
African violets are a beautiful and popular houseplant, known for their pretty flowers and vibrant colors. These plants are native to Africa, and they thrive in warm, humid environments. African violets are easy to care for, and they make a great addition to any indoor space.
If you’re thinking about adding an African violet to your home, you should know a few things about these plants. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of African violet care, including how to water and fertilize your plant and troubleshoot common problems.
Before grabbing your shears and your pots, here are a few things you need to know about this gorgeous plant.
What are African Violets?
African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are evergreen, perennial plants that are native to Tanzania and other parts of eastern Africa. These plants grow in warm, humid environments and they’re known for their pretty, violet-colored flowers.
African violets are popular houseplants, and they’re relatively easy to care for. These plants need bright, indirect sunlight and they should be watered regularly. African violets also need to be fertilized every few weeks to ensure that they remain healthy and continue to flower.
What do African Violets look like?
African violets are small plants, and they typically grow to be about 4-16 inches tall. These plants have dark green, heart-shaped leaves and they produce violet-colored flowers. The flowers of African violets can range in color from pale purple to deep blue.
How long do African Violets Last?
African violets are relatively long-lived plants, and they can live for 10-20 years with proper care. These plants will bloom throughout the year, but they typically flower more heavily in the spring and summer months. With patience and attention, you can enjoy years of beautiful blooms from your African violet plants.
How Fast do African Violets Grow?
African violets are slow-growing plants because they’re native to tropical regions with humid climates. In their natural habitat, these plants grow very slowly to avoid being eaten by predators. However, African violets that are grown in captivity often grow much faster than their wild counterparts.
In ideal conditions, African violets can grow up to 1 inch per month. However, most plants will grow much slower than this, and it’s not uncommon for African violets to only grow a few inches per year. These plants will bloom throughout the year, but they typically flower more heavily in the spring and summer months.
What are the types of African Violets?
There are many different types of African violets, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. Some popular varieties of African violets include:
-Saintpaulia ionantha (the most common type of African violet)
-Saintpaulia goetzeana (which is a dwarf variety that only grows to be about 4 inches tall)
-Saintpaulia rupicola (which is a climbing African violet that can grow up to 16 inches tall)
-Saintpaulia teitensis (which is a rare variety that has variegated leaves)
-Saintpaulia hirsuta (which is a hairy, fuzzy variety of African violet)
Now that you know the basics about African violets, it’s time to learn how to care for these beautiful plants.
Watering and growing your African Violets

One of the most important things to know about African violets is how to water them properly. These plants need to be watered regularly, but they don’t like to sit in wet soil. This can cause the roots of the plant to rot, and it can also lead to fungal diseases.
How often to water African Violets?
African violets should be watered about once a week, or when the top inch of soil is dry. These plants like to be kept moist, but they don’t like to sit in wet soil. If you’re not sure whether or not your plant needs water, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and wait a few extra days before watering.
How to water African Violets?
The best way to water African violets is to use lukewarm water and to water from the bottom up. To do this, fill a sink or a basin with about 2 inches of lukewarm water, and then set your plant in the water. Allow the water to soak up through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot for proper drainage.
How much water to give African Violets?
When watering African violets, it’s important to use lukewarm water and to water from the bottom up. To do this, fill a sink or a basin with about 2 inches of lukewarm water, and then set your plant in the water. Allow the water to soak up through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot all the way to the plant.
What kind of soil do African Violets need?
African violets need a light, well-draining, and slightly acidic soil. A good potting mix for these plants should be loose and airy, and it should contain either perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. You can also add a small amount of sand to the potting mix to improve drainage.
What kind of fertilizer do African Violets need?
African violets need a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen. The recommended ratio for African violets is 14-12-14. There are some African violet fertilizers on the market that are specially formulated for these plants, or you can use a general-purpose fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength.
How much sunlight do African Violets need?
African violets need bright, indirect sunlight. These plants do not like direct sun, as it can scorch their leaves. Darkness promotes blooms in African violets, so if you’re hoping to get your plant to bloom, it’s best to keep it in a spot that gets several hours of indirect sunlight each day.
What is the best temperature for growing African Violets?
African violets prefer temperatures that are between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants do not like drafts, so it’s important to keep them away from windows and doors. If the temperature in your home is too hot or too cold, African violets will not grow well.
Pruning and Propagating your African Violets

Propagating your African Violets in order to have more plants is a sure-fire way to success in having a fantastic African Violet collection. Here is some important information about propagating African Violets.
How to propagate African Violets?
There are two ways to propagate African violets: by seed or by leaf. Propagating by seed is more difficult and takes longer, so it’s best to start with leaf propagation.
To propagate African violets by leaf, start by taking a leaf cutting from a healthy plant. Cut a ½ to 1-inch piece from a leaf that has been recently watered. Remove the bottom two inches of the leaf, and then dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Next, fill a small pot with African violet potting mix and make a hole in the center with your finger. Gently insert the rooted end of the leaf-cutting into the hole and press the potting mix around it. Water the soil lightly, and then place the pot in a warm, humid location out of direct sunlight.
New leaves will begin to grow in 4-6 weeks. Once the new leaves are about 2 inches long, you can transplant them into their own pots.
How to repot African Violets?
African violets should be repotted every 12 to 18 months. When repotting, it’s best to use a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger than the current pot. Begin by removing the plant from its current pot and gently shaking off any excess soil. Inspect the roots and trim away any that are damaged or dead. ensure that the height of the soil is level with the base of the plant.
Fill the new pot with African violet potting mix, and then gently insert the plant into the pot. Water the soil lightly, and then place the pot in a warm, humid location out of direct sunlight.
The best pot for African Violets?
The best pot for African violets is a 4-5 inch ceramic or plastic pot. These pots should have drainage holes in the bottom to allow for proper drainage. Growing plants nestled in these pots will create a lovely, compact display.
How to prune African Violets?
African violets can be pruned to encourage new growth or to remove damaged or dead leaves. Start by removing any leaves that are brown or yellow. Cut the leaf off at the base of the plant, being careful not to damage the stem. Next, trim away any leaves that are longer than 3 inches. These leaves can be old and encourage leggy growth.
Finally, cut back any stems that are longer than 6 inches. These stems can be woody and won’t produce new leaves.
Where to cut African Violets?
When pruning African violets, it’s important to make clean cuts at the base of the plant. These cuts should be made just above a leaf node, which is the point where a leaf is attached to the stem. By cutting at the leaf node, you’ll encourage new growth from the plant. The goal is to simply tidy up the plant and encourage new growth.
Problems with your African Violet
If you’re having problems with your African violets, the first step is to take a closer look at the plant. Inspect the leaves and stems for any signs of damage or pests. Check the soil to see if it’s too dry or too wet. Also, make sure that the plant is getting enough light. If you can’t find anything wrong with the plant, it’s best to consult with a local nursery or gardening center. They can help you diagnose the problem and find a solution.
Why are my African violets dying?
One of the most common reasons why African violets die is because they’re not getting enough light. African violets need bright, indirect light to thrive. If they’re not getting enough light, they’ll slowly start to die. Another common reason why African violets die is because of overwatering. African violets need well-drained soil and should only be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which will undoubtedly kill the plant.
Why are my African violets turning brown?
If your African violets are turning brown, it’s likely because they’re not getting enough light. African violets need bright, indirect light to thrive. If they’re not getting enough light, the leaves will start to turn brown and eventually die. Another reason could be that your plant is natural aging. This occurs when the leaves of the plant begin to turn brown and fall off. The plant will eventually stop producing new leaves and will slowly die. However, there is no need to panic, as this is a natural process.
Why are my African violets turning yellow?
If your African violets are turning yellow, it could be because they’re not getting enough light. African violets need bright, indirect light to thrive. If they’re not getting enough light, the leaves will start to turn yellow and eventually die. Another reason could be that the plant is getting too much water. African violets need well-drained soil and should only be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which will cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die.
Why are my African violets wilting?
If your African violets are wilting, it’s likely because they’re not getting enough water. African violets need well-drained soil and should only be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. If you’re watering the plant too frequently, the roots will start to rot and the plant will wilt. Another reason could be having overly wet soil. If the soil is too wet, it will cause the plant to wilt. Be sure to check the drainage of your pot and only water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
Why are my African violets dying?
One of the most common reasons why African violets die is because they’re being overwatered, this can cause the plant to rot. African violets need well-drained soil and should only be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. If you’re watering the plant too frequently, the roots will start to rot and the plant will die. Another common reason why African violets die is that they’re not getting enough light. African violets need bright, indirect light to thrive. If they’re not getting enough light, they’ll slowly start to die.
How to revive my African violets?
Reviving your plant is possible, but it will take some time and effort. The first step is to assess the plant and see what might be wrong. Check the leaves and stems for any signs of damage or pests. Check the soil to see if it’s too dry or too wet. Also, make sure that the plant is getting enough light. If you can’t garner any success after trying all of the possible steps, it’s best to consult with a professional. They can help you diagnose the problem and find a solution.
African Violets can be a tricky plant to care for, but with the right knowledge, you can have a healthy and beautiful plant. Be sure to check the soil moisture, light exposure, and temperature before watering or planting your African Violet. With a little bit of love and attention, your African Violet will thrive!
Whether you’re tending to your first African Violet (or any plant!) or you’ve been growing them for years, the willingness to learn is key to being a successful plant parent. Visit our website where we got your back on all things plant-related! From tips on how to water your plants, what type of soil they need, and more!