African violets are small houseplants that grow well in average house temperatures, flowering almost continuously in clusters of white, blue, or purple blossoms over fuzzy leaves. With bright blooms and lovely fuzzy leaves, it’s no wonder African violets are beloved the world over. Here’s how to care for African violets in your home while they fill your house (and heart) with joy.
African Violets are small houseplants with velvety leaves and fleshy stems. They are the perfect plant for a windowsill, desk or shelf.
About African Violets
Despite their common name, African violets are not a type of violet but produce vivid, violet-colored flowers. They are now categorized in the genus Streptocarpus. However, as their name suggests, African violets are native to East Africa, stemming from the tropical rainforests of Tanzania and Kenya. In 1892, German colonial officer Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire identified these plants and sent seeds back to Germany.
Violets (Viola)-though unrelated to African violets-are one of the February birth flowers, so a potted African violet can make a bright gift for a February birthday. The violet symbolizes loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness.
With winter comes snow-and, unfortunately, snow-like fungus. White mildew is a common fungal disease that affects indoor plants. Toasty temperatures and closed windows make winter months an ideal breeding ground for this powdery pest.
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Ideal Growing Conditions
African violets do best and produce the most blooms in bright, indirect light with regular house temperatures (no lower than 55°F at night nor above 75°F during the day). Though they are generally easy to care for, they can go through fussy spells.
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°F 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.
The ideal temperature range for African violets is between 65 and 75°F (18 and 24°C). Because they are sensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations, keep them away from drafty windows, air conditioners, and heaters. While a small amount of temperature variation is okay, it's important to keep the plant away from any abrupt swings that can stress it or harm it. The growth of the plant may slow down if the temperature falls below 60°F (15°C), and it may cause the leaves to wilt and become brown at the edges if the temperature rises beyond 80°F (27°C).
Planting African Violets
Keep African violets planted in small pots and repot every few years to mix in fresh soil. Being a bit pot-bound encourages African violets to bloom more, so don’t be too quick to give them more space. 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.
When repotting African violets, don’t plant them any deeper than they were already planted, and be careful not to bury the crown.
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To move an African violet to a new pot, first loosen the soil and roots with your fingers. Then, gently pull the plant out of its old pot. If the roots are close together, you can use clean, sharp scissors to cut some of them away. Put a small amount of fresh potting soil that drains well in the bottom of the new pot. Place the plant in the middle of the pot. Fill in the space around the roots with more potting soil and press it down gently. After moving the plant to a new pot, give it a lot of water and put it in a bright, indirect light.
You can use an actual African violet potting mix or an all-purpose potting soil, as long as it is well-draining. The soil should be loose and well-draining; high organic matter content is a plus. Learn about organic soil amendments. A common recipe for making your own African violet potting soil is to mix 1 cup peat moss + 1 cup vermiculite + 1 cup perlite.
African violets need soil that drains well, so it's important to pick a pot with holes in it. African violets need a specific kind of soil that drains well and has holes in it so that the roots can grow well and don't get soggy. African violets should be grown in a mixture of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Peat moss adds organic matter and helps keep the soil moist. Perlite and vermiculite help the soil breathe and drain better. To make sure the plant gets all the nutrients it needs, the pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5.
Watering Techniques
Keep the soil 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.
Let your African violets dry out slightly between waterings. You should expect to be watering them approximately every 5-7 days depending on the humidity level in your home. Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.
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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. Water from underneath using room-temperature water. I fill the saucer or a shallow pan with water and allow them to drink up as much as they can from underneath for about an hour. Then toss out the extra water. DO NOT let them constantly sit in water.
African violets are a type of houseplant that require proper watering techniques to thrive. When watering your indoor African violet, it is important to avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause damage or even lead to rotting. Instead, water the soil directly and allow the plant to absorb the moisture from the bottom. Use room temperature water to prevent shock to the plant's roots. African violets require consistently moist but not waterlogged soil, so avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. It is best to water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Additionally, using a pot with drainage holes can help prevent overwatering and promote healthy root growth. Finally, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix that allows for proper air circulation and water retention. Also, you shouldn't water African Violets with tap water because the chemicals in tap water can hurt the plant.
Use room-temperature water, as chilled water can leave marks on the leaves.
Lighting Requirements
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. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves. You can place them under a grow light in the winter months if you like.
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.
African violets like bright, indirect light. Their leaves can get hurt by direct sunlight. They do best in windows that face east or north, where they can get bright, filtered light without being directly hit by the sun's rays.
Artificial lighting works well, too. Use fluorescent or LED bulbs to supplement natural lighting.
Fertilizing
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).
Over-fertilizing is a more common problem than under-fertilizing since most soil mixes come infused with plenty of nutrients.
Fertilize your African violets with an African violet-specific fertilizer spring through fall. There is no need to fertilize in the winter months. I use Schultz African Violet Fertilizer, just because that is what my mom always used, but there are other brands out there.
African violets are sensitive to fertilizers, so you need to use one that is made just for them. To get your plants to bloom, choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a higher concentration of phosphorus. The ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-12-14 is often used to fertilize African violets. Apply the fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season. Don't let the fertilizer get on the plant's leaves or crown, as this can hurt the plant. Instead, water the soil well with the fertilizer solution that has been diluted.
A note about Miracle Grow African Violet Potting Soil which is commonly found in just about any grocery store or hardware store. It already has fertilizer added in to it, so if you use it you have to remember to be careful to not over-fertilize your plants by using your own fertilizer also.
Humidity
African Violets and Gloxinia need moderate humidity. To increase humidity around your plant, set the pot in a tray filled with pebbles or gravel. Add water to a level just below the tops of the pebbles (if the potting mix in the pots comes in contact with the water, the mix will draw water into the pot, which will cause the mix to become saturated, eventually leading to rot).
Before they became beloved houseplants, African Violets grew in the mountains in Tanzania where they were accustomed to a humid climate. They prefer a humid environment which can be achieved by placing the pots on pebble filled tray of water. Be careful to not let the roots of the plants touch the water though, you are just allowing the water to slowly evaporate causing humidity for the plants. You can also use a humidifier in the room or even a bowl full of water near your plants.
If you want your African violet plant to stay healthy and grow well, you need to make sure that the humidity levels in its environment are just right. One way to get the right amount of humidity is to use a humidity tray. Fill a shallow tray with water and set the pot with the African violet on top, making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the pot. A second tip is to mist the plant with water often, especially when the weather is hot and dry. This makes the air around the plant more humid, which keeps the leaves from drying out and becoming brittle. If you want a solution that will last longer, you might want to buy a humidifier. This device can help control the humidity in a room, which is especially helpful when it's cold and dry outside.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light; East or North facing windows |
| Water | Allow top inch of soil to dry; Water from the bottom |
| Humidity | Moderate; Pebble tray or humidifier |
| Temperature | 65-75°F (18-24°C) |
| Fertilizer | Balanced, water-soluble, high in phosphorus |
🌺6 Tips For Caring for African Violets!🌺
Leaf Problems and Solutions
Leaf changes are one of the first ways your plant will signal something isn’t right in its environment. Luckily, most African violet leaf problems are an easy fix!
Curling Leaves
African violet leaves curling under is one of the most common issues you can experience with your plant. That’s because this symptom is usually caused by one of the African violet’s two biggest enemies: cold air and direct sunlight.
If your African violet’s leaves are curling under and turning brittle, they’re not warm enough! You may also notice your plant has grown extra “fur” on its leaves to protect itself. If you think cold air is the culprit, rescue your African violet from that drafty hallway or chilly great room and transport it somewhere more pleasant. Your plant will be happiest in a space with a steady temperature of 68-70ºF.
If you’re certain your plant hasn’t caught a chill, too much sunlight might be to blame. African violets like bright, indirect sunlight. But when they’re placed in hot, direct sunlight, their leaves can start to suffer. If your plant is placed in a windowsill-or a particularly sunny room-too much sunlight might be causing its leaves to curl under.
Brown, Crispy Leaves
African violets are known for their lush, deep-green foliage. That’s why brown, crispy leaves are a clear sign that something has gone wrong. Several issues can cause this symptom in your plant.
African violet leaves are extremely sensitive to water. In the wild, they’re protected from heavy rain and direct sunlight by the forest canopy. Unfortunately, your home isn’t a jungle! If you accidentally get your plant’s leaves wet while watering, and they’re exposed to direct sunlight, it can lead to brown spots and sunburn. Unfortunately, if this is the case, the affected leaves won’t recover. They’ll need to be removed.
If your plant’s leaves are brown and crispy around the edges-rather than brown spots throughout the leaf-you may have some issues below ground. African violets have delicate root systems that can easily struggle when exposed to overfertilization. Examine the pot for salt buildup on the soil, leaves, or rim of your pot. If you notice orange or yellow-ish crystals, gently flush the soil with room-temperature water (while avoiding the leaves).
Yellowing Leaves
A healthy plant will have rich, green foliage. When a leaf yellows, it’s a likely sign it’s starting its journey to the great greenhouse in the sky. But while this African violet leaf problem usually means you’ll lose the foliage, it doesn’t mean the whole plant is sick.
Each leaf on an African violet will live about a year. As it nears the end of its life cycle, your plant will stop sending nutrients in its direction; instead, it saves that energy for higher-functioning foliage. African violets grow from the crown outward, so if you notice the leaves closest to the surface turning yellow, they’re probably on their way out.
Limp and Droopy Leaves
Uh oh! Your African violet leaves have lost their vigor. Now they’re limp and droopy. This is a sign your plant can’t properly deliver nutrients to its cells.
If your plant isn’t getting enough water, it won’t be able to keep its leaves healthy and firm. Diagnose this issue by checking the soil: is it bone-dry? If so, your plant baby is dehydrated! Set it in a tray of room-temperature water and allow it to take up as much water as it needs through the holes in the bottom of its pot.
The sneaky cousin to underwatering, overwatering can be even more dangerous to your plant. When an African violet stays in oversaturated soil for too long, air can’t reach the roots. This creates prime conditions for root rot and fungus. If the soil feels damp or mushy, remove your plant from its soil and check for root rot.
Brown spots can be caused by exposing wet leaves to sunlight. But if they’re developing near the center of the leaf and your plant appears otherwise healthy, sunlight may not be the culprit. Chloramines are disinfectants commonly used to treat drinking water. In small amounts, they’re harmless to humans. But if you’re watering your plant with tap water, they may be responsible for this African violet leaf problem.
We know what happens when you expose wet African violet leaves to sunlight: they turn brown and burn. But getting African violet leaves wet in general can still cause problems. That’s because water that’s colder or warmer than your plant’s base temperature can shock and kill the cells in the leaf. The result? Unfortunately, if this happens, the leaf won’t recover.
Additional Care Tips
- Allow your African Violet to dry out in between waterings. They are best watered from a saucer or by using a self-watering pot.
- Never mist your foliage. Misting leaves causes fungal issues and disease.
- African Violet grows best in medium indirect light.
- Fertilize your African Violet March through October with a bloom boosting fertilizer.
- Prune the stems and flowers when they dry up or turn brown.
African violets don't need much pruning, but sometimes their stems can get too long or their leaves can die. If you pinch off the growing tips of young plants, they will branch out and become more compact. You can also cut the flower stems when the flowers are done blooming. If the leaves turn a different color or get hurt, cut them off at the base of the stem with a clean, sharp pair of scissors. When you take off the leaves, make sure to cut them off where they meet the base of the plant.
Use scissors to cut off the stalks of faded flowers. Older leaves turn yellow and dry as they age, and these too may be trimmed off.
Encouraging Blooms
If your African Violet is not producing flowers, it is likely a result of not getting enough light, warmth, and/or humidity.
There are 3 main reasons your African violet may not be blooming:
- Not Enough Light - African Violets need bright, indirect light to bloom. Place your plants near a North or east-facing window, but avoid harsh direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves. A shear curtain in the window is ideal to ward off the harshest light while still giving them the bright light they need.
- Too Large Of A Pot - African Violets bloom best when they are slightly root-bound. If you've recently repotted your violet into a huge new pot, the pot size might be the culprit.
- Incorrect Watering - African Violets are a bit finicky regarding water. Both over-watering and under-watering can cause blooming issues. Water them from the bottom when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Do not wait until they dry out completely before watering.
Propagation
African violets can be propagated using several methods, including leaf cuttings, division, and suckers. Leaf cuttings are the most common method and involve taking a healthy leaf from the mother plant and placing it in a pot with moist potting soil. A plastic bag is then placed over the pot to create a humid environment, and the cutting is kept in indirect sunlight until roots form. Division involves separating the plant into smaller clumps and repotting them in fresh soil. Suckers are small shoots that emerge from the base of the plant and can be removed and potted on their own.
Toxicity
African violets are non-toxic to both humans and animals.
Final Thoughts
Although they’re known for being finicky, African violets actually are quite hardy in the right conditions. If your African violet is healthy, you’ll know it! These gorgeous plants grow vigorously, and are known to bloom nearly all year round.
