Can African Violet Pots Be Used For Other Plants – A Gardener’S Guide

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever find yourself admiring that charming, two-piece African violet pot gathering dust on a shelf? Maybe you inherited one, or your own violet has moved on to the great greenhouse in the sky. You look at its clever design and think, “It’s a shame to let such a great pot go to waste.”

I hear you, and I’ve been there myself. It feels like such a specialized tool. But I’m here to let you in on a little secret that will open up a world of possibilities for your indoor garden: the answer to can african violet pots be used for other plants is a resounding YES!

In this complete guide, we’re going to dive deep into the world of these fantastic self-watering containers. I’ll promise you this: by the end of this article, you’ll not only understand how these pots work but also know exactly which plants will thrive in them, which to avoid, and the step-by-step process to get them set up for success. Let’s turn that single-purpose pot into a versatile gardening superstar.

Understanding the Magic: How Do African Violet Pots Work?

Before we start matchmaking your plants with these pots, let’s quickly break down what makes them so special. It’s not just about looks; it’s a brilliant piece of horticultural engineering designed to solve a very specific problem.

An African violet pot consists of two main parts:

  • The Inner Pot: This is an unglazed, porous terracotta pot where the plant and soil live. Because it’s unglazed, it can absorb water directly through its walls.
  • The Outer Reservoir: This is a glazed ceramic or plastic pot that holds a reservoir of water. The inner pot sits snugly inside it, with its base dipping into or just above the water line.

The magic is in the wicking action. The porous terracotta of the inner pot acts like a sponge, slowly drawing water from the outer reservoir into the soil as the plant needs it. This process, called capillary action, ensures the soil remains consistently moist but never waterlogged—the perfect environment for fussy African violets, which hate getting their leaves wet and despise soggy roots.

The Big Question: So, Can African Violet Pots Be Used for Other Plants?

Absolutely! The very mechanism that makes these pots perfect for African violets—consistent, bottom-up watering—is a dream come true for a whole host of other houseplants. Think of any plant that loves evenly moist soil and high humidity, and you’ve likely found a perfect candidate.

Using these pots is a fantastic way to take the guesswork out of watering. They are a lifesaver for gardeners who tend to either overwater or underwater their plants. Plus, repurposing them is a wonderfully sustainable and eco-friendly way to garden, making the most of the resources you already have.

This can african violet pots be used for other plants guide is all about showing you the best practices to ensure your new plant thrives just as well as a violet would.

The Best Candidates: Plants That Thrive in African Violet Pots

Ready to find a new friend for your pot? The key is to choose plants that appreciate consistent moisture and don’t want to dry out completely between waterings. Here are some of my top recommendations, all of which I’ve had personal success with.

Tropical Foliage Plants

Many of our favorite leafy houseplants hail from tropical rainforest floors where the soil is always damp. These are prime candidates!

  • Fittonia (Nerve Plant): These dramatic little plants are notorious for fainting the second they get a bit thirsty. An African violet pot provides the constant hydration they crave to keep them perky.
  • Calathea and Maranta (Prayer Plants): Known for their stunning foliage, these plants demand high humidity and consistently moist soil to prevent crispy edges. A self-watering pot is their best friend.
  • Pilea (Friendship Plant, Moon Valley): Not to be confused with the Pilea peperomioides, these textured beauties love moisture and will flourish with a steady water supply.
  • Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes): Much like the Fittonia, this colorful plant will wilt dramatically when dry. Keep it happy and vibrant in a self-watering pot.
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Moisture-Loving Ferns

Ferns are classic moisture-seekers. While larger ferns will quickly outgrow a standard violet pot, smaller varieties are a perfect match.

  • Maidenhair Fern: Delicate and beautiful, but incredibly unforgiving if its soil dries out. This is a perfect way to keep it happy without constant vigilance.
  • Button Fern: A compact and charming fern that appreciates the consistent moisture these pots provide.

Other Fantastic Options

The list doesn’t stop there! Here are a few more plants that adapt beautifully.

  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Smaller varieties of Peace Lilies are a great choice. They love moisture and will thank you with beautiful white spathes.
  • Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii): This delicate, mat-forming plant needs constant moisture to look its best, making it an ideal candidate.
  • Carnivorous Plants: Many carnivorous plants, like Venus Fly Traps or Pitcher Plants, grow in bogs and require constantly wet soil. An African violet pot can mimic this environment perfectly, but be sure to use distilled or rainwater only for them!

Plants to Avoid: Who Doesn’t Like “Wet Feet”?

Just as important as knowing what to plant is knowing what not to plant. Putting the wrong plant in a self-watering pot is a fast track to root rot, which is often a fatal problem.

As a general rule, avoid any plant that needs its soil to dry out completely between waterings. Their roots are not adapted to constant moisture and will quickly begin to decay.

The “Do Not Plant” List

  • Succulents and Cacti: This is the number one group to avoid. Think of Echeverias, Sedums, Haworthias, and all desert cacti. They are adapted to arid conditions and will rot in consistently damp soil.
  • Snake Plants (Sansevieria): These are technically succulents and are extremely susceptible to root rot from overwatering.
  • ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Like snake plants, ZZ plants store water in their rhizomes and prefer to dry out thoroughly.
  • Pothos and Philodendron: While these are generally easygoing, they do appreciate their soil drying out a bit. They can survive in these pots, but you risk overwatering if you’re not careful. It’s often better to choose a plant that truly loves the conditions.
  • Orchids: Most common household orchids, like Phalaenopsis, are epiphytes. Their roots need excellent air circulation and a wet-dry cycle, not constant dampness.

Your Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use African Violet Pots for Other Plants

Feeling confident you have the right plant? Fantastic! Following this simple how to can african violet pots be used for other plants process will ensure a smooth transition and a happy plant.

  1. Clean the Pot Thoroughly: Start with a clean slate. Scrub both the inner and outer pots with hot, soapy water. If it’s an old pot, you might see white crusty buildup—that’s mineral salts. A soak in a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water for an hour will help dissolve it. Rinse everything completely afterward.

  2. Choose the Right Potting Mix: This is crucial. Because the pot provides constant moisture, you need a soil mix that is light and airy to prevent compaction and allow roots to breathe. A standard African violet mix is perfect! You can also make your own by mixing one part all-purpose potting soil with one part perlite or vermiculite.

  3. Pot Your Plant: Gently remove your chosen plant from its nursery pot. Add a small amount of your airy potting mix to the bottom of the unglazed inner pot. Place the plant inside, ensuring the top of its root ball is about half an inch below the rim. Fill in around the sides with more potting mix, gently firming it down. Do not pack it tightly!

  4. The Initial Watering: For the very first time, water the plant from the top, just like you would in a regular pot. Water until it runs freely from the bottom. This helps the soil settle and establishes good contact between the soil and the porous pot walls, which is essential for the wicking to start.

  5. Assemble and Fill the Reservoir: Place the newly potted inner pot into the outer reservoir. Now, fill the outer reservoir with room-temperature water. A good starting point is to fill it about halfway up. You’ll learn your plant’s specific needs over time.

Common Problems and Pro Tips for Success

Even with the best intentions, you might run into a few hiccups. Don’t worry! Here are some common problems with can african violet pots be used for other plants and my favorite pro tips to keep things running smoothly.

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Problem: Mold or Algae on the Terracotta

Cause: The constantly damp surface of the outer part of the inner pot can sometimes grow a bit of harmless green algae or white mold.

Solution: It’s usually just a cosmetic issue. You can wipe it off with a damp cloth. If it bothers you, a bit of hydrogen peroxide on a cloth can help clean it up. Letting the reservoir dry out occasionally can also help.

Problem: White Crusty Buildup (Efflorescence)

Cause: This is a buildup of mineral salts from your tap water and fertilizers, which get left behind as water evaporates.

Solution: This is one of the most important can african violet pots be used for other plants tips. Every month or so, take the inner pot to the sink and flush it with water from the top for a few minutes. This leaches out the excess salts and prevents them from harming your plant’s roots. Using filtered or distilled water can also significantly reduce buildup.

Problem: The Soil Seems Too Wet or Too Dry

Cause: The wicking action can be affected by the soil mix or water level.

Solution: If the soil is soggy, you may need to add more perlite to your mix to increase aeration. If it’s too dry, make sure the bottom of the inner pot is making good contact with the water or that the soil wasn’t packed too tightly.

Pro Tip: The Occasional “Drought”

Even for moisture-loving plants, it’s a good idea to let the reservoir run completely dry for a day or two every couple of weeks. This allows the upper layers of soil to dry slightly, which helps with aeration and can prevent the soil from becoming stagnant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using African Violet Pots for Other Plants

Can I use an African violet pot for starting seeds?

Yes, they can be excellent for seed starting! The consistent moisture is ideal for germination, especially for seeds that require a long time to sprout. Just make sure you use a sterile seed-starting mix.

How often should I refill the water reservoir?

This depends on your plant, the size of the pot, and the humidity in your home. Check it every few days at first. You’ll soon get a rhythm, but it could range from every 4 days to every 2 weeks. The goal is to not let it sit empty for too long (unless you’re giving it an intentional “drought” day).

Do I still need to fertilize my plants in these pots?

Absolutely! You can add a diluted liquid fertilizer (usually at 1/4 or 1/2 strength) directly to the water in the reservoir every few weeks during the growing season. This provides a gentle, consistent feeding that these plants love. Remember to flush the soil with plain water periodically to prevent salt buildup from the fertilizer.

Go Forth and Repurpose!

There you have it—everything you need to know to confidently repurpose those beautiful African violet pots. They are far more versatile than their name suggests and can be a secret weapon for growing a variety of stunning, moisture-loving houseplants with ease.

You’ve learned how they work, which plants will adore them, and the best practices for setting them up. By giving that pot a new purpose, you’re not just making your life easier; you’re engaging in a smart, sustainable practice that reduces waste and expands your gardening horizons.

So go ahead, grab that pot, pick a new plant partner, and get planting. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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