African Violet
Saintpaulia ionantha
African Violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are beloved for their velvety leaves and continuous display of delicate, colorful blooms. Native to eastern tropical Africa, these compact houseplants bring a touch of elegance to shelves and windowsills without needing much space.
They prefer bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, though they dislike getting water on their leaves. African Violets are best watered from the bottom to avoid spotting and rot. With proper care, they can bloom almost year-round and are perfect for small pots and grouped arrangements.
Available in a wide range of flower shapes and colors, they’re especially popular among collectors. Despite their delicate appearance, African Violets are relatively low-maintenance and make a rewarding choice for those who want floral beauty indoors.
Quick Info
- Light: Medium
- Water: Medium
- Size: 6–12 inches wide and tall
- Humidity: Moderate
- Temp: 65–75°F
- Flowering: Yes
- Type: Tropical
- Dog Safe: Yes
- Cat Safe: Yes
- Kid Safe: Yes
Toxicity Info
- Dog Safe: Yes
- Cat Safe: Yes
- Kid Safe: Yes
Care Instructions
- Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy
- Water from the bottom if possible
- Avoid wetting the leaves
- Use African Violet-specific fertilizer every few weeks during bloom cycles
- Re-pot yearly to refresh soil
Common Problems
- Yellowing leaves: Often caused by overwatering. Make sure the soil is slightly dry before watering again.
- Leaf spots: Can occur when water splashes on the leaves. Use bottom-watering to avoid this.
- Lack of blooms: Usually due to low light or not feeding regularly. Move to a brighter spot and use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
FAQs
Lack of blooms is usually due to insufficient light, over-fertilization, or cold drafts. Try moving your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light and feeding it with a balanced fertilizer made for blooming plants.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Bottom watering is ideal to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can cause spotting.
It's best to use a mix specifically formulated for African Violets. Regular potting soil may retain too much moisture and suffocate the roots.
Yes! African Violets are non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
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