African violets are beloved for their vibrant blooms and ability to thrive indoors. However, these plants can be quite sensitive when it comes to watering. Overwatering or underwatering can quickly lead to problems, making it essential to find the right method. Self-watering systems offer a convenient solution, allowing African violets to regulate their own water intake and maintain consistent moisture levels. This article explores various self-watering methods, their benefits, and tips for successful implementation.
Understanding Self-Watering Systems
Self-watering systems are designed to provide a constant supply of moisture to the plant's root ball without oversaturating the soil. These systems typically involve a reservoir of water and a mechanism for the water to reach the soil, such as a wick or a porous material.
Dusk272 wrote:Well they are made from clay and one is glazed and the other not so the water goes through the material.
There are plastic self-watering pots that work much better. The ones I use are from a company called Mkono. The water is wicked up to the soil from below. I usually have to fill em about once a week or so. Easy to rinse out too.
Types of Self-Watering Systems for African Violets
There are several types of self-watering systems that can be used for African violets, each with its own advantages.
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1. Self-Watering Pots
Self-watering pots come in two pieces. This is one of the most popular methods of African violet watering because it lets your picky plant do the work for itself. The upper pot is unglazed ceramic. The lower pot is where you would add water. This self-watering system contains two parts. There are no drainage holes in these pots.
Since it is not glazed, the upper pot is porous (similar to terracotta pots) so that it absorbs water from the lower pot in order to water the plant. You would keep enough water in the lower pot so that the bottom of the inner pot is always in contact with the water.
2. Wick Watering
How I Wick Water My African Violets
This African violet watering method provides constant moisture to the root ball without oversaturating the soil. Weave a special watering wick through the drainage hole before adding the soil and plant.
Wick watering is a convenient way to water violets, especially if you have a large collection. The potting mix must be very porous so that there is plenty of air around the roots even when the mix is wet. Use a potting mix that is at least fifty percent coarse perlite.
The wick should be 6 to 8 inches long (for a 4” pot) and must be a synthetic material such as acrylic, rayon, strips of old pantyhose, nylon yarn or cording. Insert a wet wick when repotting by stringing it through the drainage hole in the pot and up to the top rim, then adding potting mix and the violet.
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The wick should dangle out of the bottom of the pot and into a reservoir of water below. The reservoir may be as simple as a plastic food container, or recycled glass jars.
3. Mat Watering
Mat watering is similar to wick watering. Plants are placed on a damp absorbent mat. You can place pots directly on the mat, but some people use wicks in those pots to be sure there is contact with the mat. Both the wick and the mat material must be synthetic.
Add water to the tray on a regular schedule, just enough to keep the mat moist. Use a porous soil mix like that used for wick watering.
Some growers lay their matting over plastic egg-crating, which is elevated above the water. The egg-crating is cut to sit on the rims of the tray. The matting is cut and laid on the crating with one or more “tails” dangling on the side into the tray of water below. These tails will wick water and keep the matting moist for a longer time.
4. Saucer Watering
This method involves placing your plant in a saucer of water so it can take up water through the drainage holes in its pot.
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- Periodic watering: Place your plant in a shallow saucer of water for 25-50 minutes. If you check on it and there is still water in the dish, your plant has taken up all the water it needs.
- Continuous watering: Place gravel or small rocks in a shallow saucer and fill with water. This allows both moisture and air to pass through.
Choosing the Right Potting Mix
The key to using a self-watering pot successfully is to use the right kind of potting mix. If you fail to use the right kind of potting mix, your plant can rot.
Do not use African Violet soil straight out of the bag for self-watering pots. In my case, I used the African Violet soil from Miracle-Gro. This already has a little perlite in it, but it’s not nearly enough. So I blended 1 part of this soil with 1 part perlite.
This is necessary because the wetter you keep your soil, the more coarse material (like perlite) is needed so that your roots don’t rot. A large amount of perlite will give your mix the needed porosity, and this allows you to keep the roots evenly moist at the same time.
Water Quality
In most locations, tap water will be fine, but the quality of tap water can vary. Chlorine levels may fluctuate, depending on the season. In some areas, tap water may have high amounts of chlorine, chloramines, or dissolved solids. All these things may adversely affect your African violets.
In general, it is a good idea to fill a jug with water and let it sit overnight to let any chlorine dissipate. You may also use bottled water, filtered water, or reverse osmosis water. Many growers use rainwater, with good results.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with self-watering systems, problems can arise. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:
- Plant decline: If the plant looks sick, remove it from the clay pot, wash the roots, and repot in fresh soil.
- Toxicity of water: Flush the inner pot with distilled water to check for nutrient overload.
- Algae growth: Line the reservoir with a sheet of plastic to prevent algae growth.
- Plant not soaking up water: Pour water through the top of the pot to initiate capillary action.
Step-by-Step Guide to Potting African Violets in Self-Watering Pots
- Choose a Self-Watering Pot: Select a pot with an inner and outer component, ensuring the inner pot is porous.
- Mix Up Your Potting Mix: Combine one part African Violet soil with one part perlite for proper drainage. Rinse perlite to remove fine particles and pre-moisten the soil.
- Pot Up Your Plant: Gently loosen the root ball of your African Violet and remove some of the old soil. Place the plant in the inner pot with the new potting mix.
- Maintain Water Level: Keep enough water in the lower pot so that the upper pot is always touching the water. Periodically check and refill as needed.
The Optimara Watermaid System
The Optimara Watermaid is an economical and time-proven, self-watering system using the same capillary mat system used at Optimara. Using this watering system, along with some plant food and a sunny window sill, I have flowers coming off like an assembly line. The leaves are firm and dark.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Self-Watering System | Capillary mat system |
| Benefits | Healthy, continually blooming plants |
| Additional Requirements | Plant food and a sunny window sill |
Conclusion
Self-watering systems can be a game-changer for African violet enthusiasts. By providing consistent moisture and reducing the risk of overwatering, these systems can help your plants thrive and bloom beautifully. Whether you choose a self-watering pot, wick system, or mat watering, understanding the principles and adapting them to your specific environment will ensure your African violets remain healthy and vibrant.
