Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Feature
The African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha), a beloved houseplant, combines elegance and simplicity. Its velvety foliage and cheerful blossoms—available in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white—make it a decorative centerpiece for any room. Native to the rainforests of East Africa, this compact plant is a perfect choice for windowsills, desks, or shelves. With minimal care, African Violets bloom nearly all year, adding a touch of nature’s beauty to your indoor space. Known also as Saintpaulia or simply "violets," their charm lies in their petite size and stunning flower clusters.
Best Locations For Growing African Violets
Ideal for cozy spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, African Violets thrive in areas with bright, indirect light. Bathrooms and kitchens are especially beneficial due to their naturally higher humidity levels, which mimic the plant’s tropical rainforest origins. These compact plants are perfect for windowsills and small tabletops. While beautiful, they are mildly toxic if ingested, so ensure they’re out of reach of pets and children.
African Violet Sunlight Requirements
African Violets prefer bright, indirect light and grow best near east-facing windows or a few feet away from bright south- or west-facing windows. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with fluorescent or LED grow lights. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their delicate leaves. Signs of too much light include pale, bleached leaves, while leggy growth indicates insufficient light.
African Violet Care
African Violets flourish in well-draining soil, preferably a mix high in organic content. A specific African Violet potting mix or a blend of potting soil, peat, and perlite works best. They like being slightly root-bound, so repot only every 1–2 years into a pot one size larger. Avoid burying the crown during repotting to prevent rot. Regularly brush off their fuzzy leaves with a soft-bristled brush to remove dust and promote healthy growth. For optimal flowering, ensure the plant receives at least 8 hours of darkness each day.
Watering African Violets
Maintain evenly moist soil without overwatering. Water from the bottom by placing the pot in a shallow dish of room-temperature water until the top layer feels moist. Alternatively, use a self-watering pot or wick system. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent spotting or fungal issues. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
African Violets prefer moderate humidity levels of 40–60%. To increase humidity, place the pot on a tray of pebbles with water (ensuring the pot doesn’t sit in the water) or use a humidifier.
Feeding African Violets
During the growing season, feed African Violets every 2–4 weeks with a high-phosphorus, water-soluble fertilizer at one-quarter strength. Look for fertilizers formulated specifically for African Violets. Water the plant with plain water before feeding to prevent root burn and flush the soil monthly to remove any fertilizer buildup.
