African Violets are one of the most popular houseplants, thanks to their colorful and charming blooms. These flowers come in a variety of vibrant colors and have a unique shape that makes them stand out from other plants. While they’re commonly known as African violets, Russian African violets are actually native to East Africa.
These plants were first introduced to Europe and North America in the late 1800s. They were first discovered in 1892 by Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, after whom they’re named. African Violets (Saintpaulia) are compact, flowering houseplants beloved for their vibrant blooms and fuzzy, deep green leaves. Native to Tanzania and other parts of East Africa, they thrive in indoor environments with proper care.
While African violets are relatively easy to care for, growing them properly can be tricky. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned grower, African Violet Resource Center has everything you need to help your plant grow vibrant and strong.
4 Key Tips for Growing Healthy African Violets | Easy Care Guide
Understanding Russian African Violets
A Russian violet is a hybrid of two African violets, the Saintpaulia Jonantha and the Saintpaulia Ruschii. Russian violets (Exacum Affine) are native to Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey.
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Hybridized Ukrainian x Russian violets are a cross between African and Russian violets. The resulting plant is more vigorous and floriferous than either parent plant. Hybridized Ukrainian x Russian violets have large, flat leaves and blooms that come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, blue, and white.
Russian African violets come in a wide range of colors, from deep purple to soft lavender. There are also a variety of patterns and markings available on these flowers. This stunning Russian African violet has a lovely light purple color mixed with white that is very striking.
The Amadeus Russian violet is a deep raspberry color and is considered a semi-double bloom flower. The typical Russian African violet flower has five petals that are fused at the base. The petals may be various shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. The center of the flower usually contains yellow stamens.
Unique Varieties
- Blue-Eyed African Violets: These violets have blue or purple flowers with very subtle ruffles on the end of the blooms.
- Chimera African Violets: These have a distinct pinwheel pattern on the blooms. This unique look is sought after by many African violet collectors, and the blooms themselves can come in many different colors.
Size and Growth
When it comes to Russian African violets, the bigger the better! These gorgeous plants can reach up to 12 inches in height and spread up to 18 inches wide. However, they can also be kept smaller if desired.
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Russian African violets follow the same size categories as regular African violets, and those categories are: miniature, semi-miniature, standard, and large.
- Miniature African violets are 6 inches round and smaller.
- Semi-miniature African violets range from 6 inches to 8 inches in diameter.
Caring for Your Russian African Violet
To keep your Russian African violets healthy, water them regularly with clean water and avoid getting the leaves wet. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. African violets do not like being in soggy soil, and could quickly die if their soil is too wet for too long.
Water in the morning is best to avoid mildew. African Violets like to be moist, but not soggy. Prefers bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
Russian African violets do not like to have too much moisture, so it’s not ideal to grow them in just water. No, Russian African violets do not need more light. They are quite content with the lower light levels found in most homes. If you do have a brighter spot in your home, they will do fine there as well. Just be sure to give them a little extra water if the leaves start to yellow.
The 6" grower's pot is filled with a robust, stunning single Violet. Over time, some might have grown a "pup" or two, others have not.
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Watering
Water when top of the soil is dry. Water from the bottom to keep leaves dry; use room-temperature water.
Fertilizing
The best way to fertilize your African violet is with our African Violet Plant Food designed for African violets. Apply the fertilizer at half the recommended strength at first, and increase to the recommended dose steadily with each watering.
Pruning
Remove any dead or dying leaves from your plant as soon as you notice them. Make sure you use clean, sterilized pruning shears to avoid spreading any diseases to your African violet or to your other plants.
Blooming and Dormancy
African violets typically bloom for four to six weeks at a time, with individual blooms lasting only a few days. If you want your African violets to bloom continuously, it is important to provide them with the proper care. They should be grown in bright, indirect light and kept moist (but not soggy) with regular watering and misting.
As with most houseplants, African violets have a dormant period during which they rest and generate new leaves. This typically occurs in late fall and winter.
Lifespan
When it comes to lifespan, African violets are relatively long-lived plants. With proper care, they can thrive for many years. Keeping a Russian African violet can add the perfect amount of color to any spot in your home.
Additional Care Tips
- Humidity: Thrives in moderate humidity; group with other plants or use a pebble tray for added moisture.
- Pet-Friendly: Yes, non-toxic to pets.
- Care Level: Moderate; best for plant enthusiasts who can provide consistent care.
Note: Images are a general representation of size and color. Flower color and shape may vary.
