Caption
African Violets are delightful houseplants and will brighten up any room with their purple, pink, or white colors.
Image Credit:
Ludmila Kapustkina/Shutterstock
Botanical Name
Streptocarpus (formerly Saintpaulia) ionanthus
Sun Exposure
Bloom Time
Plant Type
Planting
How to Plant African Violets
- You can use an African violet–specific potting mix or an all-purpose potting mix, as long as it is well-draining. Here’s how to create your own mix.
- Keep African violets planted in small pots and repot every few years in fresh potting mix. Being a bit pot-bound encourages African violets to bloom more, so don’t be too quick to give them more space.
- The potting mix should be loose and well-draining; 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 planted previously, and be careful not to bury the crown. African violets‘ stems can be susceptible to rot if kept too moist.
Growing
How to Care for African Violets
- According to Julie Weisenhorn, an Extension educator at the University of Minnesota, “If you are comfortable, your African violet is comfortable.” Optimal room temperature for growing African violets is between 60° and 80°F and ideally 70°F.” However, some are more tolerant of cooler conditions. In any case, keep them away from drafty windows in winter.
- 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 needs repotting is wilted leaves.
- The fuzzy leaves have a tendency to collect dust and dirt. Brush them off gently with a small, soft-bristled paintbrush.
For more information on African violets, visit the website of the African Violet Society of America.
African Violet Troubleshooting Chart
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No flowers | Too little light; too much nitrogen; plant too cold | Move to bright, indirect light; switch to a bloom-boosting fertilizer; keep temps 65°–75°F |
| Leaves turning yellow | Overwatering; poor drainage; old leaves | Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; use a pot with drainage; remove aging outer leaves |
| Wilting leaves | Root rot or underwatering | Check soil moisture; trim rotted roots and repot in fresh mix; water consistently |
| Mushy or collapsing crown | Crown rot from cold water or water sitting on leaves | Water from the bottom; avoid splashing leaves; keep water lukewarm |
| Brown leaf spots | Cold water; sun scorch | Use room-temperature water; keep out of direct sunlight |
| Pale or stretched leaves | Insufficient light | Move plant closer to a bright window or use grow lights |
| Curled or brittle leaves | Low humidity; cold drafts | Increase humidity with a tray or humidifier; move away from vents |
| White crust on soil | Salt buildup from fertilizer or hard water | Flush soil monthly with distilled water; fertilize lightly |
| Slow growth | Root-bound plant; nutrient deficiency | Repot every 6–12 months; fertilize regularly at low strength |
| Flowers fade quickly | Heat stress; dry air | Keep temperatures moderate; increase humidity |
Water
Keep the potting mix 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 chilled water can leave marks on the leaves.
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 the foliage.
Use room-temperature water, as chilled water can leave marks on the leaves.
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 the foliage.
Light
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 gives them the best lighting without the risk of burning their sensitive foliage.
Artificial lighting works well, too. Use fluorescent or LED bulbs to supplement natural lighting.
Thin, dark green leaves and leggy stems tell you the plant is getting too little light; light green or bleached leaves indicate too much light.
Artificial lighting works well, too. Use fluorescent or LED bulbs to supplement natural lighting.
Thin, dark green leaves and leggy stems tell you the plant is getting too little light; light green or bleached leaves indicate too much light.
Fertilizer
During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize every 2 weeks with a high-phosphorous plant food. Only start fertilizing when the plant appears to need an extra boost (slow, thin growth; pale or yellowing leaves).
Overfertilizing is a more common problem than underfertilizing since most potting mixes come infused with plenty of nutrients.
Overfertilizing is a more common problem than underfertilizing since most potting mixes come infused with plenty of nutrients.
Types
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 and flowers.
African violets are typically classified by size, based on how wide they grow:
- Miniature: less than 8 inches across
- Standard: 8–16 inches across
- Large: more than 16 inches across
More Like This
Try watering it often... It worked for me
I have a huge plant. The stem is very thick and is pushing up from the large double pot. It falls over. Can I cut the root shorter? I really no nothing about these plants, it was a gift and it keeps on giving. Just finished flowered the most flowers yet. Probably a good 5 years old.
I have a plant that is two african violets growing in the same pot. There is alot of exposed root. Should I attempt to separate the two or just put in a bigger pot and get as much of the root (where leaves have grown and been pulled off) in the soil. They are growing nicely - but more vertically than horizontally - the plants look like they are back to back.
I repotted my violet a few weeks ago and every since she has been droopy and the edges of the leaves are curling what have I done wrong an what can I do too help it??
I sent for a plant last year in August it arrived as a small plant i planted it & its never grown never done anything i got some fresh soil & replanted it its still never done anything. Whats wrong why hasent it grown? I had a lovely plant i moved house & i lost it i had always grown them so it shows i can keep them. Please can you help me.
Thank you very much. I really like your flowers. So beautiful!
Hi, I wanted to let you know I found your article about growing African violets very helpful. Thank you, Richard
I have two plants that sit right next to each other. They both get watered and fertilized the same but one blooms and the other one wont. Do you have any ideas.
Interesting! Are they the same age and size? African violets prefer to be a little bit pot-bound—it can encourage them to bloom. If one of your plants is smaller than the other, perhaps it's not quite "grown in" enough.
Or, are they different varieties or species? If so, this could explain the difference in care preferences. Try adjusting some aspects of your care for the non-bloomer, such as moving it to a brighter spot, watering less or more, and so on.
My plant has abundant heathy green leaves, no flowers, it has bloomed in the past.
What is wrong with it?
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