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African Violet Care

Violet is often associated with royalty. And while the African violet may be small, it more than lives up to the color’s majestic roots. Beyond its vibrant blossoms, the African violet also has soft fuzzy leaves that give it a one-of-a-kind aesthetic. If you're looking for the perfect housewarming gift, you've just found it.

How to care for your African Violet

Use these instructions to care for an African Violet. This guide will tell you how to water an African Violet; its light, temperature, humidity preferences and any additional care it might need to help it grow.

African Violet

LIGHT

Your African violet loves bright indirect sunlight. Try and place it somewhere that gets loads of daylight, but not somewhere the sun is directly beating down on it. Near an eastern window or a few feet back from a southern window are ideal spots for this plant. Yellowing leaves and a lack of blooms can mean not enough light, while sunburnt, bleached leaves point to too much light. If you are worried you do not have a spot with enough light, try a Grow Light.

WATER

Water when the soil volume is 25% dry. This plant likes to be kept moist but does not like to sit in soggy soil. Avoid getting the leaves wet, and the bottom-watering method is recommended. Place your plant in a sink filled with 2-4″ of water. Leave the plant to soak for up to 45 minutes. Test the top of the soil for moisture. If it still feels dry water a little from the top. When your plant’s soil is evenly damp, drain the sink/tub and allow the plant to rest while it drains thoroughly.

HUMIDITY

While your African violet prefers a humid area, do not mist since this plant is susceptible to leaf rot. Instead, place it over a pebble tray or place a humidifier nearby.

TEMPERATURE

The African violet will thrive in temperatures between 65-80°F.

FOOD

Fertilize your plant every two weeks whenever the plant is actively growing with a fertilizer formulated for African violets, such as our Houseplant Special Fertilizer.

TOXICITY

Both the flowers and the leaves of an African violet are non-toxic to cats and dogs.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Prune spent blooms to keep the plant looking its best with a pair of Pruning Scissors.

Grow Beyond Expectations

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What's an African Violet?

Botanical Classification: Saintpaulia spp.

About

The African violet, or Streptocarpus spp., was discovered in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya. While it originates from a part of the world that is geographically tropical, it can handle cooler temperatures as it grows natively up on the mountainsides. This beautiful plant is accustomed to high altitudes, shade, and cooler temperatures, making it a very adaptable houseplant worldwide.

The colorful blooms sprout in groups of five and can come in many different colors ranging from purple to pink or white, fitting easily into any space. Their thick, green, and fuzzy leaves are also easily propagated.

The African violet was a popular houseplant in the 1960s and is making a comeback. They are perfect houseplants for apartments or small spaces as they provide rich colors and don’t take a lot of space.

Fun Fact

The African violet symbolizes devotion, faithfulness, and commitment. This might be because it flowers all year round or because it has been a household favorite for generations. It is one of the most popular indoor plants to gift on Mother’s Day, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Pictured Left: African Violet

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