Emerson Creek Pottery’s African Violet Pots are the perfect home for African violets. A favorite among flowering house plants, African violets are easy to care for and come in a variety of colors and sizes. African violets at our Retail Outlet Store in Bedford, Virginia
African violets (Saintpaulia) are herbaceous perennial flowering plants native to eastern tropical Africa. Several species and subspecies are endangered, and many others are threatened because their native habitats are being cleared for agriculture.
Despite their name, African violets are not a close relative of true violets. Saintpaulias are available in regular and miniature varieties, ranging from 2.4-6 inches tall and 6-11.9 inches wide. Wild species generally have violet, purple, pale blue, or white flowers, but modern hybrids come in a rainbow of colors, including red, yellow, and green.
African violets are native to tropical, mountainous areas of Africa and thrive under the cover of other flora, according to the Violet Barn. For this reason, they make excellent houseplants and thrive in indirect light, though they will flower in low light.
Saintpaulias are very sensitive to temperature changes, and their leaves are likely to rot if they are exposed to too much humidity. Cool water can also change the color of the plant’s leaves. The Farmer’s Almanac suggests bottom watering with room-temperature water because it keeps the leaves dry.
Because of their tropical origin, they will need to be moved away from drafty windows during the winter and put in a warmer, more humid environment until the weather warms up.
Emerson Creek Pottery’s African Violet Pots are made from durable, non-toxic stoneware. Each pot includes two pieces: an inner pot and an outer pot.
Inner pots are fired at a lower temperature to keep the clay porous. You may notice some cracks in the glaze of the inner pot. This “craze” is a result of the lower firing temperature. You may also notice slight discoloration between the inner and outer pots because of the different firing temperatures.
Plant your violet in the inner pot using a peat-based “soilless” mix with 30-50% course vermiculite or perlite, according to the Violet Barn, and fill the outer pot with room-temperature water. The porous inner pot nestles into the outer pot, allowing the plant to “drink” from the outer pot. Check on the water level in your outer pot every week or so to make sure your plant has plenty of water.
Keep your violets in small pots and repot once a year to mix in fresh soil. According to the editors of the Farmer’s Almanac, “Plants should be shifted to larger pots as they grow, but keeping African violets slightly root-bound can encourage them to bloom. The optimal time for repotting is after some leaves have wilted a bit.”
Our African Violet Pots are available in a variety of glazes and hand-painted designs, including fan-favorite Field of Iris, Virginia-inspired Dogwood, and patriotic American Blue. Choose the glaze or design that best suits your home decor and complements the color of your plant’s flowers. All of our pottery is made by hand in the heart of Central Virginia using sustainable, non-toxic materials.
If you already have one of our pots or are planning to purchase one, we’d love to see a photo of it in action! You can send photos of your plants in their Emerson Creek Pottery pots to [email protected] or tag us on Facebook (@EmersonCreekPotteryVA) or Instagram (@Emerson_Creek_Pottery).
African violets are one of the most popular houseplants grown by indoor gardeners. With their bright blooms and attractive foliage, it’s easy to see why they’ve captivated plant lovers for over a century. However, growing these delicate beauties requires providing the right conditions, including using an appropriate pot.
When choosing pots for African violets you need to consider factors like drainage, weight, material, and size. The pot shape and material impact airflow to the roots how quickly the soil dries out, and the overall appearance. Selecting the right pot will help keep your African violet healthy and encourage prolific flowering.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of different pot options so you can determine the best vessels for displaying your African violet collection.
Self-Watering Pots
Self-watering pots are specially designed with built-in reservoirs to provide a constant supply of moisture to plant roots. This makes them an excellent choice for African violets, which prefer consistently moist (but not soggy) soil.
Look for self-watering pots made from plastic, ceramic, or glazed clay. They often feature two-part designs with an outer reservoir and an inner planting pot. Water slowly absorbs through the porous clay or wicking system into the soil as needed.
The main benefits of self-watering pots include:
- Maintain ideal moisture levels for African violet roots
- Prevent dry out or overwatering
- Convenient for busy schedules and vacations
- Often decorative designs and colors
- Available in a range of sizes
When using self-watering pots, check moisture levels regularly and don’t overfill the water reservoir. Good drainage is still important to prevent soggy soil
Glazed Ceramic or Porcelain
Glazed ceramic and porcelain pots provide an upscale, decorative look perfect for displaying prized African violets. The glossy finish comes in myriad colors and patterns to complement any decor.
Ceramic and porcelain pots are:
- Stable and durable
- Help insulate roots from temperature fluctuations
- Retain moisture well
- Easy to clean
- Often lack drainage holes
If your ceramic pot lacks drainage, you’ll need to water carefully to prevent soggy soil. Consider lining the bottom with gravel and using a more porous soil mix. You can also place a plastic nursery pot inside the decorative outer pot.
Terracotta or Clay
Terracotta and clay pots are naturally porous, providing excellent airflow and drainage for African violet roots. The breathable walls help soil dry out quickly between waterings.
Benefits of terracotta or clay pots:
- Provide air circulation to roots
- Allow fast drying of soil
- Natural rustic appearance
- Come in various shapes and sizes
- Help absorb moisture from the air
The downside is that unglazed clay pots lose moisture rapidly. Grow African violets in clay pots in humid environments only and check soil moisture frequently. Avoid pairing clay pots with wick-watering systems.
Plastic
Basic plastic pots offer an affordable and lightweight option for growing African violets. They come in every size imaginable and are widely available.
Consider plastic pots because they are:
- Inexpensive and reusable
- Durable and crack-resistant
- Retain moisture well
- Often have drainage holes
- Easy to find and replace
- Transparent options allow monitoring root growth
While plastic pots work well for African violets, provide drainage holes if lacking. And monitor for potential salt buildup on the rims after fertilizing. Clean plastic pots regularly.
Optimal Pot Size for African Violets
In addition to material, proper sizing is crucial when selecting an African violet pot. These plants have relatively shallow root systems. A pot that is oversized can lead to issues with soggy soil, rot, and nutrient deficiencies.
Here are some general pot size guidelines for African violets:
- Miniature varieties: 2 to 3 inches
- Standard varieties: 3 to 5 inches
- Large varieties: 5 to 8 inches
- Trailing varieties: shallow wider pots or hanging baskets
Ideally, choose a pot with a diameter about 1/3 the width of the African violet’s leaf spread. This allows ample room for root growth without being overly large. The pot’s depth should be around 4 to 5 inches.
Provide Proper Drainage
All pots for African violets need bottom drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil. If your decorative container lacks holes, you have a few options:
- Line the bottom with pebbles or gravel and use a very porous soil mix.
- Place the African violet in a plastic nursery pot and situate inside the hole-less container.
- Be very controlled in watering and dump out excess water immediately.
Improper drainage is a leading cause of root rot and death for African violets. Monitor soil moisture frequently and repot into fresh mix annually.
Best Materials to Avoid for African Violet Pots
When selecting pots for African violets, there are a few materials to avoid:
- Metal or wire pots – Tend to transfer too much heat to the roots
- Opaque plastic or resin pots – Don’t allow monitoring of root growth and moisture levels
- Wood pots – Can harbor bacteria and mold
- Bone or eggshell pots – Too fragile and deteriorate over time
- Extremely heavy materials like concrete
Stick with the recommended potting materials that offer drainage, breathability, reasonable weight, and decorative appeal. With the right vessel, your African violets will flourish!
Displaying Your Vibrant African Violet Collection
One of the joys of growing African violets is displaying these gorgeous bloomers. Consider showing off your prized violets in these creative ways:
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Group collections of African violets interspersed with other plants on shelves or windowsills. Use pots in coordinating colors and styles for a cohesive look.
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Arrange African violets of different varieties on tiered plant stands or tables at varying heights for visual interest.
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Suspend trailing varieties in hanging baskets to showcase lush draping foliage and long flower stems. Hang near bright windows where they’ll thrive.
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Mix sizes like miniatures combined with larger varieties in decorative cache pots or planter groupings.
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Rotate potted African violets into the decor as they come into bloom for pops of vibrant color.
With the right pots and creative displays, your African violet collection will be a stunning addition to any indoor space. The beautiful blooms and attractive foliage make them perfect houseplants. Follow these tips to pick pots that keep your African violets healthy and happy!
African Violet Pot Containers
FAQ
Do African violets prefer deep or shallow pots?
They like breathable, shallow pots
African Violet roots don’t go very deep; they like to go sideways, so don’t use a deep pot. Your pot must have suitable drainage holes so you can water from underneath. You can also get African Violet specific pots that have a terra cotta sleeve you plant in, and a water reservoir.
Do African violets need bigger pots?
For best results, repot violets growing in pots smaller than 3” every 2-3 months; repot violets in 4” or larger pots every 6-12 months.
Why do African violets need special pots?
Clay pots may accumulate fertilizer salts. When the African violet’s leaves and stems come into contact with these salts, they can burn and eventually rot.
Do African violets like full sun or shade?
Too little light can cause of African violets not to bloom well. They prefer bright, indirect sun. Too little sunlight causes them to stretch for the light and produce few or no flowers; too much sun can burn the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, especially with a sheer curtain to block the sun’s harshest rays.