How to grow African violets (2024)

Advertisement

African violets were popular house plants in the 1960s and 1970s and therefore might be considered a little old fashioned. But they've come a long way since then, and a new generation of house plant fans are falling for them once more.

Recent breeding (especially in Russia and Ukraine) has introduced lots of new flower colours, including coral, dusky red, green, ivory and yellow. There are also lots of new flower forms, including ruffled, bell-shaped, star-shaped, double or fringed blooms that may be bi-coloured, multi-coloured or splashed. Even the foliage has become more interesting, and you can now find pointed, scalloped, serrated, ruffled or variegated leaves. Some varieties are teacup-sized while others are larger, and some varieties have a trailing habit.

African violets are very good value, especially if you buy them as plug plants. They're very collectable and look good grouped together. They have a reputation for being a little tricky to grow, but with the right care and conditions they will thrive.

How to grow African violets

African violets are native to tropical East Africa, which gives plenty of clues about their care – they need bright light, warmth and humidity. Water very carefully with a small watering can, or better still, water from below. Allow any excess water to drain away afterwards as cold, wet compost can cause root rot. Remove spent flowers and foliage promptly and take care not to splash any water on the leaves when watering – this can cause problems such as grey mould.

More like this

African violets: jump links

  • Planting African violets
  • Caring for African violets
  • Propagating African violets
  • Growing African violets: problem-solving
  • Buying African violets
  • Best African violets to grow

Where to grow African violets

How to grow African violets (1)

African violets need plenty of bright light and need to be within 30cm of a window. Make sure they're out of direct sunshine, however, as this will scorch the leaves – a north or east facing spot can be ideal. African violets need warmth (no less than 15°C) and suffer in draughts. They also need humidity – stand on a saucer of moist pebbles or put in a room that gets plenty of moisture, such as a bathroom or kitchen.

How to plant African violets

How to grow African violets (2)

Plant in a small pot with drainage holes in the bottom, in house plant or specialist African violet compost. Repot into a slightly larger pot once the rootball is beginning to outgrow the pot. Too large a pot will encourage the growth of leaves at the expense of flowers; African violets do best in a pot that is around one-third the diameter of their leaf span.

Where to buy African violets online

Caring for African violets

How to grow African violets (3)

Water only when the top 2-3cm of compost has dried out. Avoid splashing water on the leaves when watering – use a small watering can and be very careful or better still, water the plant from below by standing the pot in a dish or saucer for half an hour. Use tepid water and let any excess drain away afterwards.

Feed once a month with a weak high-potash feed in spring and summer to encourage flowers. Deadhead spent flowers or any dead leaves promptly.

Do not mist the leaves of your African violet – while it needs humidity, wet leaves will cause problems. It's better to put your plant in a humid room, or to stand it on a saucer of moist pebbles.

Use a soft paintbrush to clean off compost or dust if necessary.

How to propagate African violets

How to grow African violets (4)

The easiest way to propagate African violets is by leaf cuttings in spring – either in small, individual pots or in a seed tray.

  1. Remove a mature leaf from the plant, with the stalk attached. With a knife, slice the stalk at a 45° angle.
  2. Make a hole in the compost with a dibber or pencil and insert the leaf stalk so that the base of the leaf just touches the compost
  3. Water in well, allowing any excess water to drain away. Cover with a clear plastic bag and place in a warm, bright spot, out of direct sun
  4. After a month or so, you should see tiny new plants at the base of the leaf. Remove the cover, and when the plants have increased in size a little, pot up into individual small pots.

Growing African violets: problem solving

No flowers
The main cause of this is lack of light – ensure your African violet is no more than 30cm from a window. While African violets can bloom throughout the year, they often stop flowering in winter, when light levels are lower. Move your plant to a brighter spot at this time. Lack of flowers can also be caused by too large a pot – African violets perform best when their roots fit snugly in a pot. Also check that the room is warm enough and that you are feeding correctly.

Yellow leaves
Yellow leaves could be due to dry air, too much sun or incorrect watering or feeding – so check your care regime.

Wilting
Wilting can be caused by over or underwatering. If the soil feels soggy, you have overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again. If the plant doesn't recover, it may have root rot, caused by cold, wet compost – this can be fatal to the plant.

Grey fluff
Grey fluff on the leaves is grey mould (botrytis), which can occur in cool, crowded or damp conditions and is often a result of water splashing the leaves when watering. Remove any affected areas and treat with a fungicide.

White powdery leaves
White powder on the leaves is powdery mildew. This is caused by humid conditions and poor airflow. Treat with an organic fungicide or remove affected leaves. Increase the space around your plants.

White fluffy spots
White fluffy spots on the undersides of leaves are mealybugs. Deal with the problem promptly by removing affected leaves and spray with an organic spray based on fatty acids.

Brown patches on leaves
Brown or pale brown patches on the leaves could be sunburn – move your plant out of direct sunlight. Brown spots can also be caused by watering with cold water.

White streaks or spots
Whitish streaks or spots could be due a combination of water droplets on the foliage and the sun's rays – always water from beneath

Curling leaves
Edges of the leaves curling indicate that the temperature is too low

Advice on buying African violets

  • Make sure you can provide the right conditions for an African violet – they need bright light, warmth and humidity
  • You can often find African violets at the garden centre, but for the best selection, buy from a specialist retailer
  • African violets are often sold as plug plants – small plants that you can pot up and grow on at home. These are excellent value

Where to buy African violets online

African violets to grow

How to grow African violets (5)

Advertisement

  • Saintpaulia 'Pixie Pink' – delicate, pale pink flowers
  • Saintpaulia 'LE-Macho' –semi-double, frilled blooms that are dark purple with a white edge
  • Saintpaulia 'Buffalo Hunt' – ruffled red flowers
  • Saintpaulia 'The Madam' – a trailing variety with pale pink flowers
  • Saintpaulia 'Flashy Trail' – lavender bell-shaped flowers
  • Saintpaulia 'Vallarta Campanas Moradas' – deep purple, bell-shaped flowers and a trailing habit
  • Saintpaulia 'Chantaspring' – bell-shaped, butter-yellow flowers and pointed, semi-trailing foliage
  • Saintpaulia 'Pink Mint' – light pink, star-shaped ruffled flowers with semi-trailing foliage
How to grow African violets (2024)

FAQs

How to grow African violets? ›

They prefer a temperature between 65°F and 80°F with about 80% humidity. It is important to avoid temperature and humidity fluctuations, including sudden drafts. To provide an adequately humid environment, you may want to use a humidifier or place pots in a tray filled with gravel and water.

What is the secret to growing African violets? ›

They prefer a temperature between 65°F and 80°F with about 80% humidity. It is important to avoid temperature and humidity fluctuations, including sudden drafts. To provide an adequately humid environment, you may want to use a humidifier or place pots in a tray filled with gravel and water.

Where is the best place to put an African violet? ›

Place African violets in a location that receives bright, indirect light. A site near an east or north window is often a good location. (Do not place African violets in direct sun.) If a suitable window isn't available, place African violets under a fluorescent light fixture containing two 40-watt fluorescent tubes.

How do I keep my African violet happy? ›

Violets love high humidity.

You can also use a special violet pot that comes with its own well you can keep filled with water. Fertilize them every two weeks during spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer formulated for African violets. Skip bloom boosters; they're hard on the plants.

Should I let African violets dry out between watering? ›

While self-watering methods are popular, other approaches require you to actually water your plant. If you go this route, let your African violet dry out fully between watering. Stick your finger in the soil—if it feels dry and gritty, it's time to water.

Does Epsom salt help African violets bloom? ›

To get your African violets blooming again, apply an Epsom salt drench every two weeks.

Is Miracle Grow good for African violets? ›

African violets grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix is specially formulated to provide indoor plants like African violets with just the right growing environment.

Do violets like coffee grounds? ›

COFFEE GROUNDS FOR INDOOR PLANTS

Houseplants can also benefit from the use of coffee grounds, though some may benefit more than others. Houseplants that prefer acid soil will be more receptive to coffee ground use. These include African violet, croton, gloxinia, monstera, peperomia, and philodendron.

How do you perk up an African violet? ›

If you notice your plant has started to droop and the soil is very dry, just give it a normal drink of water. It's best to water African Violets from the bottom, using room-temperature or slightly tepid water. Just be careful not to overcompensate by giving your plant too much water to make up for it being dry.

Do you water African violets from the top or bottom? ›

Watering an African Violet is different than watering your average houseplant, in that, it wants to be watered from the bottom. While this may sound odd to those unfamiliar with these types of plants, don't worry. It's actually quite easy to water a plant from the bottom.

What does an overwatered African violet look like? ›

How to tell if your African violet is overwatered. Droopy, soft, and mushy leaves are telltale symptoms your plant is suffering from too much water. These additional signs can help confirm overwatering is the source of your plant's struggles.

Should I mist my African violets? ›

No, misting African Violet leaves causes water to collect in the crown of the plant, which can lead to rot and other issues. It is better to mist the air surrounding the plant and wipe off any moisture that may have landed on the leaves using a 100% cotton cloth.

Can I use tap water for African violets? ›

In most locations, tap water will be fine, but the quality of tap water can vary. Chlorine levels may fluctuate, depending on the season. In some areas, tap water may have high amounts of chlorine, chloramines, or dissolved solids. All these things may adversely affect your African violets.

Why are African violets so hard to grow? ›

When our African violets die it is often because of lack of care, or conversely, too much love. We forget to water them, we over-water them, we let them go for months with no fertiliser or we give them so much they can't cope. We place them where we think they will look good, rather than where they will grow well.

Are coffee grounds good for African violets? ›

Are coffee grounds good for African violets? Coffee grounds are slightly acidic and contain nitrogen, which helps plants grow healthy foliage. Occasionally sprinkling used coffee grounds on top of your African violet potting soil can be good for the plant.

What do African violets need to thrive? ›

Optimal room temperature for growing African violets is between 60 and 80 F and ideally 70 F. Humidity at 40-60% will help African violets thrive. Group plants together to conserve humidity or set plants on trays of pebbles and water. Make sure the plant does not sit in the water, but just above it.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Zonia Mosciski DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5941

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Zonia Mosciski DO

Birthday: 1996-05-16

Address: Suite 228 919 Deana Ford, Lake Meridithberg, NE 60017-4257

Phone: +2613987384138

Job: Chief Retail Officer

Hobby: Tai chi, Dowsing, Poi, Letterboxing, Watching movies, Video gaming, Singing

Introduction: My name is Zonia Mosciski DO, I am a enchanting, joyous, lovely, successful, hilarious, tender, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.