Finding the Perfect Flower Pots for Your African Violets

African violets are beautiful, colorful houseplants that can thrive indoors with the right care. An important part of caring for these delicate plants is choosing the right kind of flower pot. The perfect pot allows for proper watering and drainage while also complementing the beauty of the African violets. In this article we’ll explore the key factors in picking flower pots for African violets and provide plenty of great recommendations.

Why African Violets Need Specialized Pots

African violets have very particular needs when it comes to potting They require a porous material that allows oxygen to penetrate the roots while also providing room for excess water to drain away Typical houseplant pots that are non-porous and hold moisture can easily lead to root rot and other problems in African violets. Additionally, the pot shape and size impacts how much room the roots have to spread out.

African violets are epiphytes in the wild, meaning they grow on other plants and get water from the air and rain. Replicating these natural conditions as much as possible helps the plants thrive. That’s why specialized African violet pots with excellent drainage are a must.

Key Features of Good African Violet Pots

When shopping for flower pots for your African violets, keep the following features in mind:

• Self-watering or wicking design: Self-watering pots have reservoirs at the bottom where extra water collects. The African violet pot then wicks up moisture as needed from the reservoir using a porous material. This provides a constant supply of water without oversaturating the soil.

• Unglazed clay or terra cotta material: Unglazed clay is porous and allows air circulation to the roots. The terra cotta also absorbs excess moisture. Glazed pots are too water-retaining for African violets.

• Drainage holes: Multiple bottom drainage holes are essential to prevent soggy soil. Elevating the inner pot above the drainage tray also improves drainage.

• Small to moderate size: Choose a pot size proportional to the plant, allowing some room for growth but without being oversized. Too large of a container can hold too much moisture.

• Neutral colors: Opt for neutral pot colors like terra cotta so the vibrant African violet blooms stand out. Avoid bold or busy patterns.

• Insulating double pot: A pot-in-pot system with an insulated outer planter protects roots from temperature swings.

10 Great African Violet Pot Choices

Now let’s explore some excellent African violet pot options available online or in garden stores.

Self-Watering Cache Pots

These terra cotta self-watering pots feature a removable plastic reservoir at the bottom to hold water, wicking it up into the soil as needed. The cache pot design is ideal for keeping African violet roots properly hydrated.

• Houseables Self-Watering African Violet Pot – Stylish ribbed terra cotta pot with a plastic wick-watering liner. Available in 6-inch size.

• Bloomridge Self-Watering Cache Pot – Round clay pot in white or terra cotta finish with a plastic water reservoir. Comes in 4, 6, and 8-inch sizes.

• Solgaard 3-Piece Ceramic Self-Watering Planters – Offered in cubed or cylindrical shapes, these white ceramic pots include a porous terra cotta insert and plastic water tray.

Traditional Clay Pots

These classic porous terra cotta pots work well for African violets. Just be sure to water carefully and dump out excess water.

• Pennington Terra Cotta Clay Pots – Affordable plain terra cotta pots in a full range of sizes from 4 to 10 inches wide. Has drainage hole(s).

• BC Clay Pots – Made in the USA, these are heavier weight clay pots with a distinctive ribbed texture. Available glazed or unglazed.

• Culina Planter Pot – Rustic style clay pots with reactive glazing that creates random speckled finishes. Sold in 5, 6, and 8-inch sizes.

Decorative Ceramic Planters

While heavy glazing should be avoided, some partially glazed or moisture-wicking ceramic planters can suit African violets.

• Woolly Pocket Wicking Planters – Contemporary-style white ceramic planters with built-in vertical gardens perfect for displaying African violets. Self-watering design.

• Emerson Creek Ceramic African Violet Pots – Handmade stoneware pots partly glazed on the outside with lovely floral motifs. The insides are unglazed terra cotta.

• LeafCast Studio Ceramic Planters – Handmade planters with creative leaf-shaped cutouts. Partial reactive glazing adds interest. Choose a smaller size.

Insulating Double Pot Systems

Double pots feature an outer planter that holds the inner pot, protecting roots from temperature fluctuations while also catching overflow water.

• Plant Mail Double Potting Planters – Offered in white, grey, or black with included saucers. Choose a 4 or 6-inch size inner pot for African violets.

• Urban Gardens Double Pot – Features a Nature’s Closet brand unglazed clay inner pot inside a decorative glazed ceramic barrel-shaped outer container. 6 x 6 x 7-inch size.

• Erth Covered Planter – Includes a terra cotta pot nestled inside a handcrafted stoneware cover pot. Nice neutral colors. 5 x 5 x 7-inch size.

Hanging African Violet Pots

Elevating African violets in hanging pots improves drainage and puts the colorful blooms at eye level.

• Plate and Pots Hanging Plant Pot – Macrame plant hanger with removable terra cotta pot. Customize with different sizes.

• Potey Hanging Planter with Hooks – Set includes a 6-inch ceramic planter with integrated hooks and macrame hanger. White or black finish.

• Place and Pots Crochet Hanging Vessel – Choose a small terracotta pot to pair with these handmade cotton hangers in various colors.

DIY African Violet Pot Options

You can also easily make your own custom African violet pots using everyday containers:

• Glazed ceramic bowls – Drill extra holes in the base for drainage. Place a layer of pebbles below the soil to allow airflow under the roots.

• Small glass or plastic containers – Clean out and poke holes in items like jars, cups, or takeout containers. Add pebbles or packing peanuts for drainage.

• Repurposed household items – Try surprising items like teacups, mugs, bowls, and lidded boxes. Just ensure whatever you use has ample drainage holes.

Caring for African Violets in Flower Pots

Once you’ve selected the ideal African violet pots, be sure to care for these lovely plants properly by:

• Watering from below to avoid getting water on leaves and flowers
• Adding peat-based, African violet-specific potting mix
• Providing bright, filtered light avoiding direct hot sun
• Keeping humidity levels around 40-50%
• Removing spent blooms and dead leaves
• Giving plant food every 2-4 weeks during growing season
• Repotting annually in spring into fresh mix

The right flower pots go a long way in keeping your African violet houseplants happy and healthy! Try out a selection of recommended self-watering pots, porous clay containers, and more. With a well-draining, specially designed pot, your African violets will flourish indoors.