African Violet, also known to be Saintpaulia belonging to the family of Gesneriaceae, is famous for its fuzzy cluster of blooms in the colors of purple and pink.
Their origin is eastern tropical Africa’s cloudy forests, where Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire discovered the African Violet. Baron introduced this plant in Germany in 1894.
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What Potting Mix to Use for African Violets?
African Violets are sensitive to change in the soil content and ingredients. Use ingredients like perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss coco coir, and coco peat. 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.
3 Best Potting Mixes for African Violets
A potting mix using peat moss with vermiculite and perlite works great for African Violets. The ratio should be 50:25:25.
The mix contains two cups of peat moss with one cup of vermiculite and one cup of perlite.
There is also an option of making a soil mixture of only two ingredients by using peat moss and vermiculite or perlite.
This potting mix is a 50:50 ratio—one cup of peat moss to one perlite or vermiculite cup.
The third soil mix consists of a commercially available African Violet mixture, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite for extra drainage. One cup of the African Violet potting mix with one cup of peat moss and one cup of perlite/vermiculite.
African Violet Potting mix
Mixtures like Dr. Earth Organic African Violet Potting Soil and Miracle-Go Potting Mix for African Violets are very much recommended for the healthy growth of African Violets.
Dr. Earth Organic African Violet Potting Soil
This potting mix is 100% organic and contains additional soil microbes that are good for the health of the soil.
It is sustainably made and can be used indoors as well as outdoors.
Miracle-Go Potting Mix for African Violets
This potting soil for African Violets contains fertilizer that feeds the plants for up to 6 months.
It is slightly acidic and has a pH of 6.0-6.8.
It contains Peat Moss and Perlite as well as a wetting aid and the said fertilizer for African Violets.
Making Your Potting mix
Sometimes African Violet growers prefer to make their soil potting mix themselves.
It’s better first to pasteurize (heat treat) all the ingredients to prevent any disease infestation.
Fill a pan with soil mix and cover the top with aluminum foil.
Place a meat thermometer in the pan and bake it in the oven at 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius).
The mixture should be baked for an hour, and the temperature must be constant. The beneficial bacteria present in the soil mix must be kept alive.
After an hour, remove the aluminum foil and let the mixture be aerated for four days. If you want to increase the aeration, try stirring several times a day.
Main Components of Potting mix
Whenever you need to choose any potting mix for African Violets, make sure to know its main components. The main ingredients are the magic that protects and aids your plant to grow.
Here are the main components that every grower needs to be aware of before choosing any potting mixture or tries to “DIY” a potting mix for African Violets.
Peat
Peat is one of the essential components of the potting mix. This ingredient is taken from the wetlands, where there are water and dead vegetation. Most of them include tree trunks, leaves, moss, grass, roots, and stems.
Peat moss is primarily replaced with coco coir due to its eco-friendly properties. Peat moss has excellent water retention properties.
It is also acidic and helps to maintain the pH of the soil as well.
Peat moss has a pH of 3.5-4.5.
Compost
Compost is a mixture of decomposed organic matter that helps to retain water in the soil. It also aids in aerating the soil.
Sometimes compost is also added into the potting soil. Although compost is weak compared to peat moss and coco noir, it is still added in small quantities.
Compost does contain nutrients that help in the flourishing of the foliage and stems. This ability makes it perfect to be used in the potting mix.
Compost has a pH between 6-8.
Perlite
Perlite is made from volcanic origins and is also a mineral. It has the finest porosity and can hold a considerable amount of water in the soil.
Perlite is in the form of white specks that are added to the potting mixture. It is added with peat moss to improve the drainage of extra water in the soil.
It prevents the soil from becoming water-logged and spreading infestations. Perlite helps to improve aeration in the soil and creates holes for oxygen to enter.
Perlite has no nutritionist ability and has neutral pH between 7.0 -7.5.
Vermiculite
Vermiculite is another option that is taken in comparison to perlite.
Vermiculite is another mineral mica rock that is heated to about 2,000 Degrees Fahrenheit (1,093 degrees Celsius).
Vermiculite is in the form of spongy fragments that helps to absorb water and nutrients ten times better.
It retains moisture in the soil and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium–elements.
These elements help the plant to grow and thrive.
Vermiculite has a neutral pH between 7.0 -7.5.
Sand
Sand is also sometimes used in potting mixtures for African Violets. It can improve drainage in the mix, which is very beneficial for the growth of plants.
Sand is heavy, which is why it is barely used in commercial potting mix. While creating a mixture at home, sand’s weight can pose no issue when it is added to the potting mix.
The addition of sand provides an increase in the aeration properties of the potting mix. The water retention ability of the potting mix is improved.
Sand has a pH of 7.
Coco Peat or Coir
Coco peat is coconut husks that can carry water in heavy amounts. Coco peat or coir also provides aeration and is better than the Peat moss, thanks to its high retention.
It is used as an active material for the potting mix.
Coco peat or coir is formed in compressed bricks that are soaked in warm water before being used.
The constant use of Coco peat or coir can lead to decreased aeration.
They are slightly less acidic compared to peat.
Coco peat or Coir have a pH of 5.
Characteristics of Good Potting mix for African Violet
- The mix should be highly porous.
- The mix should be well-drained.
- Must be well-aerated.
- Must be able to retain water for the plant’s growth.
- Allows oxygen to penetrate the soil easily.
- The potting mix must contain a balanced pH for the growth of African Violet.
- The soil must be loose and allows extra drainage to flow through it.
- Must be highly nutritious for the lush growth of foliage and the blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Potting Mix for African Violets
What type of soil can be used for the African Violet?
African Violets grow effectively in loose and well-drained soil. Whenever you are about to use any soil mixture for African Violets, you also have to consider factors like humidity, heat, and light. Use a mix of coco coir or peat, vermiculite, perlite, and sand as well as potting soil.
What kind of Potting Mix do African Violets need?
African Violets require a slightly acidic, porous, and loose potting mix. One of the recommended would be the Miracle-Gro African potting mix. This product contains a balanced potting mix that effectively retains water and moisture for the African Violets.
Can You plant African Violets in Regular Potting Mix?
A preferred potting mix for African Violets doesn’t contain any soil or dirt in the mixture. It also helps to keep the soil moist and drain extra water from the soil. Regular potting will work but make sure they are well-draining. The right potting mix will be light and well-drained with effective aerating abilities. Add perlite or vermiculite for added airiness.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.
Last update on 2024-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API