2024 was named The Year of the African Violet by the National Garden Bureau and I am so here for it. The cheerful, compact, easy-care African Violet is a plant Ive always had a few of for the last 30+ years. They should come with a warning though. Theyre very addictive!
As well as my many mature African Violets, I have a converted Ikea cabinet with 20 or so variegated and girl leaf propagations growing right now, tucked up nice and warm and humid under grow lights. And no, I did NOT think ahead on what Ill do with them all once they get big, so I guess its African Violets on everyones gift list this year. I love how a simple single-leaf cutting can be popped in some Starter Mix and voila! Hello cute new plant. PS: These mini pots with humidity domes are superb for African Violet propagation and baby plants.
However, these adorable plants seem to be hit-or-miss with plant parents. Either you find them super-easy, or you kill them. There certainly are some African Violet rules that make them MUCH easier to care for once you know what to do (and not to do), and how to read their leaves. Here are the rules, African Violet tips and tricks, the care essentials covering watering, substrate, light, temperature, humidity and more, plus trouble-shooting tips throughout, including how to get your African Violet to flower. Lets jump in…
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The African violet ‘Frozen in Time’ is a beautiful and popular houseplant known for its stunning white and green variegated leaves and flowers. While African violets require some special care, ‘Frozen in Time’ is adaptable enough for both beginner and experienced growers to enjoy growing. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about caring for this eye-catching African violet variety.
Overview of ‘Frozen in Time’
‘Frozen in Time’ is a standard-sized African violet variety registered in 2003. Its leaves feature quilted, light green centers variegated with creamy white edges. The flowers are white with pale green edges. The contrast of the vibrant white blooms against the variegated foliage makes for an exceptionally pretty display.
This variety was hybridized by Lyon and Sorano and is known for being an abundant bloomer The flowers emerge from the center of the plant Like other African violets, ‘Frozen in Time’ is a relatively compact plant, reaching about 6-12 inches in diameter. It works beautifully as a houseplant in any well-lit indoor location.
Light Requirements
African violets need bright indirect light to thrive. ‘Frozen in Time’ does best in an east or west-facing window where it will receive plenty of gentle morning or afternoon sun. A sheer curtain can filter the light and prevent leaf scorching. You can also place it near a south-facing window out of direct sun.
If you don’t have adequate natural light, you can grow ‘Frozen in Time’ under artificial lights. Use broad spectrum or cool white fluorescent bulbs. Position the bulbs 12-18 inches above the plant. Provide 14-16 hours of light per day. Give the plant 8 hours of uninterrupted darkness at night to promote blooming. Rotate the plant weekly to prevent uneven growth toward the light source.
Watering and Humidity
‘Frozen in Time’ should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. Water thoroughly whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Allow excess moisture to drain freely from the pot. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause spots. Use room temperature water, as cold water may shock the plant.
These tropical plants prefer 40-50% humidity. Grouping plants together can increase humidity. You can also set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Misting the leaves occasionally raises humidity but may lead to leaf spotting if done excessively. A humidifier in dry winter months can help mimic the plant’s native humid conditions.
Temperature
African violets grow best with daytime temperatures of 70-80°F and nighttime temperatures around 60-65°F. Avoid drafty locations as these plants dislike cold air flow over their leaves. Move plants away from cold windows in winter. Temperatures below 50°F can damage the leaves. Heat above 80°F can cause stunted growth.
Fertilizer
Use a water-soluble fertilizer made for African violets every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer to support growth. Dilute to half strength. Fertilize monthly at one quarter strength in fall and winter. Excess fertilizer can damage the roots, so more is not better. Rinse the soil every few months to prevent buildup of salts that can burn the roots.
Repotting
Repot ‘Frozen in Time’ every 12-18 months in spring using an African violet potting mix. Provide a pot only 1-2 inches larger than the current container to keep the plants compact. Trim off any long roots and remove older leaves before repotting. Handle the plant gently by the crown, not the stems and leaves. Firm the soil gently and water well after repotting.
Propagation
You can propagate ‘Frozen in Time’ by taking 3-4 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves and insert the cut end into moist potting mix. Enclose the pot in a plastic bag to maintain humidity as roots form. New plants will be ready to pot up in about 6-8 weeks. You can also divide established plants during repotting for more African violets to add to your collection!
Troubleshooting Problems
African violets are relatively pest and disease resistant if given proper care. However, issues may arise if cultural conditions are incorrect. Here are some common problems and solutions:
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Leaf spotting – Caused by water on leaves. Water soil only and avoid splashing. Increase air circulation.
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Browning leaf tips – From dry air or buildup of salts. Increase humidity and flush soil regularly.
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Weak stems – Due to insufficient light. Provide brighter filtered light conditions.
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Failure to bloom – Can result from temperatures too high or too low. Keep temps in ideal range.
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Insects – Watch for aphids, mealybugs, thrips. Isolate and treat with insecticidal soap spray.
With the right care, ‘Frozen in Time’ will reward you with an abundance of cheery blooms and vivid variegated foliage. This eye-catching African violet variety combines ease of growth with stunning beauty, making it a must-have houseplant for new and seasoned growers alike. Follow these tips and enjoy growing this delightful violet for many years to come.
How to water an African Violet
As you can probably guess from their natural rainforest habitat, African Violets prefer not to fully dry out. You want to maintain a lightly, evenly moist substrate (but never soggy!). Once you find the right combo of watering and substrate it makes watering African Violets so much easier.
There are 3 common methods for watering African Violets. My preferred method is bottom-watering. Theres also top-watering and wick-watering. More about each method coming up. For all methods its best to use room temperature to lukewarm water. Too cold and you can shock their delicate roots and leaves, causing leaves to curl down and develop brown or yellow leaf spots, called ring spot or leaf spotting.
What materials can be used to make wicks for a self-watering pot?
For the wick, a thin stripe of fabric such as felt, or ribbon, rope, twine or shoelace can all do the job nicely. They do need replacing over time so check on them at least once a month to make sure theyre still doing their job. I like using braided cotton rope for my plants. Macrame cord works well too (available at craft stores). You can buy purpose-made capillary wick rope from Amazon also.
African Violets: Care Guide & New Plants!
FAQ
How do I bring my African violet back to life?
Brown spots, dead leaves, and withering blooms indicate your plant isn’t getting the moisture it needs. To fix this, you’ll need to prune away any dead leaves or flower stems and remove any diseased or dying tissue from the stem or crown of your African violet.
What does Epsom salt do for African violets?
If you want your African violet to bloom almost continuously – then Epsom salts are the answer. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Epsom salts in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Water your African violets (below the leaves) with this solution once a month. Your plants will thank you with beautiful blooms.
How do you save an old African violet?
Give it good light, remember to water it when needed, and regularly remove dead and dying leaves and blossoms. In another 6 months, repot it by removing a bit of soil from the bottom of the root ball and lowering the plant into the pot, adding fresh soil to cover the (small) neck.