If you’re new to owning plants, African violets can be a great place to start. They are considered low-maintenance and will bloom indoors nonstop when you know how to take care of them.

Let’s look at how to grow and care for African violets indoors so that they thrive. We’ll cover everything from light requirements, potting them in the right soil mix to watering and fertilizing them correctly. And what to do if your plant is not blooming.

Snapshot

Common names	African Violet
Botanical name	Streptocarpus (previously Saintpaulia)
Light	Bright, indirect
Water	Water moderately from the bottom
Potting Soil	Well-draining; keep soil moist
Toxicity	Non-toxic

Selecting your plant

African violets come in a wide variety of colors, such as purple, blue, pink, and white to name a few.  So, you’re sure to find one that matches your décor. Typically, these plants are sold in small pots, with two or three plants in a single pot.

A popular one is the standard African violet, which has deep purple petals with a white center. Other popular varieties include the florist’s violet (light purple petals with a white center) and the mini violet, which has smaller, more delicate flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white.

You want to choose plants that have sturdy green leaves and plenty of buds, as this is an indication that the plant is healthy. Avoid selecting plants with leaves that are wilted, brown, or yellow.

Light Requirements

Bright indirect light is best for this plant.  While African violets need plenty of light to bloom indoors, they cannot tolerate direct sunlight. A sunny windowsill is ideal, but if your plant isn’t getting enough light it will start to stretch (grow tall and thin). If this happens, you’ll need to move it to a brighter location.

Some people use grow lights to provide the African violet with the light it needs. If you opt for grow lights, set a timer for about 14 hours of light per day.

The best place to put an African violet

Windowsills are a great place to put your African violet, as they get plenty of natural light. Ideally, a north- or east-facing window is best, given the plant’s lighting requirements. Just be sure to rotate the pot every other week so that the plant gets equal light exposure from all sides.

Potting Soil

There is a soil mix specifically for African violets. This mix will help to keep the plant’s roots moist and promote healthy growth. You can buy pre-mixed soils at most garden centers, or you can make your own by mixing 50% potting soil with 50% perlite or vermiculite.

The soil must be well-draining otherwise the plant’s roots will rot.

Watering

African violets need to be watered regularly, but you don’t want the soil to be soggy. Water the plant from the bottom to prevent water from getting on the leaves, as water on the leaves could result in the development of brown spots.

You’ll need to water your plant more often in the summer than in the winter. As mentioned earlier, African violets like to be kept moist, but not wet.

Fertilizing

You can buy fertilizer specifically for African violets, or you can use a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer.

African violets need to be fertilized regularly with close to equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (K), and potassium (P). The recommended formula is 14-12-14.  Be mindful that the fertilizer does not contain urea as its form of nitrogen, as this could burn the roots of your plant.

Pests and Diseases

African violets are susceptible to several pests and diseases, so it’s good to be on the lookout for them.

Some of the most common pests are aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These can be controlled with a good hosing down of the plant using insecticidal soap.

Fungal diseases, such as root rot, can also be a problem. If your plant starts to look wilted or the leaves turn yellow, you’re likely dealing with a fungal disease. To treat, remove the plant from its pot and drench the roots in a fungicide.

Temperature

African violets prefer to be kept between 65- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 29 degrees Celsius). However, they can tolerate temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius).

How often do African violets bloom indoors?

African violets will bloom continuously indoors if they are given the right care. They will usually bloom for eight to ten weeks, and then take a break for two to four weeks. Afterward, they will start blooming again.

What to do if your African violet is not blooming:

If your African violet is not blooming, it may not be getting enough light, water, or fertilizer. You can try moving it to a brighter location, watering it more often or fertilizing it more frequently.

If that doesn’t work, the plant may be in bloom cycle and will start blooming again in a few weeks.

Should you cut dead flowers off an African violet?

You should cut dead flowers off an African violet to promote new blooms. Snip them off just below the bloom using sharp scissors. You can also use a flower clipper or pruner. Dead flowers will not re-bloom, so it’s important to remove them.

Propagating an African violet from a leaf:

To propagate from a leaf, cut the leaf off the plant and remove the stem. Then place the cut end of the leaf in water and wait for new roots to form. Once the roots have formed, transplant the leaf into soil.

Propagating an African violet from a stem:

The best way to propagate an African violet is by taking a stem cutting from a healthy plant. Cut a stem that is at least 4 inches long and has two or three leaves. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water. Change the water every day until new roots form, then transplant the cutting into a potting soil.

When to Repot:

African violets should be repotted every year or two, into a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger than the original pot.

You can use the same soil mix that you used before, but make sure to dump out all the old soil so the roots are fresh and healthy.

Remember to water the plant well after repotting.

How tall does an African violet grow?

African violets typically grow to be between 8 and 12 inches tall (20 to 30 cm).

Where can I buy an African violet?

African violets can be bought at most garden centers or online. They typically cost between $5 and $10.

What are some other names for an African violet?

African violets are also commonly known as Saintpaulia, Cape Primrose, or just plain old violets.

Summary

African violets are beautiful plants that can add a splash of color to any room. With a little bit of care, they will thrive and bloom for years on end.  Hopefully this has helped you understand the light requirements, potting mix, watering, and fertilizing needs of these plants so that you can create a healthy environment for them to grow in.