Q.African Violets: Water Wicking Same As Letting Pot Stand In Water
Hi,
I am failing to see the difference between letting the violet pot stand in water and water wicking. Both draw water up by capillary action if letting the pot stand in water is a no no then why is water wicking okay. The soil is going to be wet no matter which method is used. So can you explain why one way is okay and the other is not.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It is confusing. I read the African Violet Society's explanation about wicking and it says that it is the preferred method of watering because it keeps the soil consistently moist thereby more blooming. When the pot sits in water the soil can become saturated, which leads to root rot. The AVS article gives exact instructions on how to use the wicking properly, and also states the water reservoir never comes in contact with the African Violet soil, only the wick.
