How to Make African Violet Soil

African violets reward gardeners with a potential year-round bloom season. They are easily the most popular flowering houseplant in the U.S., according to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. A high-quality potting medium is essential to optimal plant vigor and flower production. While many commercial mixes are available, they are too heavy for proper culture of violets. The African Violet Society of America recommends a homemade mixture of sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. You can add 25 percent worm castings as a nutrient-rich organic soil amendment that will not burn plants.

Measuring cups
Sphagnum peat moss
Vermiculite
Perlite
Mixing bowl
Baking pan
Aluminum foil
Worm castings
Airtight storage container

Instructions

- 1
  Measure in three separate containers: 2 parts sphagnum peat moss, 1 part vermiculite and 1 part perlite. Mix the peat moss and vermiculite together, setting the perlite aside for now.
- 2
  Pasteurize the mixed ingredients to kill any pathogens that may be present in the peat moss. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and place the peat moss-vermiculite mix into a baking pan. Spritz the surface of the potting mix with water, and seal the pan with aluminum foil.
- 3
  Place the pan in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the pan and let the mix cool thoroughly before handling it. Add the perlite to the peat moss-vermiculite mix after the mix has cooled to room temperature. Blend thoroughly.
- 4
  Add 1 part worm castings to 3 parts potting mix and mix in thoroughly. Store the mix in an airtight container until you are ready to fill pots and plant African violets.

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