Learn how to select the best pots for African violets and see this indoor plant flowering incessantly in your home.
Choosing the perfect pot for Saintpaulia is something we often overlook, but it’s one of the most important factors that determine the flowering and longevity of your African violets.
will depend on plant type and care requirements. Some gardeners also consider the aesthetic value of pots, so let us find out how to select the best pots for African violets easily!
Features To Consider While Choosing a Pot for African Violets
Drainage is Must
African violets are sensitive to overwatering, so it is crucial to choose a pot with good drainage. Select pots with sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Size and Depth Matters
African violets prefer smaller, shallower pots as they grow better when kept slightly root-bound. When you buy the plant from a garden center or start growing your own, you can start it in a pot 2-3 inches in diameter until it grows a bit.
A pot that is 4-5 inches in diameter and relatively shallow is ideal for a mature plant. Make sure that you avoid overly deep pots, which can lead to water retention, more volume of soil and poor root development.
Note: Avoid too large pots as they can lead to root rot, as excess soil retains moisture for too long. The plant will focus energy on root growth instead of blooming, and it will affect aesthetics.
Shape
It is best to select a pot with a wide top to accommodate the plant’s rosette growth pattern. A wider top will allow the leaves to spread naturally without becoming cramped or damaged. You can also grow them in shallow but wide windowboxes if you like!
When to Choose a Pot for African Violets
Choosing the right pot for an African violet is essential, especially during repotting when the plant outgrows its current container or shows signs of overcrowded roots.
African violets thrive best when slightly root-bound, but it’s time to repot if you notice the plant needs frequent watering, multiple pups, roots circling the pot, or protruding from drainage holes. When this happens, get a slightly large planter—usually one size up.
Apart from root-bound symptoms, re-potting is also necessary when your soil becomes compacted or depleted of nutrients, which is likely to happen in 12-24 months.
You may also require a new pot if the current one lacks proper drainage or if it is damaged. In such cases, always pick a container that is only one third of the diameter of the plant
Best Pot For African Violets
1. Terracotta Pots
Terracotta pots are porous and allow excellent airflow to the roots. This will help your African violet prevent root rot caused by overly wet soil.
The natural material of these pots also helps regulate moisture and ensures the soil dries out properly between waterings.
If you are growing this plant in humid or hot climates, these pots can help address the excess moisture and heat issue.
Terracotta Pots are also ideal for cold climates because their porous nature prevents waterlogging and allows excess moisture to evaporate. This reduces the risk of root rot in cold and damp environments.
Tip: You can also grow multiple African violets in a single pot because these thrive when slightly root-bound, so a shared planter works well.
A wider and shallow terracotta planter would be an ideal solution for this because it provides good drainage, which is crucial when watering multiple plants in a shared pot.
2. Plastic Pots
A few things come to mind when discussing these pots: they are lightweight, movable, and affordable. Plastic pots retain moisture better than terracotta, which is good if you are living in a dry climate.
These often come in various sizes and colors, which can help match the decor. Plastic pots are also less prone to breakage, so you won’t need frequent repotting.
These containers are better suited if you’re looking for something affordable or live in a warm climate, as they retain moisture longer and prevent the soil from drying out too quickly in dry conditions.
3. Glazed Ceramic Pots
These pots are a combination of aesthetic appeal and functionality. Ceramic pots have a non-porous surface that retains moisture while preventing soil from drying out too quickly.
Go for this container if you want a decorative option without compromising the hydration needs of the plant; however, if you have pets, be careful about the placement to save them from breakage.
4. Self-Watering Pots
These pots consist of a reservoir that provides consistent moisture to the plant through a wicking system. African violets thrive in evenly moist soil and love bottom watering. This is why self-watering pots are ideal for reducing the risk of overwatering or underwatering.
If you are a beginner and don’t want to kill your plant with the wrong watering schedule, the self-watering pot will be a good option for you.
5. Fiberglass Pots
This will be a lightweight and weather-resistant option for your African violet plant. Unlike terracotta or ceramic pots, fiberglass does not crack or chip easily, so you don’t have to worry about investing in pots repeatedly.
These pots are also non-porous, which means they retain moisture and ensure the soil stays evenly hydrated, which is a key requirement for African violets, again.
If you are into aesthetics, fiberglass pots often come in a variety of designs and colors, which will allow you to match them with your home decor, these are perfect if your interior is contemporary and minimalist.
6. Biodegradable Pots
Biodegradable pots are great options if you believe in sustainability and love investing in eco-friendly items. This way you can avoid plastic or other materials to home gardening.
These pots are made from coconut coir, peat, or recycled paper, which can decompose naturally when the need arises.
It is not only about the environment, but these also allow for direct planting into a larger pot or garden without disturbing the roots, as the pot itself will break down into the soil.
This feature makes them ideal for reducing transplant shock, which is particularly important for the sensitive roots of African violets. The porous nature of these biodegradable containers also allows for good airflow and drainage.
Conclusion
Selecting the right pot for African violets is crucial to ensure their good health and eye-catching, consistent blooms. While all the options discussed above have their own advantages, we think self-watering, plastic, and terracotta are the best kinds of container types for your violets. In contrast, ceramic ones stand out better and look more beautiful.
Self-watering pots are ideal for a busy gardener, as they provide consistent moisture and reduce the risk of overwatering or underwatering. Terracotta pots are perfect for gardeners living in humid and hot climates!
