Why HCN Prefers Traditional Watering for African Violets
There are several successful ways to water African Violets, including traditional top or bottom watering, wick watering and self-watering containers. Experienced growers use each of these methods successfully.
At Heavenly Creation Nursery (HCN), however, we generally prefer traditional watering based on the moisture level of each individual plant rather than keeping African Violets continuously connected to a water reservoir.
Here's why.
We Prefer to Check the Plant Before We Water
African Violets shouldn't be watered simply because a certain number of days have passed.
Before watering, check the potting mix. At HCN, we generally water when the top of the mix begins to feel dry, rather than following a rigid schedule.
This allows the individual plant and its growing conditions to determine when it receives water.
Temperature, humidity, light, plant size and the amount of foliage can all affect how quickly a pot dries.
Why We Don't Routinely Recommend Wick Watering
Wick watering can work successfully for African Violets when the entire system is designed for it. Many experienced African Violet growers use this method.
The important distinction is that wick watering isn't simply a different way of adding water to the same potting setup.
A plant receiving a continuous supply of moisture generally requires a particularly light and porous growing medium with substantial aeration. Pot size, wick material, reservoir design and the characteristics of the potting mix can all affect how much moisture reaches the root zone.
A mix that works well with traditional watering may remain excessively wet when continuously supplied with water.
For that reason, HCN does not recommend simply placing one of our African Violets onto a wick or self-watering reservoir without considering how the plant is potted.
The Real Concern Is Too Much Water and Too Little Air
African Violet roots need both moisture and oxygen.
Problems develop when the growing medium remains excessively wet and the air spaces surrounding the roots are reduced. Under those conditions, roots can decline and the plant becomes more vulnerable to root-related problems.
This can happen with any watering method if the plant receives more water than its root system and growing medium can handle.
Our goal is therefore not to keep the soil constantly wet. We want the root zone to remain appropriately moist while still maintaining plenty of aeration.
How HCN Recommends Watering African Violets
Check the potting mix before watering. When the top of the mix begins to feel dry, water the plant thoroughly enough to moisten the root zone.
Allow excess water to drain and do not leave the pot standing in water for an extended period.
Then check the plant again before the next watering rather than automatically watering according to the calendar.
A light, porous African Violet potting mix is an important part of this approach because it allows excess water to drain while maintaining air around the roots.
Top Watering or Bottom Watering?
Either method can work.
When watering from the top, apply water directly to the potting mix rather than deliberately pouring it over the crown and foliage.
Bottom watering can also be used by allowing the potting mix to absorb water from below. Once the root zone has been adequately moistened, remove the pot and allow excess water to drain rather than leaving it sitting indefinitely in water.
The important part isn't whether the water enters from the top or bottom. It's maintaining an appropriate balance between water and air in the root zone.
What If You Already Use a Wick System Successfully?
There is no reason to change a growing method that is producing healthy plants simply because HCN uses a different approach.
Many experienced African Violet growers successfully use wick watering. If you choose that method, understand that the potting mix, pot size and watering system need to work together.
HCN's recommendation is primarily directed toward customers receiving one of our traditionally grown African Violets and deciding how to care for it at home.
The HCN Approach
At Heavenly Creation Nursery (HCN), we prefer watering African Violets individually because it allows us to evaluate the moisture level and condition of each plant before adding more water.
Our basic recommendation is simple:
Check the soil. Water when the top begins to dry. Water thoroughly. Drain excess water. Then check again before watering the next time.
This approach keeps the focus where we want it: on the condition of the plant rather than the calendar or a continuously filled reservoir.