The right soil for an African violet

The right soil for an African violet

1. 01

   Best soil mix

   Use a light, porous, aerated mix. A commercial African violet mix is fine, or combine peat or coir with vermiculite and perlite. For a peat-free option, mix about two parts loam-based potting mix (such as John Innes No. 2) with one part coir.

   The mix should drain quickly while retaining enough moisture for the fine roots. Use a container with drainage holes and keep the crown out of saturated medium.

2. 02

   Match the mix to the pot and setting

   Pot the small indoor rosette in a shallow, well-drained container, keeping the crown at the same level rather than burying it. This houseplant advice applies to African violets formerly labeled Saintpaulia ionantha, not to every Streptocarpus species.

3. 03

   Soil pH

   Aim for a slightly acidic mix, about pH 5.8 to 6.5. Acid to neutral mixes both suit Saintpaulia ionantha.

4. 04

   When soil alone is not the problem

   There is no single required home recipe. Commercial mixes, peat or coir, and your tap water can shift pH and drying rate. Avoid heavy garden soil and decorative pots that stay wet.