
Introduction
African Violets are known for their compact size, velvety foliage, and clusters of delicate, colourful flowers. Though traditionally grown indoors, it can also thrive outdoors in sheltered garden spots or greenhouses in warm climates. Its blooms come in a wide range of hues, including purple, pink, white, and blue, often with ruffled or variegated edges.
These charming plants are excellent for adding colour to small spaces and pair beautifully with other shade-loving plants such as ferns, begonias, or ivy. They are particularly well-suited for container gardening, where their beauty can be appreciated up close.

All about the plant
African Violets are cherished for their ability to flower almost year-round with proper care. Their compact growth habit makes them ideal for decorating windowsills, tabletops, and other small spaces. They are also relatively easy to propagate, making them a popular choice for gardeners looking to expand their collection.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Saintpaulia spp.
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Named after Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, who discovered the plant in Tanzania in the late 19th century.
- Common names: African Violet
- Plant family: Gesneriaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: Eastern tropical Africa, particularly Tanzania and Kenya
- Type of plant: Perennial, grown as a houseplant or tender garden perennial
- Size: Typically 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) in height and width
- Foliage – Description of foliage: Rosette-shaped, velvety, dark green leaves, often with a slightly serrated edge
- Flower – Description of flower and flowering time: Small, five-petaled flowers in clusters; blooms year-round under ideal conditions
- Fruit – Description of fruit (if any) and fruiting time: Produces small, inconspicuous seed pods if flowers are pollinated
- Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans (source: ASPCA).

Care requirements
Care Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Light requirements: | Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch |
Water and humidity requirements: | Water with room-temperature water when the soil surface feels dry; prefers moderate humidity |
Temperature requirements: | Thrives in 65–75°F (18–24°C); sensitive to temperatures below 60°F (15°C); hardy in USDA zones 11–12 and UK zones H1 |
Soil requirements: | Well-draining, peat-based soil; prefers a slightly acidic pH (5.8–6.2) |
Feeding requirements: | Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–4 weeks during active growth |
Propagation: | Propagate through leaf cuttings or division of offsets |
Pruning: | Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to maintain a tidy appearance |
Pests and diseases: | Common pests include mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites; susceptible to root rot if overwatered |
Best cultivars
These are some of the best varieties of African Violets you can grow:
- ‘Optimara EverFloris’: Known for its ability to bloom continuously throughout the year; available in a variety of colours.
- ‘Frosty Frolic’: White flowers with a delicate pink edge; compact growth, ideal for small containers.
- ‘Rob’s Antique Rose’: Features semi-double, rose-like pink blooms; grows to about 6 inches (15 cm).
- ‘Ma’s Corsage’: Ruffled purple flowers with a white edge; striking and elegant.
- ‘Little Maya’: A dwarf variety with deep red flowers; perfect for tight spaces or small displays.
- ‘Amethyst Star’: Star-shaped violet-blue flowers with a yellow centre; a classic choice for collectors.
- ‘Trailer’s Beauty’: A trailing variety with light lavender blooms; excellent for hanging baskets.
- ‘Jolly Orchid’: Light pink flowers with orchid-like shape; grows well under artificial light.

Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.