How to choose a pot for planting violets: how to choose the right size and material

To grow flowers at home, you must follow the rules: timely watering, choosing high-quality soil, and a suitable pot for growing flowers. Most plants do well in any type of soil. But there are also flowers for which special conditions must be created. These include violets. In order for these wonderful flowers to grow and smell fragrant on the windowsill, you need to properly care for them. Particular attention should be paid to pots for violets, on which the health of the flowers depends.

Features of the development of the root system of violets

Violets grow in the tropics and the place where they grow is abundant in moisture and nutrients, which is what leads to shallow root growth. The root system of Saintpaulia rarely grows in depth and entwines the lump from top to bottom.

Violets in nature.

Violet takes the bulk of its microelements from the upper and middle levels of the earthen coma. But most of the water is absorbed from the bottom layer. This distribution system determines the type of ideal watering, namely from below (into a pan, wick).

You can water Saintpaulia under the leaves, but this procedure requires care, because water should not get into the core.

Attention! This type of watering washes away beneficial substances from the upper layers; the violet naturally takes them along with moisture, but this is a completely different concentration.

Choosing material

Available plastic and plastic

Great option! The plastic is flexible (which means it is convenient to press on the pot when removing the plant for handling), lightweight, and durable. And if you plant flowers in yogurt jars or cut-out plastic bottles, you will get the container for free.

There are some disadvantages to plastic/plastic pots. For example: they do not breathe, that is, they do not allow air to pass through. And so that the roots of Saintpaulia receive enough oxygen, make sure that in addition to the holes in the bottom of the pot, the violet also has a tray with a ribbed bottom.

Place the pot on these ribs, and they will allow the air the flower needs to reach its lower holes (and therefore to its roots).

There is also a more “democratic” option: pierce the sides of the pot, in which case oxygen will enter through these small holes. Just don’t make big holes, otherwise soil will come out when watering and the pot will look untidy.

Elegant ceramics

Simple pots (clay). They're cheap, and for good reason. At first, such pots look quite friendly, but during use, the “eco style” of the pot changes to the “poor man’s style”: water streaks, traces of salt appear on the walls, and if the material is fired poorly, it can also crack. But Saintpaulia grows just fine in such a pot. The solution is to buy a beautiful flowerpot (slightly larger than your pot), and put the flower along with the ugly house in this flowerpot.
Glazed. They are more expensive and look expensive. However, this material does not breathe. Therefore, manufacturers of such containers, in addition to drilling regular holes in the bottom of the pots, make slightly uneven trays for them. Many buyers think that they are defective, but in fact, the bulges and irregularities in the pan are created specifically so as not to interfere with air circulation.

Expensive, but convenient: wick irrigation systems

They are great for violets.

Such systems are purchased before a planned flower transplant.

But you don’t have to spend money - you can build an automatic watering system with your own hands. And it can cost mere pennies. Here's a good example:

In any case, the basis of such a pot is a wick placed in the ground + a tray with water, where the wick comes out through a hole in the bottom.

Disposable potties

Containers made of peat or pressed paper are good if you don't use them for long.

But they are convenient for germinating Saintpaulia leaves. When planting young bushes for permanent residence, you do not have to dig them out of old pots - transfer them to a new container along with peat. This way, the first transplant in your violet’s life will be as correct and non-traumatic as possible.

What materials are flowerpots made of?

Both small pots for indoor flowers and large containers for garden flowers are made from various materials.

Plastic plant pot

Pots of different sizes are made from it. It is a cheap and versatile material. Before buying this pot, you need to consider some points: it is better to choose a light-colored pot so that the soil in it does not heat up so quickly and harmful microorganisms do not appear in it; You can make additional holes in the pot for drainage. The big disadvantage is the fragility of the pot. Especially if it stands on the street, it quickly becomes thin and breaks.

Clay pot

This is a common material for pots. They come in a variety of designs and are attractive for interior decoration. The downside of pots is the lack of drainage, and not all plants can exist without it.

Stone planter

Usually, outdoor planters are made from stone for landscaping. Stone pots are beautiful, monumental and last a very long time. This is the most environmentally friendly material for flower pots. The downside is the heavy weight of the pot.

Wooden planter

Wooden pots are original and original. Wood does an excellent job of insulating the soil. Helps prevent plant roots from overheating. The disadvantage of a wooden flowerpot is the rotting of the bottom and the possibility of insects settling in the wood.

To extend the life of the tree, you need to place the plant in a plastic pot and place it in a wooden planter.

Metal planters

These details will add a little rigor to the interior design. They are durable and strong, have high thermal conductivity, so it must be combined with a pot made of another material.

Ceramic flowerpot

This is a natural and safe material. Provides natural thermoregulation and ventilation to plant roots. The porous walls of the pot absorb excess moisture from the soil. The disadvantage is the fragility of the pot.

These types of pots can be bought at any store or market. They are manufactured to a standard and look the same. To get an unusual decorative flowerpot, you need to make it yourself.

Varieties of pots

When choosing pots for violets, you need to take into account that you will have to replant the flower several times. This is an important point in flower care that cannot be ignored. If you plant a young flower in a pot that is too large, it may simply rot and disappear. Therefore, you will have to buy flowerpots several times

In addition, it is necessary to pay attention that pots for violets will have to be classified both by size and material

Types of pots

Size

By size, it is necessary to evaluate not only the diameter of the pot, but also its height.

A low, bowl-shaped pot is best suited for violets. Its proportions should be approximately in the following ratios - 2:1 or 2.5:1. That is, the diameter should be 2 or 2.5 times greater than the height of the pot.

Inexperienced Saintpaulia breeders (these houseplants are also called) often have the question of what size pot is needed for a violet. As for diameters:

For children, take products up to 5 cm in diameter. The same pots are needed for mini violets;
for a flower before and after 1 flowering, those that are 10 cm in diameter are suitable;
for adult standard and ampel varieties, a diameter of 12 cm is suitable;
for giant varieties and large overgrown bushes, you can take a diameter of up to 15-16 cm, but no more.

For your information! If you take a pot that is too large, the plant will produce an intensely green mass, and flowering will be rare, weak, or may even be absent completely.

Material

Depending on the material, stores have the following types of pots:

clay. They allow water and air to pass through quite well, so they do not allow the root system to experience discomfort. But pots are not suitable for violets;
ceramic. This is still the same clay, but fired with glaze applied. Such products have a more attractive appearance and provide the flowers with proper maintenance conditions. Although, in comparison with the previous ones, they do not allow the soil in the pot to be intensively saturated with oxygen. In addition, the root system can grow to them as they grow, which contributes to greater injury to the plant during handling;
plastic products. They are inexpensive and have a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes. The quality and smoothness of the surface do not allow the root system to grow to the walls, which facilitates the process of replanting violets. Among the disadvantages of plastic products, poor aesthetics is noted.

An example of a suitable flowerpot

Price

The price of a pot primarily depends on how well it is made, what materials were used for it and how different it is from standard stamped ones. That is, the design component also plays a big role.

Note! The shape of the violet is such that in the vast majority of cases its green mass does not cover the pot. The only exceptions to this are ampelous varieties.

Therefore, when choosing a container for planting a plant, you need to take into account the shape of the flower that will be formed, since a rough product can significantly reduce the aesthetics of the flower itself

The only exception to this are hanging varieties. Therefore, when choosing a container for planting a plant, you need to take into account the shape of the flower that will be formed, since a rough product can significantly reduce the aesthetics of the flower itself.

Designer pots

Often gardeners prefer to choose designer pots. Basically, these are those who take care of their interior and try to give the room an original style. But you shouldn’t be too zealous with original forms here, since violet is quite sensitive to the selection of containers

Therefore, if you want to buy a custom handmade pot, then it is better to focus on the original colors and methods of decorating the outer surface

Designer flowerpots

Specialized

In addition to the options listed above, there are also specialized pots. Most often they are presented in the form of technical containers with a large number of holes at the bottom of the product. But this option is only suitable for temporary use.

Which pot is best for a particular flower?

For young plants, it is better to choose plastic products. This is due to the fact that such pots for violets will be more comfortable for the root system. They are convenient for handling flowers without damaging the thin roots. And when the plant reaches an adult state, it can be planted for permanent growth in those products that seem most optimal from the point of view of aesthetic perception.

What calculations need to be made when choosing

Soil for violets - we make the best composition ourselves

Before deciding which pots are needed for violets at a certain stage of their growth, you need to measure the diameter of the rosette:

when the leaf surface reaches a diameter of up to 6 cm, choose a pot from 3 to 5 cm;
with a rosette diameter of 6 to 15 cm, the diameter of the container should be 5 cm;
rosette diameter from 15 to 20 cm - pot 6 cm in diameter;
foliage from 20 to 40 cm - pot 8-9 cm;
for large varieties over 40 cm, pots are selected more than 10 cm in diameter.

When planting young plants

When planting young plants, it is necessary to transship about 2-3 times. Only in this case will the plant be provided with proper care. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to which pots to plant violets in at each stage, and carefully measuring the diameter of the rosette of the growing flower.

Note! For the first stage of growing small children or leaves, you can use peat containers. Then, before reaching adulthood, they take plastic products with smooth inner surfaces of the walls.

When transplanting old

When the flower reaches an impressive size, it must be replanted periodically. This is done to:

remove young children that will interfere with the bush’s normal development;
update the soil to provide the indoor flower with everything it needs;
Since the bush can shrink significantly when transplanted (due to breaking off the side children), it is necessary to carefully evaluate the diameter of the rosette each time in order to select the correct size of the pot.

For different types of irrigation

When selecting pots for violets and assessing what the products should be like, it is necessary to take into account a different watering system. If you plan to add water directly to the soil, then a regular pot with a small tray corresponding to the diameter of the bottom of the product will do.

If you will be watering into a tray, you should take a closer look at those that are structurally designed with a larger substrate. This is the only way to pour the required amount of water into it.

Size, material and color of the pot

To choose the ideal pot for Saintpaulia, you need to correctly decide on the size, material and color. There are containers on the market made of two materials: plastic and clay.

The advantages of plastic pots are:

lightness;
flexibility (easier to replant the plant);
durability;
price.

The disadvantage is that the root system in them is poorly supplied with oxygen, but this can be corrected by a layer of drainage and increasing the holes.

The advantages of clay are a more aesthetic appearance and, in the absence of a coating, good ventilation of the roots.

The disadvantages are the following:

high price;
fragility, heavy weight (not suitable for glass shelves);
glazed pots do not allow air to pass through, and uncoated pots lose their appearance;
stains and traces of salt appear on the surface;
the pot may even crumble.

When choosing a color scheme, it is worth noting that it is not recommended to choose plastic pots of bright colors, since they often emit harmful substances that poison the plant.

Pots of brightly colored flowers may release toxic substances.

When choosing a pot for a particular plant, you need to focus not only on the size of the rosette, but also on the variety. Depending on the description of the variety, you should choose the size of the pot according to the diameter of the declared rosette. It is worth noting that terry types of violets prefer flatter containers.

Standard containers available on the market

Buying a suitable pot for Saintpaulia is quite difficult. Stores sell larger pots than necessary.

Often, for large collections, round brown cups for seedlings or “seedlings”, disposable glasses, and yogurt jars are used, masking them with pots for greater aesthetics.

A small selection of which pots to plant violets in from those found in stores:

offers pots with a minimum volume of 0.35 liters in pleasant pastel shades, with good drainage holes;
Ukraine offers pots with a minimum volume of 0.28 liters, smaller drainage holes, only 3 colors - white, terracotta and marble;
offers pots with a minimum volume of 0.3 l, no drainage holes (if necessary, they can be made with a hot knitting needle), in white color;
offers pots with a minimum volume of 0.15 liters, sufficient drainage holes, and different colors.

For wick irrigation

For wick watering, you need to choose light pots with a diameter of no more than 7 cm. Choosing a larger diameter will lead to a strong growth of the rosette. The weight of the pots is recommended to be small, since the entire structure is already quite heavy and bulky.

For wick irrigation, you can use specialized pots, but they are difficult to find with a suitable diameter. It is much easier to use disposable cups or food containers.

Specialized pot for wick watering.

In the case of using disposable cups, the pot is placed in the cup so that there is at least 5 mm to the bottom. When using food containers, water is poured into them, and a hole is made in the lid through which the wick is threaded. The pot is placed on top of the container, on its lid.

What do you need to plant violets?

We advise you to prepare in advance and purchase all the necessary materials. This approach will greatly simplify the task. If you do not know how to plant violets correctly and cannot choose a method, then prepare a complete list of materials. Among them:

several pots of different sizes;
special soil for violets (you can find it in stores);
plastic containers (you can take either yogurt cups or regular transparent ones);
a small shovel that allows you to work with the soil;
fertilizers (also suitable for violets);
lamps (relevant for dark rooms and for the winter period).

How not to flood a flower?

It is necessary to know whether the soaking of violets depends on the thickness of the wick. The main danger and problem with wick watering is waterlogging of the soil, which leads to rotting and death of the violet.

To avoid this outcome, it is important to choose the right substrate; the most reliable is a mixture of perlite and peat.

Another important component is the wick:

The thickness of the wick should correspond to the size of the outlet;
And the length should be optimal and fit in a circle inside the pot, reach the bottom of the container and lie 1-2 cm on its bottom.

Properly organized wick irrigation prevents the problem of waterlogging.

Reproduction

To propagate the variety you like, you can use the “from the leaf” planting method.

Recommendations on how to properly plant a violet leaf are as follows:

a violet leaf, cut from the 2nd or 3rd tier, is placed in a container with water;
It is advisable to take an opaque container, and the water should be settled or boiled;
the sheet is strengthened so that it is immersed in water by 1.5-2 cm and does not touch the walls;
After the roots appear, the small plant is planted in the ground, following the technology.

Planting directly into the soil is preferable. The plant immediately takes root in the pot and does not experience stress during transplantation. The leaf cuttings are planted to a depth of 0.5 cm in prepared, moistened soil mixture. A mini-greenhouse is built on top.

How to plant violets from a leaf: step-by-step instructions

So, you have a violet leaf. What should we do with it? And how can you get a whole plant from one leaf? First, choose how you will grow the “babies”: by immediately placing the leaf in the ground or by rooting it in water? The first method is faster, but the second is simpler and more suitable for beginners.

Want to learn how to plant violets with leaves?

A healthy leaf is trimmed so that the stem is no more than 1/3 of the total size of the plant. Then the soil is prepared: drainage and soil. The ideal pot for growing violets is from a leaf no more than 5 centimeters in diameter. You can use a plastic yogurt mold, which works great.
Make a small depression in the soil and place finely chopped moss there; it will help strengthen the leaf so that roots can appear. Not everyone knows how to properly plant violets from the leaf, so often the “babies” are prevented from germinating by a dense layer of soil.
Sprinkle the stem with soil, lightly pour warm boiled water over it and cover with plastic wrap (an ordinary bag will do). This way you can create greenhouse conditions for the plant. Monitor the room temperature, it should be kept at 22-25 degrees. You need to water the soil as it dries. After a while you will notice small violets sprouting.

But there is another option for preparing the sheet.

Pure, settled water at room temperature is poured into a glass and a leaf is placed there. Keep an eye on the water level and also watch the roots grow. They will begin to appear within 7-9 days, and by the beginning of the second week the plant will be ready for transplanting.
As soon as the roots have grown 1-1.5 centimeters, the leaf can be rooted. You can use a combination of two cups of different sizes (the smaller one should have drainage holes) or use expanded clay or other drainage. It is poured in a layer of 1/3 of the total height of the pot, then the soil is placed.
Make a small hole in the ground where you need to plant the violet. The root system will prevent the plant from falling over on its side. Sprinkle the sprout with soil and water with warm water.
The top of the plant is covered with polyethylene and ideal conditions for growth are created: constant temperature, light. Sprouts will soon appear.

Now you know how to plant violets in a pot. But there is another technique for growing plants.

The Scarlet Flower

“Scarlet Flower” produced in Russia is convenient for plants, when watering which it is necessary to avoid getting liquid on the leaves: violets, streptocarpus, orchids. The product is well suited for bottom watering. The system consists of 3 parts made of plastic. From 2 parts you need to make a tray into which liquid for irrigation is poured. In the third, equipped with a large number of small holes, Saintpaulia is planted.

When choosing which pots for violets to purchase, you should take into account that the size of such a product is small and is better suited for young plants.

When planting, the rosette should not be buried in the soil mixture. There is no need for drainage. The container with Saintpaulia is located 1-1.5 cm above the tray. It is not difficult to remove the top part. “The Scarlet Flower” is easy to use and can serve for a long period of time.

Planting Saintpaulia - choosing the “right” leaf

The subsequent survival rate of Saintpaulia and its further growth will directly depend on how correctly you can choose a leaf for propagation. Moreover, the quality of the color, or more precisely, the size of the bud and the color of the petals, depends on the planting material. It is necessary to select only healthy leaves, mainly from the third row (you can also take from the second if the plant is not too “old”)

Pay special attention to possible plant diseases, including spotting, powdery mildew and pests - often the leaf blade becomes a habitat for fungus or parasites

As for size, you should choose only dense, medium-sized leaves, since leaves that are too small do not have enough minerals and organic substances for a good “start.”

Color plays an important role when choosing. As you know, the main indicator of a large amount of accumulated chlorophyll is the dark green color of the plate. If they are yellowed, then there is nothing to hope for an excellent bush - basically it dies even before rooting begins. Even if this does not happen and any activity occurs, there may be no new children - the bush will remain dormant for a long time.

How to choose?

Knowing all the nuances and subtleties of pots for growing flowers, you can begin to search and purchase the most suitable specimens.

It is necessary to pay special attention to several criteria by which you need to evaluate the product and understand whether it should be purchased.

Dimensions of the required container . Over time, young shoots turn into adult plants and become much larger. For this reason, it is necessary to transplant the grown violet into a large container. Accepting this fact, you should purchase a set consisting of several pots, the sizes of which differ in their dimensions.
Features of the plant variety . Before starting to grow indoor violets, each gardener must decide in advance what type of plant he wants to grow. For bushes with mini-violets there is no need to purchase additional planting bowls. It is enough to purchase just one small diameter flower dish. If the choice fell on terry varieties, then it is best to purchase flat pots. Their appearance is in many ways reminiscent of sand shovels for children.
Planting bowl material . Ceramics and plastic have different advantages and disadvantages. That is why every gardener must independently weigh the pros and cons, and then begin choosing the most suitable option for creating his own garden.

In the process of growing violets, many gardeners are interested in the possibility of growing several plants in one pot. In principle, this is acceptable, the main thing is that the size of the sockets is identical .

On the other hand, some gardeners do not advise growing violets in this way, especially if you plan to cultivate two different shoots in a pot.

If the decision was made in favor of double planting, then the selected container should be small in size. Violet itself prefers a close environment. In a large space, all the plant’s energy will be spent exclusively on root growth without the opportunity to wait for flowering.

Basic rules for growing violets on a windowsill

In order for Saintpaulias to delight you with long and lush flowering, the basic rules are followed during the growing process:

create comfortable conditions and the necessary microclimate indicators in the room;
follow care recommendations;
promptly carry out preventive treatment against common diseases;
regularly inspect the plant for the presence of pests or diseases and take measures for treatment;
trim old leaves in a timely manner to preserve their decorative appearance and better nutrition of young leaves;
after 2–3 years of life, the plant is rejuvenated (using a cutting or a rosette of several young leaves).

Preparing for planting at home

Step-by-step instruction

After thoroughly preparing the soil, you should begin preparing the tubers for planting. If during the dormant period they were located in an old pot, they need to be taken out, cut off the old roots and be sure to rinse with water (we talked about the peculiarities of wintering gloxinia here). If there is any damage on the surface of the tuber, it should be cut off immediately with a knife.

To prevent further rotting, you can immerse the tubers in a solution of a fungicidal agent, for example, phytosporin, for half an hour. You cannot plant them immediately after such an operation - you need to dry them for about a day. A tuber ready for transplantation should be smooth and hard (you can find out how to transplant and grow gloxinia here).

A drainage layer no more than three centimeters high (foam plastic, expanded clay) must first be placed on the bottom of the pot. Pour pre-prepared soil on top, which you should try not to compact, leaving it quite loose. In the center you need to make a slight depression where you need to place the tuber itself. Then sprinkle it on all sides with soil so that 2/3 of it is immersed in the soil.

To prevent the plant's tuber from rotting, you need to moisten the soil so that water does not get into the center and onto the sprouts. In order to create the most favorable microclimate for germination, you need to put a transparent plastic bag on the pot and place it in a brighter place. To ventilate, once a day you need to remove the bag from the pot for 15-20 minutes. As soon as the first pair of leaves appears, you can close the bag only at night, and after a few days remove it completely.

Below is a visual video about planting gloxinia tubers:

How to prepare a pot for reuse

If the owners have a large collection, it is expensive to buy new containers every time. Even when they use cheap plastic.

Old pot:

Free from substrate and drainage residues.
Soak for 2 hours in hot soapy water.
Remove deposited salts with steel wool or a stiff brush.
Pour in a sterilizing solution overnight. For example, dilute 100 ml of bleach in 2 liters of liquid.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

The same is done with trays or tanks for wick irrigation.

Lighting

Violet really does not like direct sunlight, their delicate leaves simply burn in the scorching sun, getting deep burns, and the soil quickly loses moisture, which is fatal for its delicate roots.

And this is not surprising, because in nature the violet grows in a dense African forest, in moist soil covered with moss.

Our advice:

The best place for Saintpaulias is the windowsill of an east-facing window, where the plants are illuminated by light morning sun. On west-facing windows, the sun can be aggressive in the afternoon, especially in summer.

Therefore, in the summer, violets need to be shaded by covering the window glass with gauze. Violets can also be successfully grown on north-facing windows if they are not shaded by trees or neighboring houses. When there is not enough light for a violet, it “signals” this by raising its leaves high and stopping flowering.

I grow mature violets on window sills oriented east, west and north, since I live in a private house with many windows. But I grow violet babies on a rack of metal corners using artificial lighting.

I bought the rack ready-made at a construction supermarket, but you can make it yourself from metal corners or wooden blocks. An old bookcase will also work. Above each shelf of the rack I installed one 40-watt fluorescent lamp.

After experimenting with the height of the shelves and the number of lamps above them, I settled on this option: the height of the shelf is 35 cm and above each shelf there is one lamp with a power of 40 watts. This option is both economical and effective.

Our advice:

The length of the shelf should be equal to the length of the lamp, so first buy a lamp and use it to calculate the length of the shelf.

I have heard the opinion that Saintpaulias grown under artificial light on shelves then grow and bloom poorly on windowsills. I want to refute it.

All my Saintpaulias grown in this way then adapt perfectly to the conditions of a not very sunny windowsill and bloom profusely. Now the first snow is already lying outside the window, and Saintpaulias are in full bloom on the windowsill.

Features of growing different species

Variegated

They have variegated leaves and look decorative even without flowers.

This variety is more whimsical than the usual Uzambara violet.

This is expressed in the presence of additional requirements on how to raise these capricious beauties at home:

It is better to propagate by children rather than cuttings;
does not like high nitrogen content;
They bloom most often in the 2nd year;
requires a lot of light due to lack of chlorophyll in the leaves.

Fragrant

This is a perennial plant, found naturally in forests and on mountain slopes.

Features of growing in a garden plot:

prefers sunny or slightly shaded areas;
loose and slightly acidic soil is required;
has a strong pleasant aroma;
propagated by seeds and vegetatively.

Fragrant violet.

Horned

It got its name because of the horn-like shoot behind the flower. Horned violet can be grown both at home and in the garden:

flowering from spring to late autumn;
moderate watering;
in central Russia it can winter in the ground;
has a wide range of colors.

Is it possible to grow several plants in one pot?

This question arises for many novice gardeners and indoor plant lovers.
However, there is no clear answer.

Some experienced gardeners say that growing two or more violets in one pot is acceptable.

Another part refers to the fact that due to the superficial growth of the measles system, several flowers will not bloom.

We believe that this should not be done unless absolutely necessary.

Most gardeners agree that these plants grow and bloom better in separate small pots.

In general, large leaves become very elongated and the plants do not look neat. In addition, the space of a large pot greatly interferes with flowering, because... the plant begins to actively grow its root system.

Basic mistakes

Below are the main and most typical mistakes that gardeners make when choosing a pot for violets; familiarizing yourself with them will help prevent a possible repetition in the future:

The absence of a drainage layer in the pot, which leads to stagnation of water in the lower layers of the soil and subsequent rotting of the root shoots.

Placing the pot in direct sunlight or in close proximity to artificial light sources

All varieties of violets are heat-loving, but they do not tolerate direct exposure to rays, so special attention should be paid not only to the choice of container for growing, but also to its location.

Violation of depth indicators when transplanting into another pot. You should not try to immerse the cutting as deeply as possible into the soil, as this may lead to the flower not taking root in the new place at all.

Forms

In the modern world, manufacturers of containers for growing indoor plants try to please every gardener. The wide product range offers not only single models of standard pots, but also double and triple versions with different mounting options. They can be made of both ceramics and plastic. They can be placed not only on the window; it is possible to hang the containers on the wall and place them in special niches on the balcony.

The special approach of designers allows us to develop containers for planting flowers in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Thanks to the variety of colors, flower pots can be placed in any room.

Watering

You should not water the plant with too cold water (read about how to properly water and feed the plant here). Water for irrigation should best be soft (slightly boiled, filtered, melted). The temperature for water should best be room temperature, warm

But the important thing is that if gloxinia is at a temperature of +18 degrees, this does not mean that it needs to be filled with water at a temperature of +25 degrees. The water should be 2-3 degrees higher than the ambient air temperature

20-30 minutes after watering, drain the remaining water from the pan.

To prevent rotting of the tubers of a flower, it must be watered carefully along the edge of the pot or from a tray in order to prevent water from getting into the center of the tuber and onto the leaves, since tuber rot often occurs from above, from the growing point, and not from the roots.

An important point in watering gloxinia is its uniformity. When irrigated, the entire earthen lump should be completely wet from the top to the base of the plant, and the pot itself should become much heavier. You cannot water them according to a schedule, but only when the plant really needs it. After the top layer of soil has dried slightly, the gloxinia can be watered. You must be careful not to overdry or overfill them.

Below is a visual video about watering gloxinia:

Florarium care

In this section we will describe the features of caring for plants in a closed or almost closed container. Moisture evaporates from glass containers much more slowly, so be prepared to water less often. No one can give specific advice - conditions and plants, sizes and parameters of containers - all this is different. Just look at the condition of the soil and the “inhabitants” of the florarium.

Secrets of caring for a miniature florarium

While the soil is wet, drops settle on the glass and evaporation is visible. When the glass becomes transparent, wait a few days and you can water it. The duration of the “pause” depends on the plants. If these are succulents, the “dry” period can be a week or two. For other plants - several days. Once again: it all depends on the moisture-loving nature of the inhabitants.

A few words about how to care for a mini-garden in a jar, glass, vase. The most convenient way is a plastic bottle with a lid, equipped with a long spout. These plastic bottles come in hair dye (wash and soak in water), and some medications are packaged in them. In pharmacies you can find empty ones called “dropper bottles”. They also have a dispenser. You can buy it in craft stores or find something similar in hardware stores. In general, whoever seeks will find.

Using a plastic bottle with a lid and a long straw, it’s easy to water a mini-garden

Another option is a large syringe without a needle. It is ideal for spot root watering, fertilization, etc.

That is, where careful and dosed application is important

If we talk about spraying, then you can look for any small spray bottle. For very miniature ones, pumps for medicines and cosmetics are suitable. Of course, they should be washed thoroughly.

Choosing a pot for violets

Today, stores offer a wide range of containers in which to plant indoor plants. But the violet makes its own demands on the pot.

Material and purpose

Clay

Not a bad option. Natural material has a beneficial effect on plant development.

Due to their porous structure, such pots allow air and moisture to pass through perfectly. Although some gardeners consider this a disadvantage, since the soil dries out faster.

In hot weather, clay containers can become very hot, which can also be attributed to their disadvantages. Another disadvantage is the considerable weight of the pot with soil.

Ceramic

Ceramic containers are also quite heavy. They should not be placed on shelves or racks made of fragile material.

Ceramic pots do not allow air to pass through at all. And, if there are no drainage holes, it is not possible to make them at home.

Ceramic pots.

Ceramics, like clay, can deteriorate over time.

Transparent

Allows you to inspect the root system and soil condition at any time.

Plastic disposable cups are great for planting young plants.

The only drawback is the formation of a green coating under the influence of sunlight. Therefore, such pots should be hidden in various opaque flowerpots.

Glass pots are not used for growing Saintpaulias.

Plastic

Good for everyone:

lungs;
durable;
various in shape and color.

The downside is that they do not allow air to pass through at all. Therefore, the presence of drainage holes in plastic pots is mandatory. If there are no holes, you should make them yourself.

Plastic pots must have drainage holes.

Important! You should be wary of plastic flowerpots with bright colors. In their production, aniline dyes can be used, which negatively affect the root system. Such containers can only be used as flowerpots.

Such containers can only be used as flowerpots.

For wick irrigation

To simplify the care of delicate flowers and establish an irrigation regime, you can organize wick watering. Its main advantage is that there is no need for constant watering. The plant will take as much water as it needs and when it needs it.

Wick watering is done from two plastic containers. A violet grows in one of them, the other serves as a water reservoir. Water is supplied to the roots through a cord made of synthetic material that is well saturated with water. The cord is placed in a flowerpot before planting the flower. The free end is removed from the drainage hole and lowered into water. The first container is inserted into the second so that the bottom of the pot is approximately 5 cm from the surface of the water.

Pots with wick watering.

If there is a goal to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the flower garden, the structure is placed in ceramic or plastic pots.

DIY

DIY flowerpots have become very popular recently. Folk craftsmen make them from gypsum, clay, cement, and weave them from wicker. Homemade pots and flowerpots can be painted or decorated with any available materials. They become an exclusive item that fits perfectly into the interior.

Size

When choosing which pots to plant violets in, first of all, you should not forget about choosing the optimal size. Despite the material, the flowerpot for violets should be wide and low:

height from 7 cm to 10 cm;
The diameter of the pot is 2 times less than the diameter of the rosette.

Saintpaulia planted in a large pot actively grows green mass and does not bloom for a long time. Flowers will appear only after the roots have entwined the entire earthen ball.

It is better to use new pots for planting violets. If old containers are used, they are first cleaned of old soil and salt deposits, thoroughly washed with soapy water and treated with any antiseptic.

Nuances of choosing a flowerpot

When choosing a pot for indoor violets, do not forget about the specific growth of Saintpaulia roots. Violet roots grow close to the surface and develop poorly in length.

Over time, a new root system forms on the stems after the lower leaves die. In their natural environment, violets grow in rocky soils and for the best development of the plant it is necessary to provide maximum air access to the roots.

You should not transplant a standard violet into a pot larger than the maximum recommended size.

If replanting is necessary, you need to remove excess soil and dying roots and replant them in a pot of the same diameter. If a larger pot is selected, several problems may arise:

the leaves will actively begin to grow, this will interfere with flowering.
the roots will not be able to absorb all the water, and excess moisture will accumulate in the soil. This can lead to the appearance of fungus, pests and soil acidification.

Soil acidification.

ATTENTION! It is necessary to replant the violet in the following cases: when a white coating appears on the ground, if the violet has stopped blooming or the flowering has become smaller, and also if the roots are too tightly entwined with the earthen ball.

Use the following tips when choosing what size pots should be:

100 ml plastic disposable cups are better suited for rooting;
an older child can be placed in a seven-centimeter pot;
after flowering, you can plant the plant in an eight-centimeter pot;
a one-year-old flower can be planted in a pot with a diameter of 9 cm.