African Violet.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial flowering plant

Light

Bright, indirect light.

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

15cm tall, 30cm spread

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Year-round with good care

Care

Keep leaves dry when watering to prevent rot; provide good air circulation. Watch for signs of overwatering like yellowing leaves and wilting. They prefer consistent, warm temperatures.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, preferably from the bottom or by avoiding the leaves.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.

Pruning

Remove spent flowers and yellowing or dead leaves as needed to encourage new growth and flowering.

Repotting

Repot every 6-12 months into a slightly larger pot to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.

Soil

Well-draining, peat-based potting mix.

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.6-6.5)

Temperature

15.5 to 24°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

While not considered highly toxic, ingesting parts of the African Violet may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It is best to keep it away from pets and small children who might be tempted to nibble on it.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The small size and attractive appearance of African Violets might encourage children to handle them, but there are no significant toxicity concerns beyond mild upset if ingested.

Contact allergens

The fine hairs on the leaves and stems can sometimes cause mild skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

African Violets are not typically known to cause respiratory allergies, but like any plant, their pollen could potentially affect highly sensitive people.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

• Fuzzy, heart-shaped leaves
• Compact, rosette growth habit
• Velvety, often serrated leaf margins
• Flowers in clusters
• Diverse range of colors

Height

0.1 to 0.15m

Spread

0.2 to 0.3m

Leaves

Green, Dark green, evergreen

Flowers

Pink, Purple, White, Blue, Red, Bicolor, 2.5 to 4cm

Common problems

• Root Rot — Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot, causing yellowing leaves and wilting.
• Powdery Mildew — A white, powdery fungus that appears on leaves and stems, often due to poor air circulation and high humidity.
• Spider Mites — Tiny pests that feed on plant sap, causing stippling on leaves and fine webbing.
• Thrips — Small, slender insects that damage flowers and leaves, leaving silvery streaks and black droppings.
• Leaf Curl — Can be caused by temperature fluctuations, overwatering, or underwatering.

Growing it

Propagation

Leaf cuttings, Division

When to plant

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Group your African Violets with other plants that enjoy consistent moisture and indirect light to create a harmonious display.

Grows well with

• Other shade-loving houseplants — African Violets thrive in similar conditions to many other houseplants that prefer indirect light and consistent moisture, making them good neighbors.
• Ferns — Ferns often share similar humidity and light requirements, creating a lush, compatible display.
• Peperomia — Many Peperomia varieties appreciate the same indirect light and moderate watering schedules as African Violets.

Keep away from

• Succulents and Cacti — These plants require direct sun and much drier conditions, making them unsuitable companions for moisture-loving African Violets.
• Plants requiring full sun — African Violets will not thrive and may be damaged in environments that receive direct, intense sunlight for extended periods.

Similar species

• Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose) — These plants are in the same family (Gesneriaceae) and share similar cultural needs for light and water, often having attractive foliage and vibrant blooms.
• Episcia (Flame Violet) — Also a member of the Gesneriad family, Episcias prefer high humidity and indirect light, similar to African Violets, though they are often grown for their striking foliage.

Science

Family

Gesneriaceae

Genus

Streptocarpus

Order

Lamiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Eastern Africa (Tanzania, Kenya)

Conservation

Saintpaulia ionantha is not currently listed as endangered or threatened; however, responsible wild collection is always encouraged if obtaining plants from natural habitats.

In its native habitat, Saintpaulia ionantha grows in damp, shaded crevices on rocky outcrops and cliff faces, often near waterfalls.

Uses

Ornamental

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

What is the best light for an African Violet?

Bright, indirect light is ideal, such as an east-facing window or a spot with filtered sunlight.

How often should I water my African Violet?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It's often best to water from the bottom to avoid wetting the leaves.

Can African Violets tolerate low temperatures?

They prefer consistent room temperatures, generally between 65-75°F (18-24°C), and can be harmed by drafts or sudden temperature drops.

Why are my African Violet's leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or insufficient light.

Can I grow African Violets outdoors?

While they are native to tropical regions, they are typically grown as houseplants due to their sensitivity to cold and fluctuating outdoor conditions.

Where the name comes from

The genus name, Saintpaulia, honors Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, who discovered the plant in 1892. The species name, ionantha, comes from Greek words meaning 'violet flower', referring to its bloom color.

Good to know

• African Violets can rebloom year-round under the right conditions.
• They prefer indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat under forest canopies.
• Watering from the bottom is often recommended to prevent crown rot and water spots on the fuzzy leaves.
• There are thousands of cultivated varieties with different flower colors, shapes, and leaf patterns.
• Their scientific name, Saintpaulia, honors Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, who discovered the plant in 1892.