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bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well) for 10-12 hours daily; an east-facing window is ideal. In winter, a south-facing window works well. Avoid direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute), which bleaches and burns the fuzzy leaves - though insufficient light means no bloomsLight
Bottom-water by placing the pot in a shallow saucer of room-temperature water for 15-30 minutes, then remove. Never let the crown get wet and never let the pot sit in standing water, as crown rot is a fast death sentence. Use room-temperature water - cold water causes white leaf spots on contactWater
Aim for 50-60% relative humidity. Group plants together or use a pebble tray with water. Do not mist - water on the velvety foliage causes permanent leaf spottingHumidity
65-80F (18-27C); avoid temperatures below 60F and keep away from drafts, heating vents, and ACTemperature
moderateDifficulty
Saintpaulia ionantha African Violet plant with purple flowers

African Violets

Saintpaulia hybrids

Moderate

African Violets are compact rosette-forming perennials with velvety, dark green leaves and cheerful flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, mauve, and bicolor — sometimes double or ruffled depending on the hybrid. Standard plants stay 8–12 inches across while miniature cultivars fit in a teacup, making them the quintessential windowsill plant. With the right light and care, they will bloom almost year-round without complaint.

Saintpaulia ionantha African Violet plant with purple flowers
Sanja565658 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Saintpaulia ionantha African Violet plant with purple flowers
Sanja565658 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Care Guide

How to grow African Violets

Light

bright indirect light (3-6 feet

Water

Bottom-water by placing the pot

Humidity

50-60%

Temperature

65-80F (18-27C); avoid temperatures below

Soil

A light, porous mix of

Propagation

Leaf cuttings are the classic

Common Problems

Crown rot from wet crowns

Did You Know

Fun Facts

The wild species Saintpaulia ionantha was discovered in 1892, and within decades hybridizers had produced thousands of cultivars — today there are over 16,000 registered African Violet varieties

Pet Safety

Pet safe

Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA - one of the genuinely pet-safe flowering houseplants

Sources

  1. African Violet Research Guide - New York Botanical Garden (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  2. Care of African Violets - Smithsonian Gardens (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  3. African Violet Research Guide - New York Botanical Garden (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Care of African Violets - Smithsonian Gardens (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Caring for Healthy African Violets (Saintpaulia) - UK Houseplants (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Caring for Healthy African Violets (Saintpaulia) - UK Houseplants (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: African Violet | ASPCA (opens in new tab)Reference
  8. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: African Violet | ASPCA (opens in new tab)Reference
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