African Violet

Posted by Hannah Brand on Apr 14th 2025

Weekly Plant Chat: African Violet

Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Saintpaulia ionantha, more commonly known as African Violet. You may be fondly familiar of African Violets from a visit to your grandmother’s house as a child. Thank you, grandma’s for, keeping this plant alive on the window sill to foster our love of plants!

African Violets are known for their furry foliage and adorable, colorful blooms. And did you know Tonkadale was started as an African Violet breeding greenhouse in 1947?

Family of Origin

African Violets belong to the Gesneriaceae plant family along with Streptocarpus, Goldfish Plant, and Lipstick plant and are native to the tropical rainforest region of east Africa near the border of Tanzania and Kenya.

Plant Care

Light

Bright, indirect light is best. The leaves of African Violets can burn if exposed to prolonged periods of intense sunlight. Rotate your plant each week to encourage even growth.

Soil

If possible, use an African Violet specific potting mix rich in humus which retains moisture and locks in nutrients. We recommend using Fox Farm's Coco Loco.

Water

African Violets are sensitive to cold water on thier leaves. Bottom water, if possible, when soil is slightly dry to the touch. Place plant in a shallow dish of room temperature water and allow to absorb for about 30 minutes.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with an African Violet specific fertilizer each time you water with Jack's African Violet Special.

Hot Tips

African violet flowers bloom in an impressive array of colors, from purple (of course!) to white, red, pink, and even blue! With the right care, African violets will bloom nearly all year round!

African Violets are pet friendly and non-toxic to our furry friends!