Contrary to popular belief, perlite is a natural substance. You will often see white specks in purchased potting soil - those specks are perlite. It is made from an exploded rock. If you look at a piece under a microscope you will see it is very porous. This porosity helps to hold some moisture in your soil while allowing excess to drain away. It has a neutral PH. These properties make it a great soil conditioner. It doesn’t affect PH but adds aeration and drainage. It is also very light which is nice when filling large pots. You can often find it in bags where you buy potting soil. Thanks for the question.
PG Nano Farm I use it in large amounts for plants that prefer drier conditions. I mix it at about 1:1 perlite:soil for succulents, African violets and that type of plant. Some plants prefer more moisture and won’t benefit from a lot of perlite in the soil. If you aren’t sure, I would start with a generic mix. If you find it is staying too wet then pop the plant out and pull out 1/4 of the soil and replace it with perlite (mixed in well). Try that and go from there. I hope this helps.
My Mother grew these and kept them in great condition. I always think of her whenever I see them (& she generally gets a phone call soon after! LOL). I love the idea about putting a coffee filter in the pot! When the plant is re-potted, the spent medium & the filter can be popped into the compost bin. I like your style 😎
I hope you and your mom had a nice visit. Funny how some things make us think of a certain person. I’ve been using coffee filters in the bottom of pots for years now. It’s a lot easier to compost it than dig out pot shards from the compost when I dump a pot with shards covering the drain hole.
Oh, that sweet propagation pot looks like a whole new plant. I'm glad you put some of those leaves to good use. And I love how you fearlessly split those two plants from each other and pruned away all the excess leaves; they will be so much healthier in the long run. Thanks for the shout-out, girl! You're the best! Blessings and prosperity to you in 2019!
Sometimes I just dive in head first. Those plants were pruned pretty severely but I know it’s for the best. Thanks for that encouragement though. It’s nice to hear you don’t think I was too drastic with them. You have some great videos about these plants so I thought you deserved a mention. Thanks for the propagation tips.
Great instructions on the African violets. A lot of viewers should enjoy watching this and learn a bunch too. Thank you for sharing. I hope you have a great day. Talk to you soon.
Hi!!! Thank you so much!!! 💚🤗 Love the video. Definitely will be going by your instructions. Mine still haven’t flowered the foliage is really healthy but no flowers. I did let the blooms shrivel to long before removing them and lighting could be stronger for mine. I’m so happy you showed how to pot them. Iv been wanting to mix my own soil but it gets so confusing on internet. Simple and just perfect! Thank you my friend I really appreciate it I can’t wait to show Ambrose he is going to love it. Iv been meaning to propagate one has really grown so great way I’ll try it too. I’ll let you know once I get blooms🤞🏼. Again thank you such a great video!!! Have a beautiful day! 🤗💚💚💚💚💚💚
Blooming seems to be an issue for a lot of people. Once I learned to cut off the older flowers I’ve been able to keep mine flowering for very long periods. I hope these tips help get yours jump started again. Let me know how it turns out.
Prairie Plantgirl I think I was just scared to take blooms off I was babying it to much lol. Your video is just great!!! I will definitely let you know how it goes. Thank you for all the great information.
I killed a few many years ago from babying them. Getting the watering/drainage right is a big help to. They are so pretty they just seem like they should need fussing over. When actually they are tough mountain plants. Just knowing where a plant grows naturally can put the care into perspective.
Prairie Plantgirl Very true my friend. There habitat is a very interesting place. We need to provide something similar for them so they can thrive. I’m so excited to get them going!
Hi PPG, not a plant I've grown before ( tend to stick to things outside). Another video really well explained and full of tips that I'm sure will bring success 👍
Thank you. I need to have a few things going inside over the winter. I do tend to ignore them a bit in the summer as I spend most of my awake time outside once the weather warms up.
i always hear people say, dont get the leaves wet, i accidently left two of mine outside one summer, in the rain, believe me it did not hurt them one bit, they thrived, when i use to grow them on a large scale i always showered mine in the sink with tepid water, and they did just great,
Thanking you. It means a lot that you found my video informative enough to want to subscribe. I am hoping to do an update on my leaf propagated plants this week.
Thanks for showing us how to care for these plants. After seeing this, I think I can encourage my plant to bloom again since I'd fried the blooms by too much direct sun. By removing more of the dried up flower stem, better chance it will want to send out some new flowers. You might like the video by Rick L Orchids called Potting African Violet Babies". Really interesting plant, the more you know! Thanks again, namaste
Where did you get that square pot you took them out of? I have never seen a violet pot like that! It looks perfect for violets with the base to hold extra water. I love my violets but preparing a reservoir for them to sit on has been a challenge! Mine seem to do better when kept constantly moist.
The metal pot was a gift. The black plastic one was purchased at Dutch Growers in Saskatoon. It really does depend on our environment and soil how to water them. I’m glad you’ve found what works best for you. Finding the perfect pot can be difficult. Neither of these are African Violet specific pots. Good luck with your search for just the right pot.
The coffee filter is just to keep the potting mix from falling through the drainage holes. I use regular potting soil for indoor plants and add perlite. About 3 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite. The extra perlite is for extra drainage. I believe you can buy African Violet potting soil, but I’ve never tried it. I think the heat and humidity levels in your home will dictate how much drainage you need. I hope that helps you.
You may need less drainage then. The best thing is to experiment and find what is best for your plants in your area. If they are getting water logged they may pucker or fade in colour, if they are under watered (which is the safest way to err with succulents) they will shrivel and often get darker. I let mine dry out between waterings, drench them, drain off excess water, and leave them to dry out again. The top layer is often dry in a few days and I let them get pretty much completely dry before watering. I water mine about every 2-4 weeks depending on heat and humidity for that time of year. This is what I find works well for my sucs. I am by no means an expert just a hobby gardener.
Is that even true though? I’ve always transplanted mine and never cut the blooms and they don’t die off right away as I’ve seen being said in videos. Also have you ever tried propagating by bloom stalk? I watched a video and the lady said they grow quicker
It just helps keep the soil from falling out the drain holes. As the plant fills the pot with roots and stabilized the soil the paper breaks down. It’s the same idea as using broken clay pots or screen over the holes.
Yes I’ve read they like to be root bound, but I’ve yet to find one that is. I’ve had many over the years. And they grow big and healthy and bloom, but never get root bound. Maybe it’s just me?
The coffee filter keeps soil from migrating through the drain hole while the roots are getting established. Coffee filters are inexpensive and I always have some around. They decompose so when it is time to repot I don’t have to be digging around looking for a clay shard or piece of mesh - items often used for this purpose.
I agree and mention that in the video. Though, apparently the plants didn’t hear me either...they are still happily blooming away in those pots a year later.
Yikes ! That pot is WAY TO BIG, it can root rot because there's not enough roots to take up all the water that big pot will hold , please before trying to teach others about Violets you must learn yourself first .
What is perlight? Would you use it for all house plants.
Contrary to popular belief, perlite is a natural substance. You will often see white specks in purchased potting soil - those specks are perlite. It is made from an exploded rock. If you look at a piece under a microscope you will see it is very porous. This porosity helps to hold some moisture in your soil while allowing excess to drain away. It has a neutral PH. These properties make it a great soil conditioner. It doesn’t affect PH but adds aeration and drainage. It is also very light which is nice when filling large pots. You can often find it in bags where you buy potting soil. Thanks for the question.
PG Nano Farm I use it in large amounts for plants that prefer drier conditions. I mix it at about 1:1 perlite:soil for succulents, African violets and that type of plant. Some plants prefer more moisture and won’t benefit from a lot of perlite in the soil. If you aren’t sure, I would start with a generic mix. If you find it is staying too wet then pop the plant out and pull out 1/4 of the soil and replace it with perlite (mixed in well). Try that and go from there. I hope this helps.
just buy african violet soil
What cain of sand is it? Please
My Mother grew these and kept them in great condition. I always think of her whenever I see them (& she generally gets a phone call soon after! LOL). I love the idea about putting a coffee filter in the pot! When the plant is re-potted, the spent medium & the filter can be popped into the compost bin. I like your style 😎
I hope you and your mom had a nice visit. Funny how some things make us think of a certain person. I’ve been using coffee filters in the bottom of pots for years now. It’s a lot easier to compost it than dig out pot shards from the compost when I dump a pot with shards covering the drain hole.
Oh, that sweet propagation pot looks like a whole new plant. I'm glad you put some of those leaves to good use. And I love how you fearlessly split those two plants from each other and pruned away all the excess leaves; they will be so much healthier in the long run.
Thanks for the shout-out, girl! You're the best!
Blessings and prosperity to you in 2019!
Sometimes I just dive in head first. Those plants were pruned pretty severely but I know it’s for the best. Thanks for that encouragement though. It’s nice to hear you don’t think I was too drastic with them. You have some great videos about these plants so I thought you deserved a mention. Thanks for the propagation tips.
Great instructions on the African violets. A lot of viewers should enjoy watching this and learn a bunch too. Thank you for sharing. I hope you have a great day. Talk to you soon.
Thank you for the positive feedback. I was worried this video went a bit too long. Take care.
Lovely
I liked how you did the little rolling tag line along the bottom when you were at the end of the video. Great Job
Thank you for the helpful information
Hi!!! Thank you so much!!! 💚🤗 Love the video. Definitely will be going by your instructions. Mine still haven’t flowered the foliage is really healthy but no flowers. I did let the blooms shrivel to long before removing them and lighting could be stronger for mine. I’m so happy you showed how to pot them. Iv been wanting to mix my own soil but it gets so confusing on internet. Simple and just perfect! Thank you my friend I really appreciate it I can’t wait to show Ambrose he is going to love it. Iv been meaning to propagate one has really grown so great way I’ll try it too. I’ll let you know once I get blooms🤞🏼. Again thank you such a great video!!! Have a beautiful day! 🤗💚💚💚💚💚💚
Blooming seems to be an issue for a lot of people. Once I learned to cut off the older flowers I’ve been able to keep mine flowering for very long periods. I hope these tips help get yours jump started again. Let me know how it turns out.
Oh I’m headed over to check out Deborah Christmas!💚
Prairie Plantgirl I think I was just scared to take blooms off I was babying it to much lol. Your video is just great!!! I will definitely let you know how it goes. Thank you for all the great information.
I killed a few many years ago from babying them. Getting the watering/drainage right is a big help to. They are so pretty they just seem like they should need fussing over. When actually they are tough mountain plants. Just knowing where a plant grows naturally can put the care into perspective.
Prairie Plantgirl Very true my friend. There habitat is a very interesting place. We need to provide something similar for them so they can thrive. I’m so excited to get them going!
Hi PPG, not a plant I've grown before ( tend to stick to things outside). Another video really well explained and full of tips that I'm sure will bring success 👍
Thank you. I need to have a few things going inside over the winter. I do tend to ignore them a bit in the summer as I spend most of my awake time outside once the weather warms up.
I believe that Perlite and african violet soil should be about 50/50. have a good day.
i always hear people say, dont get the leaves wet, i accidently left two of mine outside one summer, in the rain, believe me it did not hurt them one bit, they thrived, when i use to grow them on a large scale i always showered mine in the sink with tepid water, and they did just great,
I have at home som of this violets but yours is gorgeus
Thank you, that is so kind of you. These are many years old. I think they improve with age.
Great video! You have a new subscriber.🌺😊
Thanking you. It means a lot that you found my video informative enough to want to subscribe. I am hoping to do an update on my leaf propagated plants this week.
Thanks for showing us how to care for these plants. After seeing this, I think I can encourage my plant to bloom again since I'd fried the blooms by too much direct sun. By removing more of the dried up flower stem, better chance it will want to send out some new flowers. You might like the video by Rick L Orchids called Potting African Violet Babies". Really interesting plant, the more you know! Thanks again, namaste
I’m glad you found this helpful. I will have to check out that video.
What Caine of sand is it ? Please.
Where did you get that square pot you took them out of? I have never seen a violet pot like that! It looks perfect for violets with the base to hold extra water. I love my violets but preparing a reservoir for them to sit on has been a challenge! Mine seem to do better when kept constantly moist.
The metal pot was a gift. The black plastic one was purchased at Dutch Growers in Saskatoon. It really does depend on our environment and soil how to water them. I’m glad you’ve found what works best for you. Finding the perfect pot can be difficult. Neither of these are African Violet specific pots. Good luck with your search for just the right pot.
How come your stems of each leaf are red? Mine are greenish yellow but my plant and it’s leaves are heathy.
Probably a difference in variety
@@PrairiePlantgirl ok
Why do you pot them with coffee filters? And what kind of soil do you use?
The coffee filter is just to keep the potting mix from falling through the drainage holes. I use regular potting soil for indoor plants and add perlite. About 3 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite. The extra perlite is for extra drainage. I believe you can buy African Violet potting soil, but I’ve never tried it. I think the heat and humidity levels in your home will dictate how much drainage you need. I hope that helps you.
Prairie Plantgirl I live in Henderson NV unfortunately, so it’s very hot and dry right now.
You may need less drainage then. The best thing is to experiment and find what is best for your plants in your area. If they are getting water logged they may pucker or fade in colour, if they are under watered (which is the safest way to err with succulents) they will shrivel and often get darker. I let mine dry out between waterings, drench them, drain off excess water, and leave them to dry out again. The top layer is often dry in a few days and I let them get pretty much completely dry before watering. I water mine about every 2-4 weeks depending on heat and humidity for that time of year. This is what I find works well for my sucs. I am by no means an expert just a hobby gardener.
Prairie Plantgirl Do you water by water wicking? I appreciate any advice you can offer,
Thank you!🌺
I just pour water between the plants trying to avoid getting it into the crown of the plants. A large syringe can be helpful.
Is that even true though? I’ve always transplanted mine and never cut the blooms and they don’t die off right away as I’ve seen being said in videos. Also have you ever tried propagating by bloom stalk? I watched a video and the lady said they grow quicker
Your pots to big and leave out the coffee filter it won't let the water drain off well
Why do you put a paper at the bottom of the pot before putting soil into it ...?
It just helps keep the soil from falling out the drain holes. As the plant fills the pot with roots and stabilized the soil the paper breaks down. It’s the same idea as using broken clay pots or screen over the holes.
What is the name that you put in on top?
That is a decorative sand from the dollar store.
@@PrairiePlantgirl thank you. I thought it was vermiculite.
Yeah those roots weren’t that big. Great job as always.
Yes I’ve read they like to be root bound, but I’ve yet to find one that is. I’ve had many over the years. And they grow big and healthy and bloom, but never get root bound. Maybe it’s just me?
Prairie Plantgirl
Interesting. Never heard of a plant that liked to be root bound.
Far to big a pot , they need to be tight in a pot to bloom.
Why do you use a coffee filter
The coffee filter keeps soil from migrating through the drain hole while the roots are getting established. Coffee filters are inexpensive and I always have some around. They decompose so when it is time to repot I don’t have to be digging around looking for a clay shard or piece of mesh - items often used for this purpose.
That pot is too big. They prefer a tight fitting pot.
I agree and mention that in the video. Though, apparently the plants didn’t hear me either...they are still happily blooming away in those pots a year later.
Yikes ! That pot is WAY TO BIG, it can root rot because there's not enough roots to take up all the water that big pot will hold , please before trying to teach others about Violets you must learn yourself first .
They grow fine for me like that so maybe there’s more than one way to do things. Perhaps the soil you use holds more moisture than mine.
planters are too big...4 inch is the proper size..Your lights are too far up....supposed to be no more than 10 inches above the plant..
Thanks for your comment. I don’t profess to be an expert. Just showing what works for me.
@@PrairiePlantgirl Those are just normal growing practices the experts recommend....also wick watering is what they like the best
SuperWoodyboy What type of soil should I use for wick watering? I heard that it is different from potting soil