Learn how to take care of African Violets. One of the best houseplants that offers beautiful blooms for long periods of time.
African violets were one of the first houseplants I grew as a child. I still love them today because they come in such a wide variety of colors and you can find them everywhere. They are a little fussy but once you figure out a routine they like they'll bloom happily for a long time.
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Native to the coastal mountain of Tanzania, African violets were originally known as Saintpaulia ionantha from the European colonist Baron von Saint Paul, and ionantha meaning "violet flowers". They are now reclassified into the genus Streptocarpus. Sometimes listed as Streptocarpus ionanthus.
Types of African Violets
There are thousands of hybrids with interesting foliage and differing flower shapes. The flower color options are also vast and range from white, pink, purple, lavender, and blue.
African violet leaves are often shades of green and heart shaped but some have pretty variegation like the image shown above.
The flowers come in single and double flowers, frilled, and many color combinations. The flowers above are called "Picotee" which indicates one whose petals are white or pastel shades with contrasting dark edges; some varieties have slightly ruffled edges.
How to Take Care of African Violets
What Type of Sun Does it Need?
African violets like bright indirect light. Not too hot or direct sunlight. Sunlight can burn the leaves. And it might be too cold in the winter so it's best not to put one in a window. They also seem to like fluorescent lights. I had one in my indoor corporate office a long time ago that did great. If you don't think you have a good location consider placing them under a grow light.
Soil Needs
African violets grow in rocks and nooks natively so that means they need porous or well draining soil. You can buy specialized soil for African Violets. Or can also make your own well draining potting soil by adding perlite and/or vermiculite to a store bought soilless mixture.
Watering African Violets
Like most houseplants, African violets hate wet feet. Letting them sit in water can certainly cause root rot. Though they love humidity they do not like cold water so it's best to use room temperature water.
African violets also hate getting their leaves wet. Be careful not to let water splash on the leaves or it will leave spots. Also, keep the water away from the center of the plant as it could cause crown rot and eventually die.
The easiest option is bottom watering. Set the pot in a tray or saucer with about .5 - 1 inch of water. Then come back after about 30 minutes and remove the pots. I also like to leave the plants in their plastic nursery pot and set them in a pretty clay or ceramic pot. This way you can add water to the pretty pot, (about .5 - 1 inch in the bottom. Then let the plant sit there for 20 - 30 minutes before pouring any excess water out.
How Often Do They Need to Be Fertilized?
During the spring and summer you should fertilize once a month. Use a fertilizer made for African violets or one that has a high potassium level to help with flowering. During the winter you don't really need to fertilize at all.
When Should I Repot My African Violet?
They like to be somewhat pot bound. This helps them bloom. Too large of a pot may result in fewer flowers. Most will do well even when the total width of the leaves is twice as wide as the pot they are in. However, any larger than that means they need to be repotted into a slightly larger pot.
How to Propagate African Violets
I like to take a leaf cutting and set the stem in water. After a couple of weeks, you will see new roots and a plantlet (shown above).
Cut the leaf from the plantlet and repot in a small pot. Keep a plastic baggie loosely over top for extra humidity as the plant adapts to the new soil.
This year (2024), the National Garden Bureau has picked African Violets as their pick for houseplant of the year. It's a good choice.
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