African violets (Saintpaulia) are cherished for their delicate, colorful blooms and velvety leaves, but proper fertilization is key to keeping them vibrant. Whether you’re seeking the best commercial options, a DIY recipe, or tips for flowering, this guide covers it all. Discover recommended fertilizers, homemade solutions, NPK ratios, and the best choices for blooming African violets—ensuring your plants thrive with every feeding.
What Fertilizer Is Recommended for an African Violet?
A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer like 7-7-7 or 10-10-10 is recommended for African violets—use diluted.
Top picks:
- Type: Water-soluble—easy root uptake for potted plants.
- NPK: Balanced ratios (e.g., 7-7-7, 10-10-10)—supports leaves and blooms evenly.
- Brands: Schultz African Violet Plus (8-14-9), Miracle-Gro African Violet Food (7-7-7).
- Dilution: Quarter to half strength—e.g., 7-10 drops per quart of water.
These keep African violets healthy without burn—gentle feeding is best (African Violet Care).
How to Make African Violet Fertilizer Homemade?
Make homemade African violet fertilizer with compost tea, eggshells, or banana peels—dilute before use.
DIY recipes:
- Compost Tea: Steep compost in water for 24 hours, strain, dilute 1:10 with water—rich in nutrients.
- Eggshells: Crush, soak in water for a week, strain—calcium boost for strong roots.
- Banana Peels: Soak chopped peels in water 2-3 days, use liquid—potassium for blooms.
Apply monthly—natural but less precise than store-bought (DIY Fertilizer).
| Ingredient | Nutrient | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Compost Tea | Mixed nutrients | 24 hours |
| Eggshells | Calcium | 1 week |
| Banana Peels | Potassium | 2-3 days |
Is It Possible to Use 20/20/20 on African Violets?
Yes, you can use 20-20-20 on African violets if diluted to quarter strength—full strength risks burn.
Using 20-20-20:
- Potency: High NPK—balanced but strong; too much harms delicate roots.
- Dilution: ¼ tsp per gallon of water—safe for weekly use.
- Frequency: Every 2-4 weeks—less in winter.
- Caution: Overfeeding yellows leaves—watch for signs.
It works with care—dilution is non-negotiable.
African Violet Fertilizer Ratio
The ideal African violet fertilizer ratio is balanced (7-7-7 or 10-10-10) or slightly phosphorus-heavy (e.g., 8-14-9) for blooms.
NPK breakdown:
- Nitrogen (N): Leaf growth—7-10% keeps foliage lush.
- Phosphorus (P): Root and bloom strength—10-14% encourages flowers.
- Potassium (K): Overall vigor—7-10% boosts resilience.
Balanced or bloom-focused ratios (e.g., 8-14-9) suit their needs—avoid high nitrogen.
| Ratio | Best For | Example Product |
|---|---|---|
| 7-7-7 | General health | Miracle-Gro |
| 10-10-10 | Balanced growth | Jack’s Classic |
| 8-14-9 | Blooming | Schultz AV Plus |
Best African Violet Fertilizer for Blooming
The best fertilizer for blooming African violets is phosphorus-rich, like 8-14-9 or 7-9-5—use regularly.
Bloom boosters:
- Schultz African Violet Plus (8-14-9): High phosphorus—proven for flowers.
- Espoma Violet! (7-9-5): Organic, bloom-focused—gentle and effective.
- Application: Dilute to 7-10 drops per quart, apply every 2 weeks in spring/summer.
- Light Pairing: Bright, indirect light (12 hours)—maximizes bloom energy.
Phosphorus drives flowering—pair with care for vibrant results.
Table: Blooming Fertilizers
| Product | NPK Ratio | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Schultz AV Plus | 8-14-9 | High P for blooms |
| Espoma Violet! | 7-9-5 | Organic bloom boost |
| DIY Banana Peel | Potassium-rich | Natural flower aid |
Insight: Bloom vs. Growth
- Too much nitrogen = leafy, no flowers; phosphorus tips the scale to blooms.
Conclusion
African violets thrive with the right fertilizer—balanced 7-7-7 or bloom-boosting 8-14-9 keeps them flowering. Homemade options like compost tea work too, while 20-20-20 is safe if diluted. Focus on a phosphorus-rich ratio for blooms, and apply with care—your African violets will reward you with stunning color and vitality!