African Violets, like other houseplants, need a little tender loving care by giving them an occasional dose of fertilizer. You can buy African Violet liquid plant food, or you can also make your own easy DIY homemade African Violet fertilizer from common household items. This fertilizer is now one of my favorite homemade plant foods.
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Is Coffee Grounds Good for African Violets?
Yes, coffee grounds are a great homemade fertilizer for African Violets. Make a mixture of dried coffee grounds and dried egg shells, then work the coffee ground mixture into the top of the soil. Replenish every couple of months.
Luster Leaf 1612 Rapitest pH Soil Tester
Espoma AV4, Organic African Violet Potting Mix, 4-Quart
Is Vinegar Good for African Violets?
Vinegar is useful for increasing the acidity level of your soil. To determine the acidity of any soil, you will need an inexpensive soil testing kit. African Violets require soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5.
If the pH level of your soil is above 6.5, the acidity level of the soil is too low. You can add vinegar to the soil to lower the pH level of the soil and increase the acidity. The best way to add vinegar to the soil is to add 2 tsp. of white vinegar to 1 gallon of water. Water as usual.
Keep in mind that African Violets don’t like to be watered like other houseplants. They like to be watered from the bottom, not the top. Find out more tips about African Violet care.
Related Article: Gnat Spray for Indoor Plants
You will need to re-test your soil every week until the pH level is between 6.0 and 6.5. When the soil reaches the correct pH level, discontinue adding vinegar to the soil.
Is Hydrogen Peroxide Good for African Violets?
Some people swear that hydrogen peroxide encourages African Violets to bloom more often. Add a capful of hydrogen peroxide to 4 cups of room temperature water and then water as usual. If the plant has any kind of fungus, the peroxide will also kill it.
Related Article: Repotting African Violets: A Step-by-Step Guide
Homemade African Violet Soil
African Violets do require special soil. You can purchase potting soil that is just for African Violets. If you would like to try making your own potting soil for African Violets, then mix together 1/3 regular potting soil, 1/3 peat moss and 1/3 perlite or vermiculite.
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