One of the most important factors Success in growing Saintpaulia is a properly composed earthen mixture. What should it be so that adult plants bloom luxuriantly and do not get sick, cuttings take root safely, and young rosettes grow quickly? As you know, each collector has his own, proven by many years of experience, composition of the earthen mixture.
As laboratory studies show, soils sold in stores have a number of disadvantages: firstly, too high acidity; secondly, excess or deficiency of macro- and microelements; thirdly, the soil is too heavy and compacts quickly. What to do if it is not possible to collect various components in the forest yourself? Many years of experience of violet growers proves that the use of " ready-made soils"possibly. At the exhibitions in the Violet House, plants are presented, most of which are grown on purchased soils.
In order for plants to develop and bloom well, the soil must be loose, moisture-absorbing, breathable, and contain required amount nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, have a slightly acidic environment - pH 5.5-6.5.
There are various components that are recommended to be added to purchased soil so that it meets the above requirements.
 | Perlite is a rock of volcanic origin. It is added to the soil up to 30% of the volume, making the mixture lighter, more breathable, looser, which prevents caking, clumping, and compaction. Thanks to these properties, the plant’s roots develop well and air exchange is not disturbed. |
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Vermiculite - natural material from the group of hydromicas. It is added to the soil in the same way as perlite, up to 30% of the volume. The main difference between perlite and vermiculite is that vermiculite retains water longer, while perlite releases it faster, providing air exchange and oxygen delivery to the roots. |
 | Sphagnum moss is hydroscopic and makes the substrate breathable. And thanks to the anti-putrefactive substance, sphagnol has antibacterial, disinfectant and antifungal properties. It is also added to the soil (approximately 20-30%). |
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Charcoal - good antiseptic, it prevents rotting and acidification of the soil, and also absorbs salts and improves the structure of the soil. |
We offer an approximate soil recipe based on purchased:
- 6 parts of purchased soil;
- 1 part perlite;
- 1 part vermiculite;
- 1 part sphagnum moss;
- 1 part coal.
It is important not to forget about drainage. Fine expanded clay or perlite can be used as drainage.
When preparing the soil, each gardener uses his own recipe. You can add more or less of each baking powder, use additional components (sand, pine bark, pine needles, etc.). The main thing is that the result is a loose, not very heavy, homogeneous substrate that can provide access to air and water to the roots.
This soil can also be used for violet relatives from the Gesneriaceae family - Gloxinia, Sinningia, Streptocarpus, Chirit, etc.
We wish you success in growing plants!
Violets are very picky about the composition of the soil in which they will grow, so they will not grow in soil dug up simply in the forest. Soil for violets must be purchased at the store, for example, “Fart” or “Garden of Miracles” are excellent for these purposes; or cook it yourself according to the recipes given in this article.
Favorable soil for Saintpaulias, for example Fart and the Garden of Miracles, consists of leaf and turf soil, various raising agents and fillers, as well as substances for draining the soil. Leaf soil is collected under trees in the garden. It is extremely loose, perfectly permeable to water and air, with a high content of hydrogen ions, that is, it is acidic. The composition of such soil consists mainly of fallen leaves from the foliage of birch or linden, which have lain under the tree for one or two years.
Turf soil refers to the upper part of the soil containing plant roots mixed with rotted leaves. Typically, this soil composition is typical for meadows and garden plots, as well as for special land for violets “Garden of Miracles”. Nutritional properties are contained in humus and compost. As fillers for soil intended for violets, use soil containing a large number of peat and coniferous forest litter made from rotted needles, preferably pine. Excellent soil drainage for indoor flowers Expanded clay, or rather its small fractions, has proven itself. The soil for violets “Garden of Miracles” also contains them. The soil loosening agent for Saintpaulias in Fart soil is poured, which is a very light silica of a white or light gray shade, which is an excellent substitute for sand.
The content of overwater for successful cultivation of violets should not exceed a fifth of the total volume of soil. It is more economical to use poured in grains rather than in powder form for keeping indoor flowers. It is easier to find it on sale; for example, “Agroperlite” is often found on the shelves of hardware stores. Hydromica, which contains a large amount of water, is used for planting young plants and replanting adult flowers. 
Its content in vermiculite reaches up to five hundred percent; thanks to this component, plants breathe and do not rot.
Another part of the soil for Saintpaulias is sphagnum moss. This natural substance increases the hygroscopicity of the soil, and it is also an excellent antiseptic. Sphagnum moss is placed in pots with violets, scalded with boiling water, dried and ground until fine.
Planting Saintpaulias cannot be done without charcoal, although its content in the soil for violets is insignificant. This substance, which is indirectly related to botany, is placed in large pieces at the bottom of a pot of violets, and the crumbs are mixed with the ground, regulating the soil moisture and absorbing excess water from it. Coal is necessarily included in the soil for indoor flowers “Garden of Miracles” and “Fart”.
Some manufacturers add dolomite flour or ground limestone to the soil for Saintpaulia. white– it is intended to reduce soil acidity when necessary. The composition of the soil disintegrator “Garden of Miracles” rarely includes ordinary sand. Reading the composition of the soil for violets, you can see coconut milk among its constituent substances to increase the looseness of the mixture. The composition of the soil mixture affects the absorption by the plant of the elements necessary for its life.
It must be borne in mind that violets feel comfortable in soil with a low content of hydrogen ions or in neutral soils.
At low acidity (pH< 4) заметно снижается впитываемость фосфора и азота, даже при достаточной подкормке indoor plants. Saintpaulia buds may not fully open and fall off, and the lower foliage may turn yellow. An excellent remedy against nitrogen-phosphorus deficiency is the addition of crushed eggshells into a pot of Saintpaulias, or pour ash water over the violet (about one tablespoon wood ash for two liters of water). 
The absorption of phosphorus and nitrogen by violets is reduced if the flower is placed in highly alkaline soil (pH level above 8.5). In this case, you will need to replant the plants on soil with the addition of coniferous or leaf soil, or use the soil for Saintpaulia “Garden of Miracles”. To determine the content of hydrogen ions in the soil (soil acidity level), you can purchase a special indicator - with its help, the causes of most ailments of indoor flowers can be easily determined.
We cook ourselves
There are several ways to prepare a soil mixture for growing Saintpaulias yourself in a city apartment or country house, the composition of which contains different amounts of ingredients. Of course, how suitable the chosen method is for your violets can only be determined over time, but the proportions for preparation quality soil How to keep Saintpaulia in the “Garden of Miracles” can be found in this section of the article. 
- Method one: you need to mix one part of universal soil, or soil intended specifically for Saintpaulias, with two parts of peat and add one portion of perlite, sphagnum moss or vermiculite to the mixture. Dilute the resulting composition with half a portion of charcoal and that’s it, the soil for growing violets is ready.
- Method two: take six portions of nutritious soil per one portion of perlite and vermiculite, add one weight of sphagnum moss and the same amount of charcoal. Saintpaulias also grow well on such soil.
- The third method: it will require three measures of peat soil, one part of nutrient soil and the same amount of vermiculite, if you add half of the charcoal, the result will be quite suitable soil for Saintpaulia, no worse than soil for indoor flowers called Garden of Miracles .
- Fourth option: five weights of peat soil, one weight of nutrient soil, half a portion of Ceramis granulate and perlite with vermiculite, mix all this with a quarter of the weight of charcoal and several peas of superphosphate, you get a nutritious soil mixture for violets.
In general, there are many recipes for preparing soil for homemade Saintpaulias; you just need to take into account that young plants require more leavening agents and filling substances, and adults require more nutritious soil. And it is best to use factory-made soil from Garden of Miracles.
Fertilizers
Experts agree that after a few months, the soil in a small pot is almost completely depleted, which negatively affects Saintpaulias and violets require fertilizer.
They are classified into:
Simple mineral;
Complex minerals;
AND organic fertilizers for plants.
When using any fertilizer, the main thing is to adhere to the measure. All three types are necessary for the full growth of Saintpaulia, but it must be taken into account that they must be alternated.
The main components of soil for violets:
High-moor peat or soil mixtures based on it
, such as "KLASMANN", "GREENWORLD", "TERA VITA", "Seliger-Agro" and others.
Perlite- almost neutral material. Rock of volcanic origin. It is added to the soil up to 30% of the volume, making the mixture lighter, more breathable, looser, which prevents caking, clumping, and compaction. Thanks to these properties, the plant’s roots develop well and air exchange is not disturbed.
Vermiculite- natural material, belongs to the types of mica. It increases the acidity of the soil. It is added to the soil in the same way as perlite, up to 30% of the volume. Vermiculite provides air exchange and oxygen delivery to the roots.
Perlite is convenient to use together with vermiculite. When used together, they compensate for each other's shortcomings. It is advisable to purchase a large fraction and be sure to rinse before use.
Sphagnum moss- has antibacterial, disinfectant and antifungal properties, thanks to the anti-putrefactive substance. It also makes the soil hygroscopic and breathable.
Charcoal- a good antiseptic, it prevents rotting and acidification of the soil, and also absorbs salts and improves the structure of the soil. The use of charcoal reduces the risk of bacterial diseases of the root system of plants.
When composing the soil, you can use more or less of some components, omit some or replace them with similar ones (coconut, pine needles, bark, sand), the main thing is that the substrate is breathable, moisture-absorbing and loose.
Here are a few examples of the composition of soil mixtures for violets:
6 parts of purchased soil;
- 1 part perlite;
- 1 part vermiculite;
- 1 part sphagnum moss;
- 1 part coal
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4 parts of peat-based nutrient soil (soil for violets and begonias)
- 1/2 part perlite
-1/2 part vermiculite
- 1/2 - 1 part crushed moss
-1/2 parts coconut substrate
- 2-6 tablespoons charcoal fine fraction - depends on the volume of soil made.
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6 parts of nutritious soil (“Seliger-Agro” universal for flowers, “Vermion”, “Zashita”, “AB5, Greenworldn”)
- 1 part perlite,
- 1 part vermiculite,
- 1/2 part of coconut substrate,
- 1 part chopped sphagnum moss,
- approximately a tablespoon of fine charcoal.
These are the recipes of our famous collectors and breeders, published by Irina Shchedrina on the Violet House forum:
Recipe by Olga Aksenkina:
Vermiculite: perlite = 1:6
Charcoal 1 pack per 10 liters
Fertilizers "Plantofol" - concentrations are 4 times less than recommended. After transplantation, the plants receive clean water, during the second watering and then with a fertilizer solution.
Recipe from Olga Artemova:
Adult violets on the wick:
White high peat "Klasmann"
Fertilizer "Etisso" for flowers 1ml/1l. with every watering,
Children (wick not used):
White high peat "Klasmann"
Fertilizer "Etisso" according to the instructions for the fertilizer
Recipe from Irina Danilina
Adult violets and children (I do not use a wick):
"Greenworld" - 1h
Vermion elite - 1h
Perlite-Vermiculite - 0.5 packs
Charcoal - 0.5 packs per 10 l
Adult violets on the wick:
"Greenworld" - 1h
Perlite - 1 hour
Charcoal
Fertilizer Schultz (Schultz) - according to instructions, every watering
Recipe from Nina Starostenko
Adult Saintpaulias and children are grown on mats:
Terra Vita (Floral or universal) - 10l
Coniferous substrate - 1 pack
Charcoal - 1 pack
Perlite + vermiculite in a ratio of 4:1 - 10-20% of the mixture volume
Fertilizer "Etisso" - not regularly
Replant as needed.
Recipe from Tamara Kopeikina
Adult violets on the wick:
Greenworld - 10 parts
Perlite - 7 parts
Fertilizer: "Etisso" for flowers 1 ml per 1 l, constantly
Kids (I don’t use a wick)
According to the same scheme (fertilizers with each watering).
Recipe from Alexey Kuznetsov
For miniature violets:
Mature violets on the wick
fine peat (from nature) - 25%
Perlite - 75%
Fertilizer:
alternating "Etisso" for flowers (1 ml per 1 l) and for decorative foliage plants (2 ml per l) every watering
Replant after each flowering.
Children without a wick:
The soil is the same
Fertilizer:
"Etisso" (for decorative foliage) 2 ml per l each watering
Choose, experiment and you will find your own soil composition that you and your violets will like. These soils can be successfully used in growing other Gesneriaceae, such as streptocarpus.
I will add that never reuse any components of the earthen mixture, because... harmful microorganisms could already begin to multiply there!
Good luck and success in growing your violets and other favorite flowers.
Violets are demanding on the composition of the soil. On unsuitable soil they will quickly die or grow weak. Not only does its quality depend on appearance, but also the health of the plant. At proper care and maintenance, flowering is abundant and long-lasting, and the greenery acquires a rich hue. In ordinary soil, violets do not take root well and stop blooming.
Growing violets
Growing violets requires knowledge and time. Well-groomed plants look bright and impressive, and their flowers and leaves almost completely cover the pot or flowerpot in which they grow. In order to achieve this result, you need to know several subtleties:
- violets don't need it big pot: for seedlings and young flowers, a container of 5-6 cm in diameter is sufficient, for adults - up to 10-12 cm;
- For abundant flowering maintain a constant temperature of 20-25 degrees throughout the year;
- The plant is watered as the top layer of soil dries out, but waterlogging should not be allowed.
The soil for violets should be light and loose, allowing air and moisture to pass through. To do this, holes must be made in the pot to drain excess liquid, and drainage is laid out at the bottom of the pot. These plants prefer slightly acidic soil; its pH should be between 5.5-6.5.
Soil composition
Under natural conditions, violets grow in forest areas, along roads and near water bodies, as well as in the mountains. Its roots are not very long and developed, so at home it can be planted in small and shallow pots (the ratio between the leaf rosette and the pot is 3:1). You can prepare the soil for this plant yourself, but it will differ from mixtures that are suitable for other decorative flowers.
It will consist of several parts:
- Nutrient part of the soil - elements that contain maximum amount substances for growth. These include leaf or turf soil, as well as organic additives (humus, humus, compost).
- Fillers are the basis of purchased soils. In most purchased mixtures they are represented by peat, but at home you can use coniferous soil - a layer of soil under coniferous trees with rotten needles.
- Disintegrants - perlite (silica granules), vermiculite (hydromica), sphagnum (a type of moss) or dolomite (limestone). At home, you can use charcoal or purchased expanded clay as drainage - they absorb liquid well.
Important! Outdoor soil is not suitable for growing violets. It is better to use purchased mixtures - they are free from pests, mold and mildew, which cause various diseases.
Ready mixes
The packaging of the mixtures indicates that they are intended specifically for violets. This soil is light, loose, allows air to pass through well and absorbs excess moisture. The bottom of the pot can be additionally lined with a layer of drainage (2-3 cm).
Advice! Store-bought mixtures are prepared without adding soil. At home, it is difficult to select the ingredients in the required proportions, so it is easier to buy ready-made soil.
Flower happiness (Fasco)
Soil “Flower Happiness” from Fusco is suitable for growing all varieties of violets, seedlings and adult plants. It contains peat as a leavening agent, but in small quantities. During watering, it allows moisture to pass through well, and it completely saturates the soil. Before planting the plant, the bottom of the pot is lined with a layer of drainage (it is better to use expanded clay), then the plant is placed and the gaps are filled with earth.
Biosoil Ecoflora (Hera)
Soil for violets from the Ukrainian manufacturer Ecoflora is suitable for growing adult plants, as well as for germinating seeds. It is made on the basis of peat at different stages of decomposition, as well as a complex of all necessary substances. The soil is light and nutritious, promoting the organic development of the root system and green mass of plants. On sale you can find packages of this soil of any volume: 2.5 l, 3 l, 3.5 l, 5 l and others.
Ground Biud
The mixture does not contain artificial mineral fertilizers, but rich in organic nutrients. This soil contains minerals and peat, as well as an organic additive based on horse manure. BIUD soil is completely cleared of pathogens of various diseases and does not require preliminary preparation. However, beneficial soil microorganisms that improve the nutrition of violets are fully preserved.
Veltorf soil
Suitable for planting different varieties violets, their seedlings and seeds, as well as some other flowers. It is based on high-moor peat, raising agents, dolomite compounds and a complex of minerals. Nitrogen, potassium and magnesium are found here in sufficient quantities. The soil does not need additional training- just moisten it a little and plant the plants.
Morris Green soil
Popular due to good price/quality ratio. It consists of high peat at a low stage of decomposition, also present here root feeding and an additive that improves soil properties.
Minerals are presented in a prolonged form, so they continue to act for a long time. This reduces the need for additional fertilizer and increases the permissible time for flowers to remain in one pot.
Primer Peter Peat
Complex peat soil from a Russian manufacturer, on which violets can grow without additional fertilizer. It is inexpensive, but of high quality, and contains practically no impurities. For home use You can buy it in small containers, but there are also 10 liter options.
DIY soil
Soil for violets can be prepared at home, but this is enough labor-intensive process. Select the right ingredients and combine them into the right proportions not enough - you will still need to neutralize them from pests.
The soil in which violets will feel comfortable can be prepared according to the following recipe:
- Mix universal soil with peat in a ratio of 1:2;
- add 1 part perlite (sphagnum or vermiculite can be used instead) and 1/2 portion of charcoal;
- You can add a small amount of coconut fiber.
Conclusion
Violets are very demanding plants. The main condition for their long and abundant flowering is properly selected soil. It should replicate the natural growing conditions of these plants as much as possible, be light and absorb moisture well. In such soil, violet care is reduced to a minimum, and the flowers turn out large and bright.
In accordance with the opinions of persons specializing in this matter, soil for violets should have the following properties:
- Looseness
- Moisture capacity
- Breathability
Also, the soil must contain substances necessary for the quality development of violets. Acidity, in turn, ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 pH.
The soil mixture in almost all cases should consist of nutrient soil. It can be vermicompost, compost, turf, or coniferous soil. For the plant described above, it is recommended to use leaf soil, which is obtained by removing the top layer from under deciduous trees.
It is advisable to obtain this layer from a clean place. It is also advisable to add various nutritional components to it for better growth violets.
Soil composition
The composition of the soil for violets includes several components, namely:
1. Nutrient soil
- IN in this case represents upper layer from under deciduous plants. In turn, it has several useful qualities: looseness, moisture absorption and breathability. Acidity is: from 5.5 to 6.5 pH.
- Also included is turf soil, i.e. the top layer of soil with plant roots remaining in it. Typically obtained from grasslands
- The soils described above include vermicompost and compost.
2. Fillers
Two types of soil can serve as fillers for violets:
- Coniferous. Usually taken from the lower layer of soil on which they grow coniferous species plants (preference should be given to conifers). Acidity at 4-5 pH. It also has such a wonderful property as looseness.
- Peat. The purpose is to provide a balanced mineral nutrition plants. Also has looseness
3. Leavening agents and moisture holders
There are a huge number of gyroscopic materials today, but we will consider the main ones:
- Perlite. It is granular silicon, usually contained in soil mixtures. The color ranges from white to grayish, it is light and very similar to sand. For the plant described above, experts advise giving preference to granular species.
- Vermiculite. It has high absorbency, which is very useful for young plants. As a rule, they are used for growing cuttings.
- Sphagnum moss. Main properties of this material lies in the disinfecting effect. Before use, it is recommended to pour boiling water, then dry, and then finely grind. As a rule, after performing these actions, it prevents the plant from drying out excessively.
- Charcoal. Has absorbent properties. In practice, there are 2 use cases:
- Before planting, place a small amount of plants at the bottom of the pot.
- In the second case, it is recommended to mix with soil to ensure a regulating effect regarding humidity.
- Dolomite flour. Gardeners rarely use this material because it is only an additional component that does not have obvious properties. As a rule, it is necessary to regulate acidity.
Disintegrants include several components:
- Expanded clay - visually represents a reddish ball consisting of clay. This effect is achieved by processing at high temperatures. It is recommended to place it on the bottom of the pot.
- Coconut fiber and sand. Gardeners rarely use these materials. It is better to add the material described above.
Ready-made soils for violets
There are a huge number of ready-made soils for growing plants; it is necessary to consider the most basic of them: 
- ASP GREENWORLD. Is the most best source beneficial nutrients for violets. Recommended for use when growing house plants. This soil consists of sand, peat, coconut fiber and other important nutritional components.
- Saintpaulia. When using this material, gardeners recommend additionally adding various baking powders, which are described above.
- "Terra-vit". This mixture consists entirely of peat, so it is not recommended for use with violets due to its high acidity content.
- "Academy of Growth" It has a number of nutrients and is also slightly acidic. They consist of peat with the addition of limestone.
- "Bereginya." The composition is quite standard: sand, dolomite flour, peat, compost and various fertilizers. It is used quite often, because the plant feels comfortable in it.
After purchasing ready-made fertilizers, experts recommend steaming them with boiling water, and then putting this mixture in an oven at a temperature of one hundred degrees. After carrying out these actions, you need to wait about a month for recovery and enrich with appropriate fertilizers for better plant growth.
How to make soil for violets yourself
There are several options for soil mixtures that you can create yourself by mixing all the components. Of course, the most successful soil is selected experimentally, but for novice gardeners it will be useful to know in what proportions to mix different components.
Below you can see some options soil mixtures, time-tested and popular among many Saintpaulia owners:
- Option 1:
- 1 part nutritious soil (universal or special for violets).
- 2 parts peat.
- 1 part perlite, vermiculite, moss.
- ½ part charcoal.
- Option 2:
- 6 parts nutrient soil.
- 1 part vermiculite and perlite.
- 1 part sphagnum moss.
- 1 part charcoal.
- Option 3:
- 3 parts peat soil.
- 1 part nutrient soil.
- 1 part vermiculite.
- ½ part charcoal.
- Option 4:
- 5 parts peat soil.
- 1 part nutrient soil.
- ½ part of Seramis granulate.
- ¼ part charcoal.
- Superphosphate (several peas).
- Option 5:
- 4 parts peat soil.
- 1 part crushed sphagnum moss.
- ½ part perlite and vermiculite.
- ½ part coconut fiber.
- A small amount of charcoal.
Fertilizers
After a plant has been in a pot for a long time, the soil slowly begins to lose its beneficial features, and nutrients. These factors negatively affect 
violets. To prevent these consequences, it is necessary to add various fertilizers to the soil, as mentioned above.
Fertilizers by their nature are classified into:
- Simple mineral
- Complex
- Organic
If you use any type of fertilizer, you must follow the instructions. An overabundance will only cause negative consequences, which, in turn, will affect the plant.