African reddish blue are a type of bloom houseplant that has been democratic since the Victorian era . They are from the class Gesneriaceae , and there are more than 20 metal money aboriginal to Africa . They are modest works , ordinarily reaching no more than 10 in in height , with loggerheaded , fuzzy leaves and touchy , five - petaled flower in shades of pinkish , royal , and white . They require bright , indirect sunshine , dampish soil , and proper fertilizer to flourish . African violets are typically propagated through foliage cuttings and are relatively easy to care for , making them a popular option for novice nurseryman . In this article , we ’ll research how to prune African Violets to keep them felicitous and healthy .
Why Prune African Violets?
While these works are hearty and low maintenance , they do want the right amount of pruning . These peak are prostrate to riff crowding , particularly near the top or poll . This is where newfangled growth chance so check that to keep an oculus on it . It will create too many folio and stop produce or flower . It needs a certain amount of leaf to live but with too many , it will suffer . We will show you how to identify how to prune when to prune , and what to view out for .
When to Prune African Violets
It may seem like a heap to remember but keeping your little reddish blue levelheaded is passably simple . you could prune your plant throughout the year but keep in mind that it blooms from spring to autumn . If you may try out to let the violet lie during the wintertime when you may .
If an African reddish blue is wait overgrown or unkempt , prune it . mostly , the leave of an African violet should be plump and fleeceable , and the stems should be inflexible and upright . If the leaves areyellowingorcurling , or the stems are becoming weak and floppy , it may be clip to clip the plant . Do n’t hesitate in removing any numb or swag leaves , as these can take energy off from the works .
African violet grow from their crown ( top ) outwards . From this area , you will eventually have ‘ suckers ’ rise , and these also have to be removed . They look like baby interlingual rendition of the female parent plant when they get great and are your flora ’s campaign to reproduce . We do n’t recommend get these grow as African Violets are very easy to circulate and these offshoots slip a large act of resources from your flora .
When looking to see what to prune look at your plant for directly above flat down . seem at the rings of leaf around the pate . Only the inmost 3 - 5 rows produce flower bud . Even if the bottom leaves are healthy , they still ask to be trimmed to protect the overall plant . You should feel comfortable pruning a few leave-taking off your plant every calendar month . African Violets are very well-situated to propagate if you do n’t want to waste the leaves !
How to Prune African Violets
African violet grow from their pate which is the in the very center at the top of the stem . Be gentle with this area and the 3 - 5 innermost rows . For equipment , you wo n’t need anything fancy , you may utilize your fingernails and shoot leaves off at their base . If it ’s a harder - to - reach area , you could use an exact tongue or a clean couple of scissors .
Start by removing anything leaves that are wilting or die . This admit leaves that wilting or start to be discolored . Start with the lowest set of goodish leaves and snap them off . Always cut or flick leaves off as close to the main stalk to help with healing and esthetic .
For any suckers around the crown , move out them as gently as you’re able to . The crownwork is very delicate , take your fourth dimension to free what you want to take away . For suckers in particular we recommend a steady hand with an Exact - type O knife . If you damage the tiny leaves around the crownwork your flower will not be able-bodied to grow new foliage until it heals .
Once you are satisfied , add fertiliser . We advocate a potpourri with child in N , phosphorus , and potassium . This will help your flora cure and regain its specialty before the next circle of pruning .
When Not to Prune African Violets
you may prune your African Violet whenever it call for it and regularly as well . This violet grow very apace so do n’t worry too much as long as the treetop does n’t have branch and there are 3 - 5 rows of leaf radiate from the center . As this flower blooms from springtime to fall , you could can carry off on your maintenance during the winter . That being said , still take upkeep of all-day sucker and deadened / wilting leaves as you see them .
