Mini African Violet Care: What to Know
Learn the secrets to getting mini African violets to flower and grow. This video discusses what you need to know to make sure that your miniature African violet does well. These include watering, lighting, fertilizing and humidity requirements.
#healthyhouseplants #MiniAfricanVioletCare #IndoorGardening #AfricanViolets #PlantCare #GardeningTips #HouseplantTips #IndoorPlants
[Music]
Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening indoors! In today’s video, sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link (found in the description below), we’ll cover mini African violet care. You’ll also find links to any videos I mention in this video.
Mini African violets need special care to re-bloom. Often, when you bring one home, it looks stunning, but after the flowers fade, it may not re-bloom or, worse, the plant might suffer due to insufficient watering. So, let’s dive into some tips to keep these beautiful mini plants healthy and blooming.
Think of mini African violets as tiny babies—they look delicate and act like it too! They tend to use water faster than regular African violets because they’re in smaller pots and simply grow more quickly. This means they need frequent watering, sometimes daily, especially if you live in a dry climate. African violets don’t like to dry out, and if they do, they may stop blooming as they conserve energy to survive instead of producing flowers. So, if your mini African violet hasn’t been re-blooming, it might be drying out too often.
When watering, aim to water when the soil is just beginning to dry. A moisture meter can help here; just stick the tip in the soil and check that it’s closer to “moist” but not dry. They will dry out quickly in their tiny pots, and no, moving them to a bigger pot isn’t a good idea! African violets thrive best when the plant is two-thirds the size of the pot. Too much soil can lead to root rot, so it’s better to water more frequently than to upsize the pot.
Nutrient intake is also important. African violets, including minis, require nutrients to bloom well. You’ll want to use a liquid African violet fertilizer. Liquid is best for these small pots because it disperses evenly, especially when diluted. Use a half-strength fertilizer every two weeks, or a quarter strength every time you water for about a month, alternating with regular water the next month. You can increase this frequency when they are budding or blooming.
Lighting is another crucial factor. Place your mini African violet in a northern-facing window without obstructions, or under full-spectrum lights, which simulate daylight. For artificial lighting, aim for 12-14 hours daily to encourage blooming. Avoid placing them in bright southern or western windows, as this can cause overheating or leaf burn.
In dry climates, increase humidity by placing your mini African violets on a humidity tray filled with water and marbles. As the water evaporates, it provides a gentle boost of humidity around the plants.
Lastly, mini African violets need frequent repotting, ideally every three months. This ensures fresh nutrients and adequate root space. Choose a soil mix that holds nutrients but drains well, such as one with pumice or perlite, to prevent root rot.
One more watering tip—mini African violets can thrive on a wick watering system, which I’ll cover in another video. This system ensures they get consistent moisture without drying out.
Thank you for watching today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video, and click the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released!
Mini African Violet Care FAQ
How often should I water mini African violets?
Mini African violets need frequent watering, sometimes even daily, especially in dry climates. It’s best to water them when the soil is just starting to dry out. A moisture meter can be helpful to avoid letting them get too dry, as this can prevent them from re-blooming.
Can I repot mini African violets into a larger pot?
No, mini African violets thrive best when the plant size is two-thirds of the pot size. Using a larger pot can cause root rot due to excess soil retaining too much water.
What kind of fertilizer is best for mini African violets?
Use a liquid African violet fertilizer at half strength every two weeks, or at a quarter strength every time you water for a month, alternating with regular water the next month. This routine will provide nutrients necessary for blooming without overwhelming the plant.
What lighting conditions are best for mini African violets?
Place mini African violets in a north-facing window or under full-spectrum lighting for 12-14 hours daily. Avoid bright southern or western windows, as these may cause leaf burn or dry the plant out too quickly.
How can I increase humidity for mini African violets?
Use a humidity tray with water and marbles to increase the humidity around the plant. As the water evaporates, it provides a consistent level of moisture that helps the violets thrive in drier climates.
How often should I repot mini African violets?
Mini African violets should be repotted every three months to ensure they have access to fresh nutrients. Choose a soil mix that drains well and includes pumice or perlite to prevent root rot.
What is a wick watering system for mini African violets?
A wick watering system uses a piece of thread or yarn in a water reservoir to provide consistent moisture to the plant’s roots. This can help prevent the plant from drying out between waterings.
Sign up for my monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/g1PCSH
Patreon: 
/ healthyhouseplants
One-time donation: https://ko-fi.com/healthyhouseplants
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may earn commissions for purchases made through the links below.
Pruning shears for small cuts: https://amzn.to/3hISuI4
Pruning shears for big cuts: https://amzn.to/3Tna6wl