In this video, we revive an African violet that needs repotting and more care. See what an African violet that needs revival looks like. How to repot the African violet into good soil so that it begins flowering and thriving.
#HealthyHouseplants #AfricanViolets #IndoorGardening #PlantCare #Houseplants #GardenTips #Repotting #PlantRevival #GardeningCommunity #HouseplantCare
Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below. Today, we are going to talk about how to help houseplants survive winter.
Keep in mind that houseplants are, for the most part, from jungle floors, so they’re used to really warm weather. If you live in a climate that gets cold during wintertime, your houseplants will notice—even though you are mostly keeping the interior of your house warm. Your houseplants will still notice that. I’ve done a video on how the time of year affects houseplant growth, and I will include the link below.
Since houseplants are from the jungle floors, they are tropical in nature and don’t do well with colder temperatures, especially plants with very thin leaves. This is a coleus, which I grow from seed. This guy isn’t as happy as he was in the summer and even fall. Airhead vine is another tropical plant with thinner leaves that has more issues with cold weather than thicker-leaved plants. Keep that in mind as well, but remember that most houseplants come from warm climates and don’t enjoy wintertime. There are various things you can do to help them get through the winter intact, so they can have a great growth spurt in spring and thrive through summer and fall.
First of all, you want to keep your plants as warm as possible. Keep them in warmer areas of your house, and check the temperature in different parts of your house using a hygrometer. I really like hygrometers because they also check humidity, which is important during winter, especially in a climate where it can be drying or if you’re heating the interior of your home, which also dries out the air. This little tool can be helpful around the house, allowing you to test different areas for warmth. Place your plants in the warmest area, but avoid putting them directly under vents where warm air can dry out their leaves and their stomata—their breathing pores—causing them to lose moisture. This can lead to root rot if the soil remains wet, as the plants will drink more slowly in winter. Instead, keep them several feet away from vents.
Aim to keep temperatures in the mid-60s to 70s for tropicals. Try not to let temperatures drop into the 50s, as plants may start to show signs of stress, such as faded color and droopiness. Always check the soil before watering, as overwatering is a quick way to kill a plant in winter. Plants are drinking less, so water sparingly and check the moisture level with a moisture meter. You want to water when the meter shows around 4, which is still wet but approaching dry. Overwatering in winter can lead to cold, wet soil—ideal conditions for root rot.
For winter, water with warm to tepid water. Cold water can cause root dieback, potentially setting up root rot. Cold water shocks plants and can also lead to leaf spotting diseases. During winter, water coming in through pipes is colder than usual, so let it warm up before watering.
Underwatering isn’t as common in winter, but don’t let plants dry out too much. They’re already stressed, so any additional stress can be harmful. Don’t fertilize in winter, as it can stress the plants and isn’t needed since they’re growing slowly. Also, avoid repotting unless absolutely necessary. Repotting can shock plants, especially in winter when they’re already in a more dormant state. Wait until spring for repotting, and I’ll remind you of that then.
Another tip is to avoid placing plants too close to cold windows. In their search for light, plants often push themselves towards windows, which can lead to frost burn on tender foliage. Provide them with full-spectrum lighting to supplement natural light and move plants to brighter spots, like southern-exposure windows if they are available and offer better light in winter.
Using a plant heating mat, also known as a seedling mat, can also help. This mat keeps the roots warm, which is especially important in winter when warmth helps plants stay healthy and happy. I’ll link some options for these mats below.
If you have any questions about keeping your plants healthy in the winter months or any other plant care topics, please feel free to ask below. I’ll be happy to answer your questions. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave comments on indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video, and please check the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.
Frequently Asked Questions about African Violet Revival
What is the best way to revive an African violet?
The best way to revive an African violet is to repot it regularly, ideally every six months. This helps to ensure that the plant continues to flower almost non-stop. If it hasn’t been repotted for a while, it may take a few months to get back into the swing of things.
How often should African violets be repotted?
African violets should ideally be repotted every six months. This frequent repotting is more often than many other plants but is crucial for their health and flowering ability.
How do you water African violets?
African violets prefer to be watered from the bottom up. Place the pot in a cache pot with water, allowing the plant to absorb moisture. After watering, ensure there’s no excess water left in the bottom of the pot.
What soil is best for African violets?
African violets thrive in a well-draining soil mix, like ProMix BX. This mix holds moisture and nutrients while allowing for proper drainage, which is essential for the plant’s health.
How do you know if an African violet is pot-bound?
An African violet may be pot-bound if it has a lot of roots and little soil. If the roots are tightly coiled and there’s minimal soil left, it’s time to repot. Ideally, the plant should occupy about two-thirds of the pot’s volume.
What should I do if my African violet has yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves on an African violet can indicate that it needs repotting or may be receiving too much direct sunlight. Pruning yellow leaves can help maintain the plant’s health and appearance.
What is the best fertilizer for African violets?
African violets are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Using a liquid fertilizer, like Green Gourmet Houseplant Food, once a month is recommended to keep them blooming healthfully.
How can I cover exposed stems on my African violet?
If your African violet has exposed stems, you can bury them partially when repotting. Aim for a pot that allows for two-thirds of the plant to be above soil level, and be careful not to cover too much of the stem to avoid rot.
What lighting conditions do African violets require?
African violets thrive in northern exposure windows. After they bloom, they can be placed in different locations, but returning them to a northern exposure for budding is important.
How do I know if my African violet is getting enough water?
If you notice yellowing leaves or wilting, your African violet may not be receiving enough water. It’s important to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy.
What pests should I watch for on African violets?
Mealybugs can be a problem for African violets, appearing as small white cottony bugs. If left unchecked, they can drain the life out of the plant, so it’s important to monitor for their presence.
Patreon: 
/ healthyhouseplants
One-time donation: https://ko-fi.com/healthyhouseplants
Sign up for my monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/g1PCSH
Green Gourmet Houseplant Food: http://healthyhouseplants.storenvy.co…
Share to Social Media.