African Violets: Growing Blooming Houseplants for Year-Round Color

African Violets are delightful houseplants and will brighten up any room with their purple, pink, or white colors.

Pennsylvania State University

African violets are small, easy-to-grow houseplants with clusters of small flowers over fuzzy leaves. They bloom in lower light, though medium to bright indirect light is best. They can be fussy—check more tips for consistent blooming.

Planting

Use actual African violet potting mix or all-purpose potting soil. Keep in small pots; repot annually for fresh soil. Soil should be loose, well-drained, high in organic matter.

Care

• Keep soil lightly moist daily; avoid wetting leaves. Use room-temperature water.
• Fertilize every 2 weeks with high-phosphorus plant food, but only in summer growing season. Start only when plant needs a boost. Over-fertilizing is more common than under-fertilizing.
• Many prefer warm conditions (65°F+); some tolerate cooler.
• Thin, dark green leaves = too little light.
• Shift to larger pots as they grow. Best repotting time: after some leaves wilt slightly.

For more info, visit African Violet Society of America at www.avsa.org.

Pests and Diseases

• Cyclamen mites: very hard to remove—dispose of plant and isolate others nearby.
• Powdery Mildew
• Various rot and blight forms

Wit & Wisdom

Water African violets from the bottom; avoid leaf contact. Dust leaves with small soft brush.

Violets are a February birth flower—potted African violet makes a bright February birthday gift.

Native to Tanzania. Violet symbolizes loyalty, devotion, faithfulness. Explore flower symbolism.