Delicate purple flowers rest gently atop a rosette of lush, emerald-green leaves. Often seen as finicky or hard to grow, African violets are attractive plants that can thrive with the right care and environment, bringing vibrant color to kitchen windowsills year-round.
First discovered in the African rainforests in 1892 by Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, the African violet’s fame quickly spread after he sent seeds back to his father in Germany. There, a botanist documented the plant and named it Saintpaulia ionantha — honoring both the founder and the Greek word “ionantha,” meaning “resembling a violet.”
While the original flowers were violet, hundreds of cultivars have since been developed, particularly after their introduction to the U.S. in the early 1900s. Today, African violets are among the most popular houseplants, with a variety of flower colors, leaf shapes, sizes and hues. From purple, blue, white and lavender to stunning color combinations, these delicate blooms add a pop of color to any space.
A bright, cool location is the perfect spot for an African violet. During the winter months, place them in a southern or western-facing window; an eastern or northern window is ideal for the rest of the year. If your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight, the leaves will darken, and the stems will stretch out and weaken. Too much sun, however, will cause the leaves to become yellow or bleach.
If natural light is limited, African violets also do well with supplemental lighting from fluorescent or LED grow lights. To maintain the plant’s symmetrical rosette shape, rotate it a quarter-turn every week. These plants prefer temperatures around 70 degrees F and humidity levels between 40 and 60%. If you need to increase humidity, place your plant on a shallow tray of gravel and water.
Proper watering is crucial for healthy African violets. Too little water can stunt growth and reduce blooming, while overwatering can lead to crown and root rot. For the best results, use distilled water, rainwater or reverse-osmosis water. Ensure the water is at room temperature, as cold water can leave brown spots on the leaves.
One effective method is bottom watering. Place the pot in a tray of water for 30 minutes, then drain. This allows the soil to absorb moisture through the drainage holes. Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy. How often to water a plant depends on factors like the size of the plant and pot, soil type and environmental conditions. During active growth, add a diluted (1/4 strength) 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer with each watering.
African violets are typically propagated through leaf or leaf petiole cuttings, making it easy to grow more plants. For leaf cuttings, use a sharp knife to slice horizontally across the main leaf vein, then place the cutting flat on the soil with the vein side down. Roots will form at the cut point along the vein.
For leaf petiole cuttings, choose a healthy, mature leaf and use a sharp knife to remove the leaf stem from the mother plant. Plant the stem about 1/2-inch deep in moist potting soil, gently pressing the soil around the stem to ensure the leaf blade is touching the soil. Roots should begin to develop within a few weeks. With the right conditions, a leaf cutting can grow into a flowering plant in around 10 months.
Even with the best care and environment, African violets can still encounter a few challenges. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, spider mites and mealybugs that often target the leaves. If dust is building up on the foliage, use a soft, dry paintbrush to gently remove it. No blooms? Check the light, room temperature and overall plant care. Running out of space to grow all those lovely varieties? Consider adding a sunroom or sharing some with a friend or loved one.
