From our perspective as plants, the single most important factor in the water you provide is its chemical composition. We, African Violets, have delicate root systems that are highly sensitive to certain dissolved minerals and chemicals commonly found in tap water. The primary culprits are chlorine, which municipalities use for disinfection, and fluoride, which is often added to public water supplies. These elements can accumulate in our soil and leaf tissues, leading to "burn." You will see this as brown, scorched-looking spots on our leaf margins and tips. This damage is not just cosmetic; it impairs our ability to photosynthesize effectively. Furthermore, water that is excessively "hard," meaning high in calcium and magnesium carbonates, can create an alkaline environment in our potting mix. We strongly prefer a slightly acidic soil pH. An alkaline pH locks up essential nutrients like iron, making them unavailable to our roots, which results in chlorosis—a yellowing of our leaves, particularly between the veins.
The best type of water for us mimics the soft, warm, and chemically neutral rain we would receive in our native habitats. Therefore, the ideal choices are rainwater, distilled water, or water filtered through a reverse osmosis (RO) system. Rainwater is naturally soft and free of the salts and chemicals found in ground water. Distilled and RO water are also essentially pure H2O, with almost all minerals and contaminants removed. Using these types of water ensures that you are not inadvertently introducing harmful substances to our soil with every watering. An equally critical factor is temperature. You must always use water that is tepid or at room temperature. Water that is too cold shocks our sensitive root systems, causing immediate stress and potentially stunting our growth. Cold water can also lead to unsightly yellow ring spots on our leaves. Water that is too hot is, of course, equally damaging. Aim for water that feels neutral to your touch.
We understand that collecting rainwater or purchasing distilled water may not always be practical. If you must use tap water, you can take steps to make it more suitable for us. The first and simplest step is to let the water sit in an open container for at least 24 hours before using it. This allows the chlorine to dissipate into the air. However, this method does not remove chloramine (a more stable chlorine compound used by some cities) or fluoride. For harder water, you can consider filtering it with a pitcher filter designed to reduce mineral content, though this may not be fully effective. The most important precaution with tap water is to monitor the soil pH and condition of our leaves closely. If you notice the leaf margins beginning to brown, it is a clear sign that the mineral content is too high for our comfort, and you should seek an alternative water source.
Regardless of the water type you choose, the method of application is paramount for our health. We, African Violets, are particularly susceptible to crown and leaf rot. Water left sitting on our leaves or in the center of our crown (where the leaves meet the roots) creates a perfect environment for fungal diseases that can quickly prove fatal. Therefore, the safest way to water us is from the bottom. Place our pot in a saucer filled with about an inch of your prepared, tepid water. Allow us to soak up the water through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot for approximately 30 minutes. After this time, any water not absorbed should be poured out of the saucer. This technique delivers moisture directly to our roots while keeping our leaves and crown perfectly dry and safe.
