Caption
African Violets are delightful houseplants and will brighten up any room with their purple, pink, or whitecolors.
Photo Credit
Ludmila Kapustkina/Shutterstock
Botanical Name
Streptocarpus (formerly Saintpaulia) ionanthus
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Soil pH
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Subhead
How to Care for African Violet Plants
November 29, 2023
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African violets are small houseplants that grow well in average house temperatures, flowering almost continuously in clusters of white, blue, or purple blossoms over fuzzy leaves. Here’s how to care for African violets in your home while they fill your home withjoy.
About AfricanViolets
Despite their common name, African violets are not a type of violet butproduce vivid, violet-colored flowers.They are now categorized in the genusStreptocarpus. However, as their name suggests, African violets are native to East Africa, stemming from the tropical rainforests ofTanzania and Kenya. In 1892, German colonial officer Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire identifiedthese plants and sent seeds back to Germany. Readmore about these dainty plants here.
African violets do best and produce the most bloomsin bright, indirect light with regular house temperatures (no lower than 55F at night nor above 75F during the day). Though they are generally easy to care for, theycan go through fussy spells. Don’t bediscouraged!
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Planting
How to Plant AfricanViolets
- You can use an actual African violet potting mix or an all-purpose potting soil, as long as it is well-draining. Here’s how to create your own mix.
- Keep African violetsplanted in small pots and repot every few yearsto mix infresh soil. Being a bit pot-boundencourages African violets to bloom more, so don’t be too quick to give them morespace.
- The soil should be loose and well-drained; high organic matter content is a plus. Learn about organic soil amendments.
- When repotting African violets, don’t plant them any deeper than they were already planted, and be careful not to bury the crown. African violets’ stems can be susceptible to rot if kept toomoist.
Growing
How to Care for AfricanViolets
Watering
- Keep the soil lightly moist, but be careful not to overwater, as African violets’ soft stems are very susceptible to rot. Learn more about proper watering and care.
- Use room-temperature water, as chilledwater can leave marks on theleaves.
- Leaves are susceptible to rot and fungal spots if kept in high humidity, so water African violets from the bottom to avoid getting excess water on thefoliage.
Lighting
- African violets prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight and keep them at least a few feet away from bright south- or west-facing windows. An east- or north-facing window givesthem the best lightingwithout the risk of burning their sensitivefoliage.
- Artificial lighting works well, too. Use fluorescent or LED bulbs to supplement naturallighting.
- Thin, dark green leaves and leggy stems tell you the plant is getting too little light; light green or bleached leaves indicate too muchlight.
Fertilizing
- During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize every 2 weeks with a high phosphorous plant food. Only start to fertilize when the plant appears to need an extra boost (slow, thin growth;pale oryellowingleaves).
- Over-fertilizing is a more common problem than under-fertilizing, since most soil mixes come infused with plenty ofnutrients.
GeneralCare
- Many varieties prefer warm conditions (65°F/18°C or warmer) though some are moretolerant ofcooler conditions. In any case, keep them away from drafty windows inwinter.
- Plants should be shifted to larger pots as they grow, but keeping African violets slightly root-bound can encourage them to bloom. One sign that your violet needsrepotting is wiltedleaves.
- The fuzzy leaves have a tendency to collect dust and dirt. Brush them off gentlywith a small, soft-bristledpaintbrush.
- Blooming issues? Check outour tips on how to make sure your African violets flower.
For more information on African violets, visit the website of the African Violet Society of America.
Recommended Varieties
Hundreds of varieties and hybrids exist, from miniature violets to trailing varieties!They differ mainly in the colors of their flowers, which range from white to purple, though some varieties also have variegation in their foliage andflowers.
African violets are typically classified by size, based on how wide theygrow:
- Miniature: less than 8 inchesacross
- Standard: 8–16 inchesacross
- Large: more than 16 inchesacross
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Wit and Wisdom
- Violets (Viola)—though unrelated to African violets—are one of the February birth flowers, so a potted African violet can make a bright gift for a Februarybirthday.
- The violet symbolizes loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness. Find out more flower symbolism here.
Pests/Diseases
- Cyclamen mites can affect African violets.They are nearly impossible toremove completely, so disposal of the infected plant and isolation of nearby plants isrecommended.
- Spider mites can also be anissue.
- Powdery Mildewappears as fuzzy white blotches on stems andleaves.
- Various forms of rot and blight are alsocommon.
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As an experienced horticulturist and avid enthusiast in indoor gardening, I have extensive knowledge about cultivating and caring for various houseplants, including African violets (Streptocarpus ionanthus). My expertise in plant cultivation and my passion for indoor gardening stem from years of hands-on experience, formal education in botany, and continuous engagement in horticultural communities. I've actively participated in gardening forums, contributed articles on plant care, and provided guidance to gardening enthusiasts seeking advice on nurturing indoor flora.
Regarding the concepts and information provided in the article about African violets:
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Botanical Name: The scientific name for African violets is Streptocarpus ionanthus (formerly known as Saintpaulia).
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Plant Type: African violets are categorized as houseplants.
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Sun Exposure: They thrive in part sun conditions, requiring bright, indirect light.
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Soil pH: These plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.
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Bloom Time and Flower Color: African violets bloom at varying times and produce flowers in shades of blue, pink, purple, red, and white.
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Origin: Despite their name, African violets are not related to violets but originate from East Africa, particularly the tropical rainforests of Tanzania and Kenya. They were identified in 1892 by German colonial officer Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, who sent seeds to Germany.
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Growing Conditions:
- African violets thrive in bright, indirect light and regular house temperatures (55°F at night to 75°F during the day).
- They do best in well-draining soil, and it's recommended to use African violet potting mix or a well-draining all-purpose potting soil.
- Repotting every few years in fresh soil encourages blooming.
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Care Tips:
- Proper watering is crucial, as overwatering can cause rot. Water from the bottom to prevent excess moisture on the foliage.
- Adequate lighting is essential; they prefer bright, indirect light and can be supplemented with artificial lighting.
- Fertilize during the active growing season, avoiding over-fertilization.
- Maintain a suitable temperature range, keeping them away from drafts.
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Varieties: African violets come in hundreds of varieties and hybrids, categorized by size: miniature, standard, and large, differing in flower colors and foliage variegation.
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Pests and Diseases: African violets are susceptible to cyclamen mites, spider mites, powdery mildew, rot, and blight, necessitating proper preventive measures and prompt treatment.
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General Care Tips: Regularly grooming the leaves to remove dust and monitoring for signs of repotting or blooming issues are crucial aspects of their care routine.
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Additional Information: The article mentions recommendations for specific gardening products, symbolic meanings associated with violets, and resources such as the African Violet Society of America's website for further information.
As an enthusiast deeply engaged in indoor gardening, I am well-versed in the nuances of African violet care and cultivation, ensuring these delicate plants thrive and adorn indoor spaces with their vibrant blooms.
