African violets are among the easiest of all houseplants to grow and probably the easiest flowering houseplant to care for.
A basic rule in African violet care is this: treat them as you would your child. Don’t neglect them, and provide all of their necessities when they need it, in moderation. This applies to watering, feeding and environment. If they’re not happy, they’ll tell (show) you-your job as a “parent” is to listen.
We’ve provided some basic guidelines for African violet care below (scroll past the history sections). Grow them large. Grow them tiny. We specialize in miniature and semiminiature African violets.
When mature, miniatures grow to less than 6″ in diameter, semiminis to less than 8″. With proper culture, actual plant size usually is much smaller in practice. The smallest of them might be less than 2 or 3″ from leaf tip to leaf tip!
Grow them rare. ‘Chimera’ varieties are violets for which propagation by leaf cuttings will not produce plantlets identical to the original plant. These are typically the “pinwheel” blossomed varieties that show broad center and side stripes of different colors. These are quite unusual, genetically more rare, and can be propagated only by suckers.
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“Leaf” chimeras are varieties whose foliage can only be reproduced by sucker propagation. Variegation on leaf chimeras is very rare and is completely immune to changes in temperature, environment and age.
Let them grow. Trailing African violets are perhaps the easiest to grow and bloom, especially for the novice. They are naturally branching, spreading, plants that can left to do their ‘own thing’.
No need to remove suckers to keep symmetry or encourage blooming. These violets freely produce extra crowns without sacrificing appearance or bloom-in fact, this increases the potential bloom!
Grow them ‘native’. Saintpaulia species are the African violets that all modern hybrids trace the ancestry to. Many can still be found growing on the hillsides in east Africa. Just grow them!
Light
Adequate light is important for good growth and bloom. Try to provide bright, but not not, sunlight. If growing under artificial lights, place fixture about 12-18″ above plants for 12-13 hours each day.
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A four foot shelf will require one of the following: a 10 watt LED fixture or one T8 florescent bulb, or two T12 bulbs. If foliage appears healthy and growing, but no blooms, provide more light.
This is the most modern, efficient means of lighting, and it will come in many forms. Tubes, or strips, are preferable, since they will light a larger area more efficiently. Most won't list lumens but will, instead, list "watts". As a guideline, for a 4 foot shelf (i.e.
Watering
Use room-temperature water. Water when the soil feels “dry to the touch”. You can water from the top. Water on the leaves will not necessarily harm them-only if this water is much different from the leaf temperature!
Plants may be watered from the top, from the bottom, or by using wicks or other "constant" watering methods. If using a self-watering pot or wicking, you MUST use a soil containing at least 50% perlite (like the "wicking" mix we sell). Most commercially sold "African violet" mixes will not contain enough perlite for SW methods.
If watering from the bottom (i.e.
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Feeding
A ‘balanced’ formula is best (relatively equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Look for formulas where the three numbers on the label (NPK) are similar.
Atmosphere
African violets like the same conditions you do-moderate temperatures and humidity. If you feel comfortable, so do they.
Soil
Use a peat-based, “soilless” mix consisting of at least 30-50% coarse vermiculite and/or perlite. Brand-name “violet soils” are NOT necessarily good for African violets!
General rule: the wetter you keep the soil, the more perlite it should contain. Avoid soils that contain actual top soil or look excessively thick, dark and rich!
Grooming
Except for trailers, do not allow extra crowns (suckers) to develop. African violets should be grown single-crowned. Most African violets look best with no more than 5 rows of leaves.
Potting
Repot all plants every 6-12 months. Most standard African violets, grown as a houseplant, will require a 4-5″ pot at maturity. For minis and semiminis, us a pot no larger than 2 1/2″ in diameter. Pot size is determined by the size of the root ball.
Pests
African violets are vulnerable to many of same same pests that appear on other plants. Prevention is always the best medicine. If you grow plants outside-never bring them inside (you’ll be bringing unwanted guests as well)! Use the search function and FAQ section of this site to research symptoms and remedies.
Growing African Violets in Hawaii
Given the specific conditions in Hawaii, here are some considerations for growing African violets:
- Temperature: Since temperatures rarely drop below 51°F (10.5°C), and are usually above 60°F (15.5°C), the climate is suitable for African violets.
- Humidity: With moderate humidity levels between 50% and 75%, the environment is generally favorable.
- Light: The main concern is direct sunlight. A continuously shaded location is necessary to prevent leaf burn. Monitor the plant to ensure it receives adequate light for blooming.
- Protection: Ensure the plant is protected from strong trade winds and rain.
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Here's a summary table of the ideal conditions for African Violets:
| Condition | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 65-75°F (18-24°C) |
| Humidity | 50-60% |
| Light | Bright, indirect |
| Soil | Peat-based, well-draining |
