing from the African violet’s caring requirements, it is evident that they require bright but indirect sunlight. This makes them ideal plants for indoor growing, and some gardeners even prefer fluorescent lights.
It is often difficult for them to survive outdoors. They require carefully monitored conditions to thrive well. Since they are native to the rainforests of Tanzania, it is rather difficult to adapt them to a normal backyard, which can be too unpredictable.
When it comes to whether African violets should be grown indoors or outdoors, opinions often differ among growers. Some believe certain regions offer more favorable conditions, while others find that their plants thrive when placed outdoors part-time. There is also a section that strongly insists African Violets should never be kept outside.
Why Is It Difficult to Grow African Violets Outside?
Because African Violets are native to tropical regions, it is best to grow them indoors. In their native habitat, they thrive in moderate temperatures, with protection from direct sunlight and a humid atmosphere.
Most outdoor environments are either too hot or too cold, too sunny or too wet, making them unsuitable for growing African violets. Outdoors, humidity can also fluctuate, putting their growth at risk.
In addition to all this, African violets are easily susceptible to pests and insect damage, which is a greater risk outdoors.
Pests and Diseases
African violets are prone to various pests and diseases. Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and cyclamen mites. These pests should be treated immediately with neem oil or an insecticide.
Common diseases they are usually prone to include botrytis blight, crown rot, and root rot. Avoid overwatering the plants and ensure they receive the right amount of light, fertilization, and good air circulation to help keep diseases at bay.
Additional Care for African Violets
Now that the benefits of growing African violets indoors are established, it is also important to consider a few additional tips on caring for them.
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Avoid overfertilization.
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Make sure to install a waterproof barrier between the leaves and the pot.
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Make sure to soak the empty pot overnight in a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water. Finish the process by thoroughly rinsing it.
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It is better to use a glazed ceramic pot or a plastic pot to grow them. This is recommended because clay pots can accumulate fertilizer salts, and when their leaves or stems come into contact with these salts, they may rot.
Conclusion
It is better to grow African violets indoors under conditions that suit them. All the conditions appropriate for their growth are best realised indoors rather than outdoors. Additionally, growing them outdoors can pose unnecessary challenges for plant lovers, often ending in disappointment.
