The Uzambara violet is rightfully considered a family flower. Saintpaulias are loved by many growers for the longest flowering of the year. The only exceptions are the winter months. It is in winter that violets especially require our attention and care.
The most important issues for caring for violets in winter are light, temperature and watering. It is in winter that most plants die due to our forgetfulness, sometimes even negligence.
In autumn and winter, violets do not receive proper lighting and therefore cease to bloom profusely. If it is not possible to provide them with additional lighting, then it is worth sending the plants for the winter holidays and giving them a rest. In the spring, rested violets will surprise you with gorgeous flowering.
As usual, violets remain to winter on the windowsills. Here it is necessary to provide that the pots are not densely located, and there is an air space between them.
When airing the room, remember that cold air can harm the violets and cause yellow ring spots on the leaves. Therefore, it is necessary either to cover the plants, or to remove them for this time. If the window sill is cold, then it is worth putting foam plastic (foam backing, etc.) and cutting off the cold. When the roots are protected from hypothermia, the issue of wintering is practically resolved. Indeed, it is precisely because of hypothermia of the root system, in conjunction with excessive watering, that causes the death of the flower. It so happens that the earthen lump is wet, and the violet leaves are wilted, hanging over the edge of the pot. What happened? Most likely, the roots of the plant began to rot from diligent watering.
At room temperatures up to 15 ° C, violets are at rest and their growth stops. Raising the temperature to 20 ° C promotes activity, and the violets start to grow. The most optimal temperature for flowering is 20 … 24 ° C, at which favorable conditions for the development of plants are created and all fertilizing is well absorbed. But this requires proper lighting. If violets are forced to hibernate on the windowsills, and there is no backlight, then they do not need feeding during this period.
Only those plants that are provided with light and heat are fed.
How and how many times a week to water violets, no one will say. Here you have to rely only on yourself and on the condition of the plant. But there is a golden rule that always works. Better not to top up than overflow. Violets tolerate semi-dry soil well when kept cool. Watering violets in winter is necessary with settled water at room temperature. It is permissible to make the water a little warmer by a couple of degrees. Sometimes you can add a weak solution of pink potassium permanganate to the irrigation water. This will provide additional root disinfection and nutrition. In addition, it will slightly acidify the soil, which violets love.
With the approach of spring and warmth, violets are awakening. Then they are either transplanted and the soil is renewed, or top dressing is carried out.
