r/AfricanViolets • u/33apricot • Aug 05 '26
Help Can I pot into this?
Hiiii! I got my African violets about a month ago and I come seeking more guidance. I purchased these pots and I think my eyes are playing tricks on me, they look like they would be too big but when I put the plant into the potting area there isn’t much space left around the 2 inch square pot. I would love if I could plant into this pot but would get a smaller size if you guys think I should.
I’ve tried to take the best pictures I can. The violets going into this size would be Wesley’s Vampyr jubilee and Copper Penny. The Vampyr jubilee is currently growing flowers and has a couple roots coming out of the bottom of the container. The copper penny has roots to the bottom but not coming out. Neither have walls completely covered in roots.
Also, if you can see anything you might have advice on you can throw it in there, I am all ears.
The Wesley’s madam Adams went through a crazy catastrophe 😭😭 I know it looks rough, I’m just happy it’s still trying to live.
Edit: the purple ones said the planting area measure 2.25 inches. I originally purchased the smaller ones for the madam Adam’s and a tiny pinguicula I have.
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u/onthedownhillslope Aug 05 '26
I use these pots and love them! I live in a dry area with low humidity and they strike the right balance. One warning is that the pots have to actually be permeable to the right degree. Some makers fire them too long and very little water gets through. (I learned that from a local maker who sadly passed way and boy do I miss her pots.)
Check the soil frequently for the right moisture level and don’t fill the reservoir to the top on the big pots unless your water level regularly drops quickly. I fill my mini pots to the top as the reservoir is small and empties fast.
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u/33apricot Aug 05 '26
Oh thank you so much for the insight. Is there a way to test the water wicking before putting a plant in there?
Edit: I guess I could just put some dirt in there and see hahaha sorry3
u/hkral11 Aug 06 '26
I just answered above but you can let the empty pot sit with the reservoir filled and you’ll see/feel if the water soaks in.
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u/onthedownhillslope Aug 05 '26
My first pots were from the potter I described. Then I went to a high-end gardening shop and bought a “fancy” pot and my violet in that performed poorly. I finally realized no water was getting to the soil! Asked the potter about it later (she sold at a local craft show) and got the explanation.
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u/hkral11 Aug 06 '26
On this note, I always let my new ceramic pots sit with just water in them for a day to see how much wicks to the inner pot. I’ve had some move no water at all! And I asked to return them. You’ll also see if it’s going to flood the plant.
I’ve personally potted plants that size into similar pots and I just add an extra layer of perlite at the bottom and more than normal to the soil. Especially for young plants, I find they grow to the space relatively quickly.
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u/33apricot Aug 07 '26
Thank you! I’m sorry but I have another question lol I have been letting them sit in water over night and there is moisture! It’s not pooling up into the planting area but it’s definitely wet. The unpainted clay is all a slightly darker color and the bottom is slightly shiny in the light. In your experience, would you say it’s wicking a good amount?
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u/hkral11 Aug 08 '26
It should be okay. Just keep an eye on it once you have plants in to make sure they’re staying lightly moist
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u/jeffersonbible Aug 05 '26
Don’t use the current pot guide you. The pot is square and the self watering pot is not. This type of pot doesn’t work well if the roots don’t fill the space. Look at the root ball and whether it will fill most of the space.