Racks for violets: on the windowsill, with lighting, do it yourself, photo

A rack with violets arranged near the window. An interesting solution adds natural light and heat from the battery

Violet is a small perennial plant that not so long ago people managed to tame, and now they are successfully grown at home. They are somewhat finicky to care for, but in return they delight the eye with their unusual and colorful flowers.

True connoisseurs of violets are very kind to their pets, take care of a sufficient amount of light and water, “feed” them with special vitamins, and arrange entire flowering islands using illuminated racks for violets. In this article we will talk in detail about how to correctly and quickly build a rack for violets with your own hands.

Made of wood

You need to start making a wooden shelf with your own hands by purchasing chipboard scraps from the workshop.
Or you can buy a whole sheet and cut it into the desired pieces at the store. Each fragment can be, for example, 15 by 20 centimeters, or maybe narrower. To build a wooden rack for Saintpaulias you will need:

Chipboard fragments;
Hammer;
Drill and screwdriver;
Drill;
Shoe knife;
Adhesive edge – jig and tape;
Plugs;
Dowels;
Glue;
Canopies, self-tapping screws, euroscrews.

To begin with, chipboard fragments should be pasted over with an edge (for example, using an iron), cutting off excess particles with a knife. Excess can also be sanded off with sandpaper. Some of the fragments - which will be the basis of the shelf for Saintpaulias - need to be pasted over only to the middle. Drill two holes in the un-glued part and drive in dowels using glue. Having done the same with the counterpart, connect them with a “ladder”.

It will take several hours for the shelves to dry. The “ladder” of fragments consists of four elements (vertically). After this, you need to mark the rack for violets, drill holes, screw the cells, screw on the canopies and erase the markings. The heads of the Euroscrews must be sealed. Using self-tapping screws, the original shelf for beautiful Saintpaulias is screwed to a flat vertical surface, for example, to a wall.

Mobile

Mobile racks for violets are called floor racks on wheels. This is the most convenient type for small indoor plants that require a careful approach to lighting depending on the weather and time of year. To make it you will need:

After completing the required drawing, markings are applied to the plywood. A special frame (two) is assembled from a timber (or profile), fastened with screws and tenons. Shelves intended for Saintpaulias must be cut out according to the markings. For racks, grooves are made in them. If desired, the rack can be painted in any color and left to dry.

The blocks for the wheels are attached to the frame. This is all painted too. Then the wheels should be screwed on and the shelves should be secured. There can be from two to five levels in a Saintpaulia rack. It can be moved to the window, to the wall, into the shade or, conversely, closer to the light. For picky violets, this is the most acceptable design - mobile.

Source

Plastic shelves

This method of arranging shelves can be done with brackets or chrome-plated metal tubes. The installation process is quite simple; holes are drilled in the shelves for pipes that serve as racks. The shelves are pulled together with special holders, so the height can be adjusted. And the pipes themselves are attached to the ceiling and floor, just like in a bus. The main thing here is to secure it firmly and drill the entrance holes evenly; there are no more tricks on how to make shelves.

There are many ways and options, it all depends on you and your fantasies, and, of course, possibilities, do not forget that violets do not like darkness, so in dark places you need to make shelves with lighting, good luck to you.

A rack with violets arranged near the window. An interesting solution adds natural light and heat from the battery

Dimensions

The dimensions of the rack will depend on the number of plants that will subsequently be placed on the shelves and on the placement location.

On the windowsill, the height of the structure will correspond to the height of the window opening, the same must be said about the length of the shelves and their width. The height and width of the rack installed against the wall can be adjusted as desired. The structure can be as high as the ceiling, but at the same time take into account the moment of caring for flowers: how convenient it will be to carry out watering and fertilizing procedures.

The distance between the shelves varies from 40 cm to 50 cm. When measuring the required size, you need to take into account the height of the growing violet bushes and the height of the artificial lamp above them.

How to place violets correctly?

Saintpaulias should not be arranged tightly on shelves and racks so that the plants are comfortable and there is also room for the growth of flowers and leaves. In order to make the conditions for keeping violets as comfortable as possible, it is recommended to place them no more than four flowers on a shelf.

Of course, a house can have not one, but several racks at once.

In this case, it is important to follow the rules for their location:

distances from each other and from walls;
the size of the aisle between the racks and the like.

Distance

distance from the structure to the wall – 1.5 meters;
distance from the rack to the ceiling – 45 centimeters;
the passage between the racks is at least 1.2 meters.

The optimal dimensions of the rack will be discussed further.

Optimal sizes

The question of the optimal size of shelving is one of the most controversial. The main thing in this matter is to observe the parameters of the distance from the floor to the bottom shelf, from the top shelf to the ceiling, as well as the distance of the shelves from each other and maintaining a distance sufficient for passage between flower pots.

Tips for placing violets on lamp racks

In order for plants to form a rosette of the correct shape and not lose their varietal characteristics, they must be correctly positioned under the lighting fixtures.

Rules for arranging flowers under the lamp:

The optimal height of the lamp above the flowerpot is 15–25 cm.
Place the lamp directly above the plants.
To ensure that the light falls on the flowerpots and does not scatter throughout the room, it is advisable to install mirrors along the edges of the shelf or make a reflector from foil.
Saintpaulias with dark leaf color are placed in the center of the shelf under the lamp.
Flowers with light green foliage are placed along the edge of the rack, at some distance from the lamp.
It is advisable to equip lighting devices with timers that allow you to turn on the lighting for the required period.

Important! Lamps located too low can burn foliage and flower stalks. Side light will cause the flower to reach towards the source, deforming the shoots, pulling the flower to the side.

Lighting organization

If there is not enough lighting for flowers during the day, it can, and even needs to be created artificially. To do this, you can use ice lamps, fluorescent lamps and other devices.

in autumn-winter period

This is especially true for violets, since lack of lighting affects their development almost immediately. But sources of artificial light have a beneficial effect on them, since Saintpaulias have no intolerance.

If the flowers have wilted leaves or peduncles have stretched out, artificial additional lighting will also be very useful.

How to choose the right lamps?

Ideally, plants should be illuminated with lamps and fluorescent lights. The lighting should be white or slightly yellowish. Also, instead of conventional lamps, you can use lighting units that are recharged from the mains and last much longer.

The problem of lack of lighting for saintpaulias on glass shelves can be easily solved by attaching an LED strip to the bottom of the shelf.

Calculation of required lighting

The lighting required for violets is calculated based on the length of daylight hours. Usually it is direct sunlight from the morning until 10.00, as well as from 16.00 until sunset. The rest of the time, diffused light is recommended for violets.

When it is difficult to comply with natural lighting conditions, artificial light sources are used.

Examples of location and mounting of lamps

Lamps for additional lighting are best mounted in twos, maximum three on one shelf. Metal structures are most suitable for mounting such lamps.

In this case, the distance between the shelves should be at least 20-22 centimeters so that the heat from artificial lighting does not harm the plants.

Lamps placed too close can burn the violets.

LED strips are also often used to illuminate violets that are on glass shelves. Such a device not only provides the necessary lighting to flowers, but is also an interesting decorative solution for any room.

Shelving placement

The stand for flowerpots can be placed against a wall near a window or on a windowsill. For violets, the southwest or southeast direction of the windows is recommended. Each gardener chooses a location based on the size of the living space and the number of flowerpots.

The advantage of placing shelves on window sills is that the flowers receive combined lighting: natural and artificial. In this case, the plant reveals its varietal characteristics as much as possible. In addition, a shelving unit located on the windowsill allows you to save space in a small apartment. Such placement can be problematic for flowers in the summer heat due to solar activity. The problem can be solved with the help of blinds.

Shelving placed along the wall has the following advantages:
the ability to adjust the width of the shelves and place more flowers accordingly;
the distance from the heating radiators will help to avoid problems with overheating of the soil and dry air;
the design can be made mobile and moved on different sides of the window to avoid pulling out the socket.

Advantages and disadvantages

It is worth noting the advantages of shelves for flowers on the windowsill.

They are original. Any design is distinguished by its shape and is able to convey the tastes of the home owners.
Flower shelves allow you to create a composition of plants.
These coasters are unique. They can be used for flowers, seedlings, and sometimes as organizers.
They are comfortable. Often, such products allow you to place flowers without having to adjust the size of a specific pot.
The stands are variable. If desired, you can choose a design with holes or a solid working surface.

Models vary in size. The buyer has the opportunity to purchase stands for specific window measurements.
Products differ in color. This allows you to buy a suitable option to suit your preferences (or to match the existing furniture).
They are available. Today they can be bought in many stores, which simplifies the purchase and allows you to choose the option you like.
Models differ in price. If desired, the buyer can update the design of the window sills with new (cheaper or more expensive) products.

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The disadvantages of such structures are associated with a decrease in the amount of light entering the room when they are used. As a rule, any design prevents the sun's rays from filling the room with light in the required volume. Therefore, in rooms with windows on the north side, such shelves are not always appropriate. In addition, multi-tiered options for windows are not the right solution. They visually change the perception of the interior composition and create a heavy atmosphere in the room. Some varieties are aimed at strict functionality, which is why they sometimes look ugly.

Subtleties of choice

When there is a desire to decorate your home with stylish and beautiful shelves for flowers, many are lost when choosing (due to its diversity). Indeed, both creative and classic sets are presented on store shelves. A few tips can help you make your choice.

It is also important to consider cost. To create a beautiful window treatment, you don’t have to invest a large sum. You need to start from functionality and external aesthetics, and not overpay for the brand name. When you have experience working with metal or wood, you can make flower stands yourself.

It is also important to take into account the number of products: the more unusual the shape and design, the fewer shelves there should be (and vice versa). In addition, it is worth starting from the purpose of a particular room: it is no secret that the atmosphere of the kitchen, living room, bedroom and study is different. So, a certain enthusiasm is welcomed in the kitchen. Smooth lines and openwork elements are appropriate in the bedroom. In the living room you need to show the uniqueness and unusualness of the configuration. If you want to decorate the window sill of your study with a flower shelf, you should choose a simple product without frills.

When shelves are purchased to decorate the windows of verandas or closed gazebos, a different situation arises: you can buy luxurious forged structures, creating the illusion of a design ensemble. When there is only one window, they are allocated a specific functional area. For example, accenting bay windows with flower shelves will create the feeling of a greenhouse.

Organization

If flowers are grown in a dark room, the role of selecting the spectrum of the light flux becomes even more important, since the lamp becomes the main and only source of light for flowers placed in such growing conditions. The speed of development and duration of the growing season of Saintpaulia will depend on your use of the spectrum.

If there is no daylight in the room where violets grow, you should resort to using full artificial lighting. Phytolamps will help you cope with this. Thanks to their purpose, they emit the necessary colors (red and blue) to completely saturate the plants with light. The power of such lamps depends on their length. Thus, a phytolamp with a length of more than 90-120 cm has a power of 36-40 watts.

If you want to achieve healthy and vibrant color in your violets, then purchasing a wide range of lamps is an excellent solution. Under them, the plants will look great and become neater. In this case, it is better to give preference to German companies. Almost all types of lamps from German manufacturers include a full range of spectra. The main characteristic feature of such lamps is the ratio of the shades of the rays.

Quite often, the color of plants that are under phytolamps is perceived by human vision in distorted light. This occurs due to the presence of a small amount of green rays in the spectrum of lamps of this type. To avoid such a problem, it is necessary to resort to combined artificial lighting. Typically, fluorescent lamps are combined with phytolamps.

Whatever types of lamps for violets you choose, a timer relay will help make the task of organizing correct and high-quality lighting easier. Thanks to this device, you can control the duration and frequency of light.

To see how easy it is to solve the issue of illuminating violets, see the video below.

Light mode

We won't go into technical details in this article. Let us only emphasize that Saintpaulias are very sensitive to lighting conditions. They need additional insolation 12 hours a day. If you want to get a strong plant with bouquet flowering for the exhibition, you need to temporarily increase the period of artificial lighting to 15 hours a day: this should be done gradually, increasing the time by one hour per week. It is important to follow the regime; the lamps must be turned on at the same time. Doing this manually is not always convenient, so you need to take care of timers in advance.

Proper care of violets

Violets under the ceiling - an interesting combination of business and pleasure

In order for a violet to grow and delight you with its blooms, you need to take care of it. Otherwise, it may get sick, spots will form on the leaves, they will curl and wither.

To prevent this from happening, you need to follow some rules in caring for this delicate flower:

Avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Violets love diffused light, but do not like bright sun. For a plant to bloom, it needs to be exposed to light for at least 12 hours a day. If there is not enough light, the leaves will tend to rise; if there is too much light, on the contrary, they will fall over the edge of the pot. In order for violets to delight with their flowering all year round, it is worth arranging for them a rack with fluorescent lamps with a power of 40 W.

By maintaining this temperature regime, the plant blooms long and luxuriantly and grows strong. If the plant blooms in the summer, in a heat of more than 30 degrees, it is noted that the flowers are smaller and paler; on the leaves of different types of violets, characteristic specks or borders are absent or weakly expressed. To correct the situation, you can use an air conditioner or a stream of fresh air from an open window. In the cold season, you need to beware of drafts; if the plant freezes, its root system will die, and if it is exposed to cold air for a long time, light spots will appear on the leaves, which will significantly spoil the appearance of the violet.

Wooden shelving of different heights

It is advisable to water the plant with water without additional impurities. For these purposes, ordinary tap water is also suitable, which should be allowed to stand for a couple of days to get rid of excess chlorine. Next, you should boil the water to get rid of the salts and leave to cool. The liquid for irrigation should have a temperature higher than the soil in the pots and the air in the room. It is noteworthy that water at room temperature is not suitable for watering plants, especially in winter, when the plants on the shelf have a higher soil temperature than the water. Because of this, centopolias often die en masse during the cold season. It is best to water violets from above, pouring water into the pan. After 10-20 minutes, it is advisable to get rid of excess water, since its excess can lead to rotting of the roots. Once a month, you need to wash the leaves with a damp cloth and a spray bottle.
To ensure normal growth of the violet, the humidity in the room must be at least 50%. During the heating season at home, this rule is not easy to follow. As an option, you can place an open container of water near the plants or use a humidifier. However, there is no need to be too zealous, because at a humidity level of more than 70%, the plants will be actively attacked by fungal diseases.

Metal rack with separate lighting for each shelf

Soil and fertilizers. The soil must retain moisture and nutrients well; for this, you can additionally add perlite or vermiculite - these are natural minerals. The violet needs drainage; for these purposes you can use foam chips. The acidity of the soil is not least important; neutral or slightly acidic is suitable for violets. During vigorous growth, the plant needs phosphorus and potassium; thanks to these additives, the violet blooms magnificently. Once every 3-4 weeks these substances should be added to the soil.
A plastic pot is suitable for violets; it is easier to care for. Each time the plant is replanted, the diameter of the pot should be increased. It is believed that the diameter of the plant should be 3 times larger than the diameter of the pot. When replanting a plant, you do not need to compact the soil too much, as this will prevent water from saturating the soil, and soil that does not dry out for a long time will lead to rotting of the root system.

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Shelves on the windowsill: how to make them yourself?

Regarding the topic of house plants, it is difficult to come up with a single universal method that optimizes space equally well.

There can be several ways to place flowers.

Since the size of the window sill, the number of colors, as well as their types can vary widely, it makes sense to choose the option of shelves on the walls as an example. If necessary, this solution can easily be transformed into a rack or corner.

Shelves can be mounted on the walls.

What will you need?

First of all, you will need to divide all the pots into several types: large, medium and small. This will allow you to determine the size of the spans between the shelves. As for the material, here you need to proceed from considerations of practicality and design. In most cases, you can choose laminated chipboard (the thickness should be at least 16mm) - this will make it easier to choose the color of the coating that best suits the interior.

The easiest way to make shelves is from chipboard.

If the opening is small, glass can be used, but the shelf thickness should be 8mm or more.

It is permissible to make shelves from glass.

Understanding what the entire structure will look like will provide a list of the necessary tools and fasteners. Based on the example described, you will most likely need: a drill with drills for concrete and wood, dowels, a mallet, screws, a set of screwdrivers, a core, a pencil, a tape measure, a level.

To work, you will need some construction tools. Pots should be placed according to their size: large ones at the bottom, small ones at the top.

Shelves with fastenings

If the selected shelves are intended for light-weight pots, they are hung on hinges or rafixes - this will hide the mounting location. If the weight is expected to be significant or is unknown in advance, it is better to choose neat hanging brackets at the nearest hardware store. This option will definitely have greater versatility.

Shelves can be hung on hinges or on special brackets.

In principle, if conditions permit, you can leave the fastening on the rafixes, but for reliability it is recommended to install a vertical stand, which will seem to penetrate the entire structure from bottom to top. Such an installation looks interesting if the shelves are made of glass. In this case, it will be possible to solve two problems: not to overload the space visually and to provide a reliable basis for the flowerpots.

For reliability, you can install a vertical stand.

Window sill installation

The entire installation process is divided into two stages: preparing the mounting points and hanging the shelves.

It is first necessary to take measurements of the window opening and mark the suspension points. Using a drill, drill holes, hammer in dowels and screw in screws. If it is assumed that there will be a vertical stand, it is necessary to install special brackets on the ceiling of the opening and on the window sill.

The vertical stand requires brackets to be installed.

The same brackets must be attached to each shelf in the appropriate places. If you choose the option of installing on hinges, it is enough to screw them to the end part, while to install the rafixes you will need a Forstner drill. Hanging shelves should start from the top, since, in case of miscalculations, it is usually more convenient to try to correct the situation from below.

Shelves need to be hung starting from the top.

After the structure has been assembled, you should begin arranging the pots. At first, you will have to observe the landing points to make sure that the structure accepts the load normally and there are no cracks in the wall or kinks in the wood.

At first, you will need to observe whether the shelves can withstand the load well.

Thus, the described approach will make it possible to more rationally use the free space in the window opening. In addition, for men this is a good reason to give a gift to your half. Without a doubt, the new flower rack for the windowsill will not go unappreciated

In any case, by harmonizing the space, you can create conditions under which something new, something interesting and important will definitely enter everyday life.

Installation instructions

The safety of plants depends on the reliability of the fastenings and the stability of the stand. It is easy to assemble the structure:

Side metal profiles or corners are attached to the racks of the metal structure using a welding machine, onto which the shelves are then installed.
The side jumpers are bolted to the metal profile racks. After assembly, shelves are installed on them.
The wooden frame is assembled and fastened with bolts or screws. Metal corners can be used as fastening elements. Also, the shelves are installed on jumpers pre-fixed on the racks.
The assembled structure is fixed with brackets, securing one side to the wall, the other to the shelf. Use a drill to drill the required number of holes (usually two for each fastener).
Lamps are installed on the assembled structure - the rack is ready.

Metal carcass:

Metal profile frame:

A stand for indoor violets will greatly facilitate their placement and maintenance. To make a structure you do not need to have any special skills. The main thing is to think over the shape in advance, choose the material of manufacture, prepare the necessary tools, take into account the size of the plants and the availability of caring for them on the future rack.

Materials

Flower stands can be made from several types of materials.

Tree

Wood is considered the most environmentally friendly material. In addition, the wood can be painted in any color or simply varnished, highlighting the beauty of the natural material. Using special tools, beautiful designs and ornaments are carved into wood.

Chipboard

Chipboard is considered one of the easiest to process and cheapest materials for making flower stands. The slabs themselves can vary in thickness, length and design. Other advantages of chipboard as a material for shelves include ease of maintenance, durability, and variety of materials.

Metal

Metal is often used as a frame part of the structure in flower stands with shelves made of other materials: glass, plastic, chipboard. It can also act as a monomaterial in products.

Forged metal stands look especially beautiful. Such models are considered stronger than others and can withstand a larger number of flower pots. The forging technique provides great opportunities to create products in the form of flowers, chariots, strollers, bicycles, and beautiful twisted masterpieces.

Plastic

Plastic flower shelves are one of the most budget-friendly options for equipping a home or apartment. They come in a variety of colors and shapes. Shelves for flowers made of plastic are not afraid of water. They can be safely used in places with high humidity. They are also easy to care for by wiping with a damp cloth.

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The weight of such shelves is small and is perfectly supported by the walls, so they are used on walls that have a certain load limit.

Rattan

Rattan flower stands become a real home decoration. Rattan can be natural or artificial. Natural rattan is the peeled and dried stems of tropical palm trees. The length of these stems can reach 300 meters. They bend easily and can be used to create any shape. The beautiful weave is made from a strong core of split stem, thanks to which the shelves do not sag or change their shape. Finished rattan products are braided with leather, bark or varnished.

Artificial rattan is an innovative material obtained by extrusion, that is, pressing thermally softened synthetic raw materials through holes of a certain size. Using this technology, strips with imitation of tree bark, round rods, and flat textured strips are obtained.

Glass

Glass shelves for flowers are suitable for any interior. Wide possibilities for creating the shape of the shelf help create the outlines of a specific interior. They can be round, oval, square, rectangular. Both high and low shelves for one or several flowers are made of glass.

For the manufacture of floral designs, transparent and frosted, colored, tinted glass is used. In order to extend the service life of glass, it is tempered.

As a rule, other materials are used in the manufacture of glass shelves: metal, plastic, wood. In general, such tandems make the structure stronger.