African Violet Potting Soil
African violets, streptocarpus, gloxinia
In stock · ships by Canada Post
About this mix
- Mixed for african violets, ready to use from the bag
- Made of: sphagnum peat moss, perlite, vermiculite
- One 3 L bag fills about 1–3 pots, no 50 L sacks to store
- No fertilizer, only the components listed
- Shipping $12–$20, free from $60 (details)
Product information
| Best for | African violets, streptocarpus, gloxinia |
|---|---|
| Bag size | 3 L (about 0.9 kg packed) |
| Ingredients | Sphagnum peat moss, Perlite, Vermiculite |
| Fertilizer | None added |
| Price | $22.00 CAD before tax |
| Shipping | Canada Post, across Canada (Quebec coming soon) |
African violets have very fine roots. They want soil that stays evenly moist, but they rot if the soil stays wet and heavy. Regular potting soil is too dense, and cactus soil dries too fast. This mix is very light: one third peat, and the rest perlite and vermiculite for air.
Is it right for your plant?
Use it for
- African violets (saintpaulia), standard and mini
- Streptocarpus (Cape primrose)
- Gloxinia and other gesneriads
- Self-watering violet pots and wick watering
Not for
- Succulents and cacti: it holds too much water for them. Use Succulent & Cactus Mix.
- Orchids: too fine and moist. Use Orchid Mix.
- Large tropical plants: too soft to hold a big plant upright. Use Aroid Mix.
What's inside
| 40% | Sphagnum peat moss: soft, holds moisture evenly for fine roots |
| 30% | Perlite: air and drainage, keeps the mix from going soggy |
| 30% | Vermiculite: holds water and releases it slowly |
The mix stays evenly moist without being heavy. Water when the surface feels just dry to the touch. It works well with wick watering and self-watering pots.
How much do I need?
Enter your pot size. We assume a typical squat violet pot filled to the top.
When you repot, the root ball takes up part of the pot, so you usually need a bit less. Leftover mix keeps for months in the closed bag.
How to repot
- Repot once or twice a year. African violets flower best in fresh soil and small pots.
- Moisten the mix lightly with room-temperature water before using it.
- Take the plant out and remove old, compacted soil. Peel off any lower leaves that are yellow.
- Use a pot about one third of the leaf span wide. For most standard violets that is 10–12 cm.
- Set the plant so the lowest leaves sit just above the rim, fill around the roots, and press lightly.
- Water from the bottom with room-temperature water and let excess drain.
- Keep it out of direct sun for a few days while it settles.
African Violet Mix: questions
What soil is best for African violets?
A light, peat-based mix with lots of perlite and vermiculite. It holds moisture evenly but never stays soggy.
Can I use regular potting soil for African violets?
It is usually too heavy. The fine roots suffocate and the crown can rot. If you have to, mix it half and half with perlite.
Does it work in self-watering pots?
Yes. The mix wicks water well, which is why it is popular for self-watering violet pots.
Does the mix contain fertilizer?
No. Use an African violet fertilizer at the strength on its label.
How many violets does one bag pot?
About seven standard violets in 10 cm pots. The calculator above shows your exact number.
Compare the mixes
| Orchid | Succulent & Cactus | Aroid | African Violet | Seed Starting | Bonsai | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For | Orchids | Succulents & cacti | Monstera & aroids | African violets | Seeds | Bonsai |
| Main ingredient | Medium fir bark | Pumice | Fir bark | Sphagnum peat moss | Fine coco coir | Pumice |
| Bag | 3 L | 3 L | 3 L | 3 L | 3 L | 3 L |
| Price | $22.00 | $22.00 | $22.00 | $22.00 | $22.00 | $22.00 |
