African violets

African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are low-maintenance, easy-to-grow houseplants. They bloom several times a year when cared for properly.

Native to Eastern Africa, these popular houseplants are in the same family (Gesneriaceae) as gloxinia and primrose.

Plant characteristics

• Size
  • Miniature/semi-miniature: less than 8 inches wide
  • Standard: 8 to 16 inches wide
  • Large: more than 16 inches wide
• Plant form: round, mound, rosette
• Flower colors: white, pink, maroon, blue, lavender, violet, deep purple
• Flower shapes: single, semi-double, double, ruffled, star, wasp
• Leaf color: Silvery-green, bright green, deep green; creamy white leaf edges
• Leaf shape: Round, heart-shaped, oval; fuzzy, velvety texture

Growing African violets

Light

• A bright, cool location is best for growing African violets.
• Windows that provide north, northwest or northeast exposures work well.
• Fluorescent or LED grow lights may also be used alone or to supplement natural light.
• Plants need 14-16 hours of light and 8-10 hours of darkness daily to flower.

Temperature and humidity

• If you are comfortable, your African violet is comfortable.
• 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.

Potting mixes

African violets have fine roots and require well-drained, soilless potting mixes with a pH of about 6.2 - 6.5.

• Pre-mixed commercial blends high in peat are available at most retail garden centers.
• Some growers recommend a blend of 50% commercial African violet potting mix and 50% perlite.
• Planting containers should have one or more holes in the bottom that allow excess water to drain. The plant should never sit in water.
• Re-pot plants in fresh potting mix once a year.

Watering

• Do not use softened or chlorinated water for African violets. Use room-temperature distilled water, rainwater, or reverse-osmosis water.

• Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy, and never let your plant sit in water.

• Root rot from over watering is one of the most common reasons African violets die.

There are three ways to water African violets.

Water from the top

• Use a baster, syringe or bottle with a narrow spout.
• Carefully water just the potting mix. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause leaf spots.
• Gently brush or shake off any water droplets on leaves.

Water from the bottom

• Set the pot in a bowl of room-temperature water that is 1 inch deep.
• When the soil surface feels moist, remove the plant from the bowl of water and allow excess water to drain from the pot.
• Self-watering pots are also available.

Wicking

A wick to draw up water can provide steady moisture to your African violet plant’s roots. You can add a wick made of a length of string when you repot a plant.

1. Thread a length of wet string or yarn (nylon or polyester) through a bottom hole in your empty pot. Allow about 6 inches to hang out the bottom of the pot.

2. Fill the pot to the top with potting mix. Make a hole in the mix and insert your African violet plant. Gently push the potting mix up to the plant crown.

3. Cut a hole into the cover of a plastic container of water and mild fertilizer (about ⅛ recommended strength) and feed the wick into a reservoir.

4. Set the pot above the reservoir in a bright window.

5. Replenish the water as needed and avoid letting the wick dry out.

Fertilizing

Fertilizers formulated for African violets can be purchased at many garden centers or online.  

If a plant is dry, always moisten the potting mix with plain water to prevent possible root burn before fertilizing.

African violets require a mild fertilizer each time they are watered. Add one-quarter of the recommended amount of fertilizer and water, allowing excess liquid to drain from the pot.

Flush plant monthly with plain water to remove any excess fertilizer build-up.

Common African violet issues

Dust, soil, or debris on leaves

• Use a dry artist’s paint brush or soft cloth to gently remove the debris.
• Remove dead leaves and spent flowers with tweezers or a small pointed pruner.

Lack of flowers; leaves are long and narrow

The plant is not getting enough light and the temperature is too cool.

• Move plants to a brighter location or add artificial light.
• Increase the temperature in the room to the 70s during the day and 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Leaves are pale and appear bleached out

The plant is getting too much light.

Relocate the plant to a place with less intense light.

Plant is limp and wilted even when soil is moist

This is caused by over watering, poor drainage and root rot due to roots being wet constantly

• Repot the plant in a container that drains well.
• Do not let plant sit in water.
• If roots are mushy, brown, and slimy, the plant is not likely to survive due to the loss of roots.

Leaf spots

These are caused by water left on the leaves.

Water the plant from the bottom (see “Watering” above) to avoid getting water on the plant leaves.

Pale leaves, lack of growth and flowers

This can indicate nutrient deficiency if your plant is not fertilized regularly.

Start fertilizing plants regularly to encourage new growth.

Tight plant centers, rusty-colored leaves

You may be over-fertilizing.

• Flush the plant with plain water to wash out excess fertilizer.

• Reduce fertilizer to every other watering.