African Violet

Overview

The African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) is a beloved flowering houseplant known for its charming, velvety blooms and compact growth habit. Despite its name, this plant is native not to the entire African continent but specifically to the mountainous regions of Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa, where it grows in the humid, shaded understory of forests.

First discovered by Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire (hence the scientific name Saintpaulia) in 1892, African Violets have since become one of the most popular flowering houseplants worldwide. Their appeal lies in their ability to bloom almost continuously throughout the year when properly cared for, offering a reliable splash of color indoors.

African Violets typically grow in a rosette pattern, with fuzzy, oval-shaped leaves that have a slightly scalloped edge. The leaves are covered in fine hairs that give them a velvety texture. The flowers, which come in shades of purple, blue, pink, red, and white, rise above the foliage on short stems and can be single, semi-double, or fully double in form.

These compact plants rarely grow larger than 6-8 inches in diameter, making them perfect for windowsills, small spaces, and decorative containers. Their manageable size, combined with their prolific flowering habit and non-toxic nature, has made African Violets enduring favorites among indoor gardeners for generations.

Care Guide

Light Requirements

African Violets need specific light conditions to thrive and produce their characteristic blooms:

• Bright indirect light: Ideal for healthy growth and abundant flowering
• Medium light: Will survive but may produce fewer flowers
• Direct sunlight: Avoid as it can scorch the leaves and bleach the flowers
• Low light: Insufficient for flowering and will lead to leggy growth

For optimal growth and flowering, place your African Violet near an east or north-facing window where it will receive bright, filtered light throughout the day. If only a south or west-facing window is available, place the plant a few feet away from the window or use a sheer curtain to filter the intense afternoon sun.

African Violets are one of the few flowering houseplants that can thrive under fluorescent lighting, making them perfect for offices or rooms with limited natural light. Position the plants about 12 inches below fluorescent tubes and keep the lights on for 12-14 hours daily to encourage blooming.

Rotate your plant a quarter turn weekly to ensure even growth and flowering, as African Violets will naturally grow toward light sources. If your plant stops flowering or develops elongated stems with widely spaced leaves, it's likely not receiving enough light.

Watering

Proper watering is crucial for African Violets, as they are sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering:

Watering Schedule:

• Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
• Allow the top half-inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings
• Typically this means watering once every 7-10 days, depending on your home's conditions
• Adjust frequency based on season, humidity, and temperature

Watering Technique:

• Use room temperature water, as cold water can shock the leaves and cause spotting
• Avoid getting water on the leaves and crown, which can lead to crown rot and leaf spotting
• Consider these watering methods:
  • Bottom watering: Place the pot in a saucer of water for 20-30 minutes, then remove excess
  • Wick watering: Use a piece of yarn or string to draw water from a reservoir below the pot
  • Self-watering pots: Specially designed for African Violets with a separate water reservoir

African Violets are particularly sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals in tap water. If possible, use rainwater, distilled water, or tap water that has been left out overnight to allow chlorine to dissipate.

The texture and appearance of the leaves can help indicate watering needs. Limp or drooping leaves often signal underwatering, while soft, mushy leaves suggest overwatering. Aim for leaves that feel firm and stand upright.

Soil

African Violets require light, well-draining soil that retains some moisture while still allowing air to reach the roots:

Ideal Soil Mix:

• 1 part African Violet potting mix (commercially available)
• 1 part perlite or vermiculite for additional drainage

If you prefer to make your own mix:

• 1 part peat moss or coco coir
• 1 part perlite
• 1 part vermiculite
• Small amount of horticultural charcoal (optional, helps keep soil fresh)

This combination creates a light, airy mix that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. The slightly acidic nature of peat moss also suits African Violets, which prefer a soil pH between 5.8 and 6.2.

Container Considerations:

• Use pots with drainage holes
• Traditional African Violet pots are shallow and wide, as these plants have shallow root systems
• Self-watering pots designed specifically for African Violets can be helpful
• Plastic or glazed ceramic pots retain moisture better than terracotta

Repot your African Violet every 6-12 months or when it becomes root-bound. The best time to repot is after flowering. When repotting, you can divide the plant if it has developed multiple crowns, or simply refresh the soil to provide new nutrients and improve drainage.

Temperature & Humidity

African Violets prefer consistent, moderate temperatures and humidity levels that reflect their native forest understory habitat:

Temperature:

• Ideal range: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
• Minimum temperature: 60°F (15°C)
• Maximum temperature: 85°F (29°C)
• Avoid temperature fluctuations and cold drafts

Humidity:

• Prefers moderate to high humidity (40-60%)
• Will struggle in very dry environments below 30% humidity
• Increase humidity through these methods:
  • Group plants together to create a microclimate
  • Place on a humidity tray (pebble tray with water)
  • Use a small humidifier nearby
  • Keep in naturally humid rooms like kitchens or bathrooms (if adequate light is available)

While African Violets appreciate humidity, they dislike having wet leaves. If using a humidity tray, ensure the pot sits on the pebbles above the water line, not in the water. Avoid misting African Violets, as water droplets on leaves can cause spotting and damage.

Temperature stability is important for African Violets. Keep them away from heating vents, air conditioners, and drafty windows. Sudden temperature changes can cause buds to drop and stress the plant.

Fertilizing

Regular fertilization helps African Violets produce abundant blooms:

Fertilizing Schedule:

• Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated specifically for African Violets
• Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during active growth periods
• Dilute to half the recommended strength to prevent fertilizer burn
• Some growers prefer to apply very dilute fertilizer (quarter strength) with each watering

Fertilizing Tips:

• Look for fertilizers with equal or near-equal NPK ratios (such as 14-14-14)
• Specialized African Violet fertilizers often contain micronutrients beneficial for blooming
• Always apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn
• Flush the soil thoroughly with plain water every few months to prevent salt buildup

Signs of under-fertilization include pale leaves, slow growth, and reduced flowering. Over-fertilization can cause leaf burn, crusty soil surface, and excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

During winter or periods of slower growth, reduce fertilizing frequency to once every 6-8 weeks. Resume regular fertilizing when you notice new growth in spring.

Propagation

African Violets can be propagated through leaf cuttings, which is relatively easy and rewarding:

Leaf Cutting Propagation:

1. Select a healthy, mature leaf from the middle row of the plant (not too old, not too young)
2. Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, cut the leaf with about 1-2 inches of stem (petiole) attached
3. Optional: Trim the petiole at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area for root development
4. Soil Method:
   • Insert the cut end of the petiole about ½ inch into a small pot filled with moist African Violet potting mix
   • Cover with a clear plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity
   • Place in bright, indirect light (no direct sun)
   • Keep soil lightly moist
   • After 4-8 weeks, tiny plantlets will emerge from the base of the leaf
   • Once plantlets have 2-3 leaves each, carefully separate them and pot individually
   • The original leaf can be discarded at this point
5. Water Method:
   • Place the cut end of the petiole in a small container of water
   • Cover the top with plastic wrap and poke a hole for the leaf stem
   • Change the water weekly to prevent bacteria growth
   • Once roots form (2-4 weeks), transfer to soil as described above

Division Propagation:

1. If your African Violet has developed multiple crowns (separate rosettes of leaves), it can be divided
2. Remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the crowns, ensuring each has adequate roots
3. Pot each division in its own container with fresh African Violet soil
4. Water lightly and place in bright, indirect light

The best time to propagate African Violets is during spring or summer when growth is most active. New plants typically take 9-12 months to reach flowering size. Propagation not only creates new plants but can also rejuvenate older specimens that have become leggy or lost their compact form.

Common Problems

While African Violets are generally resilient, they can experience several common issues:

Crown and Root Rot:

• Cause: Overwatering, water on leaves, or poor drainage
• Symptoms: Soft, mushy stems at soil level, wilting despite moist soil, foul odor
• Solution: Reduce watering, ensure proper drainage, avoid getting water on leaves and crown

Powdery Mildew:

• Cause: Poor air circulation, high humidity combined with cool temperatures
• Symptoms: White, powdery substance on leaves and flowers
• Solution: Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, treat with fungicide if necessary

Leaf Problems:

• Cause: Water on leaves, temperature extremes, or nutrient issues
• Symptoms: Brown spots, rings, or patches on leaves
• Solution: Avoid getting leaves wet, maintain stable temperatures, adjust fertilization

Pests:

• Cyclamen Mites: Microscopic pests that cause center leaves to become brittle and deformed
• Mealybugs: White, cotton-like clusters in leaf joints
• Thrips: Tiny insects that cause scarring and deformed growth
• Solution: Isolate affected plants, treat with appropriate insecticidal soap or miticide, improve growing conditions

Leggy Growth:

• Cause: Insufficient light or old age
• Symptoms: Elongated stems, sparse leaves, reduced flowering
• Solution: Provide more light, consider propagating to start fresh plants

Sucker Growth:

• Cause: Natural growth pattern, especially in older plants
• Symptoms: Multiple crowns developing from the main plant
• Solution: Remove suckers to maintain single-crown appearance, or divide into separate plants

Bud Drop:

• Cause: Temperature fluctuations, dry air, or pests
• Symptoms: Flower buds falling off before opening
• Solution: Maintain stable temperatures, increase humidity, check for pests

Most African Violet problems can be prevented with proper care focused on appropriate light, careful watering techniques, and good air circulation. Regular inspection helps catch issues early when they're easier to address.

Popular Varieties

African Violets come in a stunning array of varieties, with new cultivars constantly being developed:

By Flower Type:

Single Flowers:

• 'Blue Boy': Classic blue-purple flowers with yellow centers
• 'Crimson Ice': Bright red blooms with white edges
• 'Snow Prince': Pure white flowers with yellow centers

Semi-Double Flowers:

• 'Tomahawk': Rich red blooms with slightly ruffled edges
• 'Frozen in Time': Pale blue flowers with darker blue edges
• 'Optimara Little Crystal': White flowers with purple edges

Double Flowers:

• 'Lonestar Twilight': Fully double lavender-blue blooms
• 'Rebel's Splatter Kake': Pink and purple variegated flowers
• 'Powwow': Ruffled deep purple double blooms

By Leaf Type:

Standard Leaves:

• Traditional oval-shaped green leaves

Variegated Leaves:

• 'Pixie Blue': Blue flowers with cream and green variegated foliage
• 'Wrangler's Jealous Heart': Pink flowers with green and white leaves

Ruffled or Wavy Leaves:

• 'Ruffled Skies': Blue flowers with distinctively wavy leaf edges
• 'Lonestar Bluebonnet': Blue flowers with heavily ruffled foliage

By Plant Size:

Standard (6-8 inch diameter):

• Most common varieties fall into this category

Miniature (3-6 inch diameter):

• 'Rob's Twinkle Blue': Small plant with proportionally sized blue flowers
• 'Petite Blarney': Compact plant with pink blooms

Micro-Miniature (less than 3 inch diameter):

• 'Rob's Itty Bitty': Tiny plant with small lavender blooms
• 'Petite Jewel': One of the smallest varieties with pink flowers

Trailing Varieties:

• 'Ramblin' Amethyst': Multiple crowns with purple flowers
• 'Cirelda': Trailing habit with pink and white blooms

The African Violet Society of America registers new cultivars regularly, with thousands of named varieties available. Collectors often specialize in particular types, such as miniatures, variegated varieties, or specific color patterns.

With their compact size, continuous blooming habit, and incredible variety, African Violets remain one of the most rewarding flowering houseplants. While they require some specific care, particularly regarding watering and light, their cheerful blooms and velvety foliage make them well worth the attention for indoor gardeners of all experience levels.