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How to water African violet (Saintpaulia)

November 20, 2025 발행

How to water African violet (Saintpaulia)

How to water

Feel the top soil, at least 2 inches should be dry before giving more water. If the soil is still wet you risk giving the plant too much water and it can rot. African violet can handle drought much better than too much water so rather snooze it.

If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

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Water over the soil

  1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap

  2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes

  3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water

  4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

Make sure your pot has drainage holes, without these your plant runs the risk of rotting in the excess water that can’t drain out.
— Planta tip

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Bottom watering

  1. Fill the plant tray with water

  2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray

  3. Wait for about 10 minutes

  4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray

  5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray

  6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

Water bath

  1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water

  2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water

  3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped

  4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off

  5. Put the plant back in the cachepot or on the tray

  6. After 1 hour, check that the plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

자주 묻는 질문

How do I know when to water my African violet?

You should feel the top soil, and ensure at least 2 inches are dry before watering your African violet again. If the soil is still wet, it's better to wait to prevent overwatering and rot.

What is the proper way to water an African violet from the top?

Pour water over the soil until it starts to run out from the drainage holes. If you have a tray under the pot, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards.

How do I bottom water my African violet?

Fill the plant tray with water, ensuring the soil is in contact with the water. Wait for about 10 minutes, then feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water and remove any excess from the tray.

How do I give my African violet a water bath?

Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and lower the whole pot into it, stopping where the stem starts. Wait for the bubbling to stop, then lift the pot and let the excess water drain off.

Can African violets handle too much water?

African violets can handle drought much better than they can tolerate too much water. Overwatering risks rotting the plant, so it's always best to let the soil dry out sufficiently between waterings.

Should I only use bottom watering for my African violet?

No, bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil. Make sure to also water over the soil every now and then to help flush these out.

How to Water Your African Violet (Saintpaulia)

  1. Check the top soil; ensure at least 2 inches are dry before adding more water to your African violet.

  2. Pour water over the soil until it begins to run out from the drainage holes of the pot.

  3. If you are using a drip tray, promptly remove any collected water to prevent the plant from sitting in it.

  4. Always ensure your pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and prevent rot.