Black Gold African Violet Potting Mix

Black Gold African Violet Potting Mix is a light, fine-textured blend from Sun Gro Horticulture, calibrated for the particular needs of African violets and their relatives. It is formulated with Canadian sphagnum peat moss as the base for moisture retention and slight acidity, combined with processed bark, compost, earthworm castings, perlite, and pumice or cinders for balanced drainage. The mix includes RESiLIENCE for stress resistance and a wetting agent to help water penetrate evenly. It is OMRI Listed for organic use and carries a low starter fertilizer charge at NPK 0.04-0.02-0.02. Beyond African violets, it works well for gloxinia, sinningia, streptocarpus, and other gesneriads.

Use a container with drainage holes and choose a pot that fits the plant snugly. African violets do best when slightly root-bound. Fill the pot partway, set the plant so the crown sits at soil level, and fill in around the roots without burying the lower leaves. Water from the bottom by placing the pot in a tray of water and letting it absorb for about 20 minutes. Bottom watering prevents the water spots and crown rot that top watering can cause. Repot annually to refresh the mix and slightly upsize the container if roots are packed.

African violets are one of the most popular houseplants for good reason. With the right soil, consistent indirect light, and bottom watering, they bloom almost continuously. This mix takes the guesswork out of the soil side of the equation.