I love adding exotic new flowers to my ever-growing collection at home. And this time, I bought some beautiful African Violets.
However, I knew I had to research first to find the right environment to thrive in. As it turns out, these gorgeous flowers do best in self-watering pots and containers, as it gives them the right amount of moisture they need.
And so began my search to find the best pots for African Violets. Take a look at my guide to know about the best pots that you can consider for growing your African Violets at home.
Let's begin!
Top 5 Pots For African Violets
1. Vanavazon A707 Self-Watering Planter
Let me begin by introducing you to one of my favorites, the Vanavozon A707 Self-Watering Planter. This six-inch planter comes in a set of three, featuring a beautiful gray cylindrical design. Its unique modern design makes it an excellent addition to your tabletop or window sill.
Product Highlights
To be honest, the first thing that brought this African Violet pot to my attention was its elegant, stylish, yet simple design. The addition of the muted gray top with the transparent bottom gave it a very modern and eye-catching appeal. Plus, it looks fantastic with any type of home decor you might have.
Made of sturdy plastic that is entirely formaldehyde-free and non-toxic, these planters ensure that you don't have to worry about the material transferring toxic ingredients into your beautiful plants. And they are sturdy enough to withstand most environmental damage without developing any scratches, marks, or abrasions.
Lastly, the dual-layer design of this planter ensures that your gorgeous African Violets get enough water to thrive. Its transparent bottom allows you to keep an eye on the water level and refill it whenever it is required.
What's There To Like About It?
I must admit, I fell in love with the simplistic beauty of these African Violet pots. At six inches, they are the perfect size for my tabletop, meaning I didn’t have to fret about accommodating them.
Although I was initially against using plastic for plants, I soon realized that the new plastic material used for these planters is absolutely safe and non-toxic for my plants and the environment. Furthermore, the manufacturer has included the wick, so I did not need to purchase one separately.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Overall, this is one of my favorite pots for my African Violets, and they seem to be thriving in it. However, the manufacturer does not include any instructions or pictures in the package, so first-timers might find it slightly confusing to set up the pots with the plants.
Pros and Cons of Vanavazon A707 Self-Watering Planter
Pros
Cons
- Self-watering: These 6 inch self watering planters store water and feed your plant for a week or more, and it's easier to grow,plants need the white cotton rope to absorb water.
- Premium Quality: These african violet pots are made of new plastic material, and it is formaldehyde-free, non-poisonous, heat-and-cold resistant, etc. Features: high-strength and high-tenacity make it quite safe and durable for use.
- Modern Decorative Design: Unique round-visual modern design and high-decorative material will bring you an other comfortable and beatuful veiw such as windowsill, desktop, bedroom, livingroom, garden, outdoor and so on.
2. Mkono ABCD
The next product that I want to talk about is the Mkono ABCD plastic planters. Like my previous recommendation, this one also comes in a set of three, giving you an adequate number of pots to place several African Violets or other plants in. Read on to know more about them.
Product Highlights
If you are someone who loves simple black and white aesthetics, you will love this set of planters by Mkono. Featuring a simplistic design with two basic colors, they will look beautiful in any room you put them in. Furthermore, the choice of colors makes them a perfect complementary addition to a colorful or muted home or office décor.
At 5.4 inches, these planters are small enough to fit easily on your work desk or window sill. Although they are quite lightweight and portable, rest assured, the PP plastic used is quite durable. Moreover, they come with a dual-layer self-watering design that allows you to go without watering the plants for up to 10 days.
Here, I should also mention that these planters do not come with a transparent base, so you will have to keep an eye on the water level periodically.
What's There To Like About It?
Although I love planters that have a self-watering design and transparent base, not everyone would like this specific design. For those who want the convenience of a self-watering pot without a transparent base, these planters by Mkono can be a perfect choice.
I loved how small and simple the design was, which helped my smaller African Violets thrive and multiply without any issue. Their size made them a perfect addition to smaller spaces like window sills, small desks, bathrooms, etc.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Since I loved the design of these planters and wanted to show them off, I placed them on my window sill. However, I noticed after a while that they began getting dirty very quickly and needed to be frequently cleaned. But I guess that is one of the drawbacks of keeping a white planter outside!
Pros and Cons of Mkono ABCD
Pros
Cons
- Self watering planter ensures the plants take enough water they need for days, and you don't have to water frequently. Up to 10 days or more of watering per fill. This clever wick pots can help you to care your plants when you go outside a couple days or on business.
- The decoractive plant pot is made of quality PP plastic material, light weight but very durable for indoor or outdoor use. Perfect for displaying African violets, herbs, golden devil's ivy, ocean spider plants, etc. No plant includes in this item!
- The beautiful shape with classic black and white match maked them suitable for home or office decoration. Set on any table, counter, or desk to bring natural beauty to your living place. It is a great gift for your friends who love planting.
3. HBServices USA Round Planter
Are you looking for a basic-colored, attractive, self-watering container for your African Violets? Then take a look at this option from HBServices USA. Its stunning navy blue shade and self-aerating design make it a popular choice among new and pro gardeners alike.
Product Highlights
If you have used self-watering containers with wicks before, you may know that some of them sometimes end up clogging and damaging the plants. But HBServices USA has considered this and developed a unique self-watering planter design that prevents clogging.
This planter features hollow legs that go all the way down to the water reservoir. They also enable the soil to naturally draw water without wetting the soil and underside of the plant. Moreover, it ensures that the plant's delicate roots are not submerged or flooded, thus, ruining its life.
Also, you don't need to worry about poking holes into the soil of the plant, as the planter's self-aerating design takes care of this aspect. Furthermore, you will notice that the additional slats at the bottom facilitate air circulation, ensuring that the plant's roots do not rot.
What's There To Like About It?
One of my favorite features of this planter is its unique and strategic design that helps my African Violets grow without facing issues with moisture or air circulation. I loved the fact that I did not have to poke holes in the soil for aerating the roots or worry about root rot due to overwatering.
Also, the manufacturer has provided a clip-on tray that collects any leaking water from the soil or the bottom of the pot. It gives me a mess-free experience, which saves me from cleaning the space frequently.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only thing I did not like about this African Violet pot is that it isn't very easy to check the water level. If the manufacturer had slightly increased the distance between the pot and the saucer, it might be easier to gauge the water level from a distance. However, this is in no way a deal-breaker.
Pros and Cons of HBServices USA Round Planter
Pros
Cons
- SELF-WATERING, 2-WEEKS+ DEEP RESERVOIR: No more troublesome wicks that clog and stop working. Our patented design integrates a self-watering feature into the body of the planter. Hollow legs reach down into the reservoir to allow the soil itself to draw moisture naturally while lifting your plant above the water, keeping its delicate root system from being constantly flooded, minimizing upkeep while eliminating common problems associated with other planters and with over-watering.
- SELF-AERATING, HIGH DRAINAGE, MINIMIZE ROOT ROT: No need to keep poking holes in your soil. Integrated into the body of the planter are additional large open slats on the bottom that are designed to maintain air circulation through the soil, minimizing the risk of root rot commonly found in more enclosed self-watering planters.
- WATER FROM THE BOTTOM + NO MORE OVERFLOW: Each planter comes with a clip-on watering attachment (packed inside the saucer) to make it easier for you to water your more delicate plants. Fill up the deep reservoir directly instead of pouring water through the soil and guessing when to stop. Leave it on for ease of use, or clip it on when necessary to maintain a sleek modern look.
4. T-Trove Self-Watering Pot
Moving on to my next pick, I want to introduce you to the T-Trove Self-Watering Pot. Hands-down, this pot is one of the most aesthetic self-watering containers I have come across in my search which comes with excellent features that make it a great purchase.
Product Highlights
If you are looking for an aesthetic flower pot to add appeal to your home décor, then this unit may fit the bill. This self-watering container is made of plastic and ceramic, giving it added durability and elegance. Plus, its stunning jade green color looks incredible, no matter wherever you place it.
As such, this planter works best for four-inch potted African Violets, so you might have to transfer it to a bigger pot once your plant grows.
That said, it comes in a dual-layer design, which ensures that your plant's roots are hydrated for days without having to water it regularly. However, keep a check on the water level periodically to know when it is time to water the plant again.
Those who want to place a planter outdoors can also opt for this option, as its ceramic and plastic construction is resistant to high temperatures. So, it won't crack, peel, or fade when exposed to sunlight or other environmental factors.
What's There To Like About It?
Without a doubt, one of the best things about this planter is how gorgeous it looks in absolutely any setting. Furthermore, its durable material allows me to place it both indoors and outdoors, which is a flexibility that many brands do not have.
Also, the manufacturer has added glazing on the inside of the outer pot, effectively making it waterproof. This is an admirable design aspect that many other brand manufacturers may have missed.
What's There Not To Like About It?
All said and done; there is one major flaw in this planter that I noticed after using it for a while. The bottom of the planter is more porous than usual and often ends up seeping water on the surface it is kept on.
As such, I recommend placing a protective mat or placing a cork coaster under the pot to protect the surface it’s kept on.
Pros and Cons of T-Trove Self-Watering Pot
Pros
Cons
- Inner size for planting is 4.75in opening X 3.25in deep. Overall size: 6.5 x 4.25 inch H. Fits a 4 inch potted plant.
- Fill the bottom portion half way with water and place planted inner pot inside. Water will soak through unglazed inner pot keeping soil moist.
- This colorful ceramic planter cuts down watering frequency and plants stay healthy and happy for days without much attention.
5. Atri Glazed Porcelain Pot
Before wrapping up this list, I have the Atri Glazed Porcelain Pot. Unlike many of the other pot designs, this one comes in an attractive round shape and is made of ceramic and not plastic. Furthermore, its white shade looks particularly stunning against African Violets.
Product Highlights
If you are not comfortable using plastic for your plants, consider this ceramic self-watering planter by Atri. The outer pot is made of dolomite clay, which is quite durable and has a beautiful glazed finish.
Most people are aware that African Violets can typically be quite finicky about the amount of water they require. Fortunately, this ceramic self-watering takes care of this essential aspect by providing the right amount of moisture required by these plants. Furthermore, its strategic design ensures that there is no scope for flooding and damaging the delicate roots of the plant.
Moving on, you don't need to worry about watering your African Violets for almost a week, thanks to its excellent design. Besides, it comes with an affordable price tag, so you don't need to break the bank.
What's There To Like About It?
Most of the planters I came across typically came in darker hues, which is completely fine, but might take the focus away from my beautiful African Violets. However, I loved that this planter is made of gorgeous white ceramic that makes the violet shade of my flowers pop out exceptionally.
Also, the inner dolomite clay is highly absorbent and facilitates water absorption, while the outer pot is glazed and waterproof. And I must admit, this is excellent designing on display!
What's There Not To Like About It?
There is just one aspect of this flower pot that I did not appreciate much. Although its outer material is quite durable, this pot isn't designed to be kept outdoors. So, even though I really wanted to show off my new planter, I had to stick to keeping it indoors to prevent damage.
Pros and Cons of Atri Glazed Porcelain Pot
Pros
Cons
- KEEP AFRICAN VIOLETS THRIVING all year round with this self-watering ceramic pot by Atri. This African violet pot is designed to absorb water from the bottom up to the root system. Ceramic indoor planter delivers just enough water to keep soil moist without being soggy. PLANT NOT INCLUDED.
- 2-PIECE SELF-WATERING POT: Center pot holds the plant and is made of absorbent dolomite clay for water absorption to the plant roots. Outer pot is a durable glazed Porcelain that holds the water. OVERALL SIZE: 6.5”W x 4.6”H. CENTER POT OPENING: 4.75”W x 3.25”H.
- African violet pots ceramic for indoor plants help eliminate plant saturation or forgetful underwatering. Simply fill the outer ceramic pot about 1/3 full of water and insert the clay flower pot. The Atri Self-Watering Ceramic Planter for indoor plants ensures nearly fool-proof plant watering.
Buyers Guide
Now that I am done with my reviews of the top five picks, I am ready to move on to the next section. In this section, I will discuss some of the vital factors to consider before purchasing the best pots for African Violets.
Keep in mind that these factors are not meant to persuade you to buy a specific product but merely to help you make the right choice. Individual needs may vary; hence, I have taken that into account when curating this buyer's guide for all my readers.
Hopefully, these points will help you select the right pot that will help your African Violets thrive.
1. Material Of The Pot
One of the first things I want to talk about is the material of the planter you plan on purchasing. Now, most African Pot planters are made of plastic, which is fine, as long as the plastic used is non-toxic and BPA-free.
However, if the manufacturer does not mention these points, then it is best to avoid buying the planter. This is primarily because BPA is highly toxic, and plastic is not good for the environment. As such, most people avoid using unsustainable products and are slowly moving over to green products.
You can also opt for ceramic pots, as these look much more visually appealing and are safer than plastic ones. However, you need to be careful about where you keep them, as they can be quite prone to breaking or chipping.
That being said, even ceramic pots are being designed with plastic or other materials, making them far more sturdy and long-lasting.
2. Size
The next thing you need to consider is the size of your planter. From what I have seen, the four to six-inch planters are ideal for smaller African Violets; however, they will need to be transferred to larger pots once they outgrow the smaller ones.
On the other hand, you can opt for larger planters as long as you have adequate space at home to decorate them. And they also offer more breathing and growing space to your African Violets. But smaller pots can be quite decorative and functional as well, depending on your requirements and the size of your plant.
3. Purpose
Finally, you need to decide on the purpose of your planter. By this, I mean whether you want to place it indoors or outdoors.
Personally, I love placing my planters on window sills in the living room and bathroom, so I had to specifically look for options that were designed for outdoor use.
Such planters are usually made of UV-resistant material that will not fade, chip, or face environmental damage easily. Other planters, if kept outdoors, may easily fade or break, which is a risk I did not want to take.
However, if you plan on decorating the planter indoors - like in the bathroom or inside the rooms, you can opt for any material.
Again, keep in mind that if you have children or pets around the house, it is best to opt for durable materials. Glass and ceramics may be prone to breaking, especially in high-traffic areas. But you can choose to place the planter somewhere where it isn't within easy reach of your pets or kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this next section, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about pots for African Violets. These are some things I learned from experience during my search and while trying several products and brands. I hope this helps you find the right pots for your plants.
Ideally, you should water African Violets about once a week, but this depends on the kind of planter you purchase. Some planters are quite large and can keep the plants hydrated for about 10 days to two weeks. On the other hand, other smaller pots might require more frequent watering.
To be on the safe side, I recommend checking the water level in the pot every few days. If you see it getting low, feel free to add some more water.
I will always recommend poking a few holes in the soil to facilitate air circulation and prevent root rot. However, some planters come with large slabs that enable easy aeration, so you don't need to make holes in the soil for them.
Always check the manufacturer's instructions on the product box before adding soil and plants to the pot. Some manufacturers will have specific care instructions, and it is best to follow them to ensure that your African Violets thrive.
As long as you get a clean water supply, you can feed tap water to African Violets. But ensure that the water is not too hot or cold and does not contain bacteria and germs. As a precautionary measure, you can add distilled water instead, especially if you notice that the plant health is beginning to deteriorate.
My Final Recommendation
And with that, it’s a wrap! I have finally reached the end of my comprehensive guide, and I hope it helps you find the best pots for African Violets.
Before signing off, I want to take a moment to talk about some of my favorites among the top five picks. Overall, I loved the Vanavazon A707 Self-Watering Planter because of its transparent base design and size.
However, those looking for something a little more aesthetically appealing can opt for the T-Trove Self-Watering Pot. And finally, Mkono offers a great set of three plastic planters, which are perfect for smaller African Violets.
But no matter which option you opt for, keep in mind that cleaning them regularly should be on the top of your priority list. Keep an eye on this space for more such interesting reads.
Until then, goodbye!