You can develop gardens both inside and outside of your home. In reality, if you can organize it wisely, an interior garden looks wonderful. Finding the proper location, picking the correct plants, placing the planters in the right places, etc., may make your indoor garden incredibly lovely and rejuvenating.
There are further advantages of indoor gardens as well. In addition to generating a tiny indoor sanctuary of greenery, indoor plants may clean the air and offer you plenty of oxygen.
In light of this, the topic of this post will be African violet plants and the containers they can be grown in. It’s important to remember that, among other things, choosing the appropriate planters for your plants is critical to preserving their health.
That said, there are many different planters from which to pick. However, not all planters or pots are appropriate for all plant types. So, if you’re planning to cultivate Africa Violets, here is some information to help you pick the proper pots.
What are African Violets?
Before exploring the different pots that may suit African Violets, if you are unfamiliar with the plant, let’s focus on its basics.
African Violets are common plants most suitable for growing if your indoor space receives low sunlight. These perennial herbaceous blooming plant species are indigenous to Tanzania and the neighboring southeast Kenya. It blooms all year long.
However, you might need to have some prior knowledge of cultivating indoor plants to nurture these compact, low-growing flowering plants with purple blooms. But don’t despair; growing this flowering plant to the size of china plates is not difficult. You could succeed in your endeavor if you have a little patience and observe the good growing and caring requirements.
The following basic information on African violets may help you get to know these plants better. Therefore, for your reference, we have provided basic information about this perennial herbaceous plant in the table below.
| Common Name | African Violets; Saintpaulias |
| Type | Perennial herbaceous plantHouseplant |
| Genus | Streptocarpus |
| Native To | Tanzania and the neighboring southeast Kenya. |
| Hardiness Zones | 11-12 |
| Soil Needs | A mixture of potting soil and perliteSlightly acidic to neutral (6.2 - 6.5) |
| Sun Exposure | Low/ partial/ indirect |
| Placement | East- or north-facing window |
| Bloom Time | Different |
| Bloom Colors | Violet, purple, white, pink |
| Propagation | Leaf cuttings |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic for humans and pets |
| Pests/ Diseases | Spider mitesPowdery mildewCyclamen mitesRottingBlight |
Can African Violets be Planted in Pots?
The answer to the previous query is YES; African violets can be grown indoors in pots. These plants can grow to the size of a dinner plate and are compact. Therefore, growing African Violets in a pot can be simple if you choose the proper one.
However, remember to repot your plant in new potting soil at least twice a year. Additionally, this plant may be properly replanted whenever its roots become entangled due to its growing size.
How to Find The Best Pot For Your African Violet?
It is general knowledge that you need appropriate planters or containers for indoor plants. Therefore, choosing the best pot types for the African violet is the first step in developing the plant. Having said that, choosing the ideal pot for an African Violet plant may depend on your preferences. You only need to worry about a few things.
The top three considerations for selecting a planter or pot for your African violet plant are discussed here. We will discuss this part precisely because the best pots for this perennial herbaceous indoor flowering plant will be covered in the following section.
Material
The pot’s material should be taken into account first. African violet pots are typically made of one of three materials: clay, plastic, or ceramic. Every type has advantages and disadvantages. For information on the benefits and drawbacks of each material, see the table below.
Plastic Pots
Advantages
- Fuss-freeLow maintenanceLong lastingAvailable in different sizes and colors Inexpensive LightweightEasy to move Available in soccer bottoms that enable better water drainage Suitable for newly propagated African Violet plants
Disadvantages
- Prone to fadingMay chip under warmer temperatures May store heat causing premature wilting of plants If not made of non-toxic plastic, the pots may cause health issues Tend to be thin and brittle
Clay or Terracotta Pots
Advantages
- Eco-friendlyPorrus Facilitates better water-drainageAffordable
Disadvantages
- Better drainage may require frequent watering HeavyNot many color optionsProne to crack under lower temperatures Difficult to repot without breaking the pot
Ceramic Pots
Advantages
- Look stylishColor options are available Increase the overall aesthetic charm of your indoor garden Comes in different shapes and sizes
Disadvantages
- Tend to retain waterMay or may not come with the drainage holeOn the expensive side May feel heavy to move the pot frequently Watering requires extra caution so that the pot does not retain excess water
Size
Choosing the size of the pot should be the next consideration. Here, you must remember that African Violet plants come in three varieties- miniature, semi-mini, and standard. So, the pot size should be determined by the variety you have. Having said that, the recommended container size for a miniature plant is between 1′′ and 2′′. The pot size for a semi-mini variant would be 2′′ to 2.5′′. And finally, the ideal pot size for a standard or larger form of the plant would be between 3′′ and 4′′.
The sizes mentioned above are for initial planting. But if you want to repot, use a pot that is 1 inch bigger than your old one.
There are two additional strategies available that you can follow to pick the proper pot size for your African Violet. The first one involves the plant’s diameter. You should measure the African Violet’s diameter and get a pot that is one-third the size of the plant.
The next technique is based on the size of the plant’s roots. Select a pot size that will allow the plant’s roots to grow comfortably inside. You should select a pot comparable to the length and width of your plant’s roots.
Type
You can choose between a conventional pot and a self-watering pot in the kind. One benefit is that self-watering pots have a water reservoir at the bottom that equalizes water to the plant as needed. Physical watering of the plants is not necessary. There is a catch, though: mature African Violet plants are not the perfect ones for self-watering pots. These types of planters, however, may be a wise choice if you have young plants or miniature African violets.
Our Top Recommendation for African Violets!
The Mkono 3 Pack Self Watering Planter is the most suitable item for your African Violets if you cannot keep up a regular watering schedule. The planter is lightweight, sleek-looking, hard, and useful to use indoors or outdoors, thanks to its high-quality PP plastic.
*We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you
Different Pots Suitable for African Violets
You’ve now gained knowledge of African Violets and methods for selecting pots to cultivate them. It’s time to identify the best pots for these plants right now.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Self-Watering Planters | • Shape Cylindrical • 13.21 x 13.21 x 13.72 cm • 0.5 Pounds | Buy on Amazon |
 | Plastic Planters | • Shape Round • 12.7D x 12.7W x 12.7H Centimeters • Plastic | Buy on Amazon |
 | Ceramic Pots with Saucers | • Capacity. 2.27 Gallons • 9.25 x 9.13 x 7.36 inches • 6.41 pounds | Buy on Amazon |
 | Terracotta or Clay Pots | • Capacity. 6 Pounds • 7.7 x 7.7 x 9.9 inches • 6.6 pounds | Buy on Amazon |
 | Resin Planters | • 1.55 pounds • 15 x 15 x 12.25 inches • Inside Mount,Outside Mount | Buy on Amazon |
 | Pots for Trailing African Violets | • 1.3 pounds • 12 x 12 x 4.7 inches • Inside Mount,Outside Mount | Buy on Amazon |
 | Oyama Pots | • 2.07 pounds • 4.8 x 4.8 x 5 inches • Self-watering Function | Buy on Amazon |
1. Self-Watering Planters
You can undoubtedly choose self-watering containers if you have small African violet plants. You have access to a variety of selections both online and at your local garden center. In addition, self-watering pots are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials.
Therefore, this planter can be the best option if you want to grow your plants healthily but lack time to give them proper care. Some good options of self-watering planters for your African Violets are given below.
2. Plastic Planters
Here are some choices for you to consider
Plastic planters are a hassle-free and cost-effective option for African violet plants if you don’t like decorative pots. Planters made of plastic are lightweight and typically quite sturdy. Furthermore, moving them is simple. However, these planters are readily damaged in high heat. The African violets will prefer plastic pots with saucer bottoms since they are well-draining.
3. Ceramic Pots with Saucers
Below is a list of some ceramic pot possibilities
Self-watering pots may not be the best choice if you have a larger version of this plant. Instead, you might choose ceramic pots with saucers in these circumstances. The variety of shapes, colors, and sizes available in ceramic pots will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your indoor garden. The drainage holes also provide adequate water drainage.
4. Terracotta or Clay Pots
Here are a few top choices for terracotta or clay pots for your consideration
Terracotta or clay pots are a beautiful example of nature’s beauty and sustainability. Clay pots are the solution if you have a limited budget but still want attractive and long-lasting planters for your African violets. Their color is neutral enough to match any design, and they are extremely useful for different plants.
With clay pots, on the other hand, you would have to pay strict attention to the plants’ watering schedule. Since clay pots are porous, the moisture may be absorbed rapidly, drying out the plants.
5. Resin Planters
But why go for these planters when you already have the options of beautiful ceramic planters? Well, there are a few reasons. The first one is they are organic if made of natural resin. These planters are durable and lightweight.
And last but not least is that they look amazing and go suitable with any home decor. Another additional feature of resin glazed planters is that they require a low level of maintenance than clay or wood planters.
6. Pots for Trailing African Violets
Here are some good options for shallow planters to think about
Shallow planters or pots are better if you wish to cultivate the trailing form of African Violets. Keep in mind that the growth needs for the trailing varieties are the same as those for the common African violets. The result is cascade growth with more blooms, though.
Additionally, compared to standard African violet plants, trailing African violet plants need more sun. As a result, placing them in shallow, wide-mouthed planters would enable them to trail effectively and receive enough sunshine.
7. Oyama Pots
The following image would help you understand how Oyama planters work.
Do you know anything about Oyama pots? If not, then allow us to explain.
Oyama pots are a type of plastic pots that are self-watering. There are inner and outside portions to these pots. The two components are combined to ensure that African Violet plants receive the right amount of water. A week’s worth of water is stored in the outer pot. A soilless mix, primarily composed of perlite and potting soil, is used for potting your plant directly into the inner pot.
The potting mix is contained in a tube-like structure at the base of the inner portion. The tube meets the water in the pot when the inner piece is placed into the outer pot, slowly drawing it into the plant’s potting mix.
How to repot an African Violet?
With expanding size, you may need to repot your African Violet plants. Repotting would also help African violets grow more effectively. As a result, transplanting these plants at least twice a year is frequently advised.
In this situation, you must remember that your plant will endure transplantation shock no matter what effective approach you employ. However, taking precautions to shock the plant as little as possible is always advisable.
The ideal method for repotting an African violet is as follows to reduce root shock:
- Use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the plant’s base.
- Instead of removing the plant immediately, dig up the base and carefully extract the roots from the previous soil.
- Fresh soil should be layered at the base of the new pot or planter.
- Make sure the new pot has good drainage holes.
Note: Fill the new pot’s base with plenty of fresh soil to equal the height difference between the old and new pots.
- Place the plant in the new container.
- To secure the plant, add additional soil around it.
- Ensure the newly transplanted plant receives enough water.
Note: Watering from the top is advisable. For expanding size, you may need to repot them. Repotting would also help African violets grow more effectively. As a result, it is frequently advised to transplant these plants at least twice every year.
Where to Keep an African Violet Pot?
After planting your African violet plant, the next consideration is where to house it indoors. This plant does best on a windowsill that faces west or south. Keep in mind that African violet plants prefer dry, filtered light. Therefore, avoid keeping them in the dark areas to prevent improper blooming and thin, brittle leaves. However, if you don’t have a good location, you can use 40-watt fluorescent lights to grow plants. Just make sure the lights are hung 12- 5″ above the plant.
Key Takeaway
Here is our take on the best pots for African Violet plants. With their lush green foliage and vibrant purple blossoms, these plants are stunning and can certainly brighten the atmosphere within your home. They only require filtered light, a dry climate, an appropriate pot, and a location where they can flourish. That said, here are some of the key takeaways from the post.
- As long as it is robust and has the appropriate drainage holes, you can use any planter or pot for your African violet.
- The optimum location for the pot might be on a windowsill that faces west or south so that it receives filtered sunshine.
- Use a broad planter with a flat bottom if your African Violets are trailing.
- For these plants, self-watering containers are best if you are not accessible to water them frequently.