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By Angela Mason Foster
Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about African violets. Maybe it’s the fuzzy leaves, the neat symmetry of their rosettes, or the fact that many of us remember them blooming quietly in a grandmother’s kitchen window. These classic houseplants have endured not just because they’re beautiful, but because they’re forgiving, rewarding, and surprisingly adaptable. If you’ve ever been intimidated by their reputation as “fussy,” it’s time to reintroduce yourself.

A little history
African violets (Saintpaulia) hail from the cloud forests of East Africa—particularly Tanzania and Kenya—where they grow in shady, humid environments. They were first discovered in the late 19th century by Baron Walter von Saint Paul, a German colonial official. From a handful of wild specimens, breeders have created thousands of named varieties in shades of purple, pink, white, blue, red, and even green. Their flowers can be ruffled, double, star-shaped, or edged with contrasting colors, and their leaves come in a wide array of sizes and textures.
Despite their name, African violets are not related to true violets (genus Viola), but are members of the Gesneriad family, cousins to streptocarpus and gloxinia. Their compact size and near-constant bloom cycle have made them a favorite of indoor gardeners for generations.

Light: The key to flowers
African violets thrive in bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window is ideal, where they can get plenty of light without scorching. Too little light, and they’ll stop blooming. Too much, and their leaves will bleach or curl. If your only available windows are south- or west-facing, consider sheer curtains or placing the plant slightly out of direct sun.

If natural light is a challenge, don’t hesitate to supplement with fluorescent or LED grow lights. Place the lights about 12 inches above the plant for 12–14 hours a day, and you’ll have blooms in every season.

Watering wisely
This is where many would-be violet lovers get nervous—but watering isn’t as complicated as it seems. African violets like evenly moist soil but absolutely hate soggy roots. Use lukewarm or room-temperature water, as cold water can spot the leaves. Bottom watering works well—simply fill the saucer beneath the pot and allow the plant to absorb what it needs, then discard any excess after 30 minutes. Top watering is fine too, so long as you avoid getting the crown and leaves wet.

A well-draining potting mix is essential. African violet soil should be light, fluffy, and aerated—usually a blend of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Many garden centers sell pre-mixed African violet soil, which is a good starting point for beginners.

Feeding and blooming
For best results, feed your African violet with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for blooming houseplants. A 14-12-14 or similar blend works well. Fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season, or more frequently at half-strength if you’re using a liquid fertilizer with every watering.
Healthy violets can bloom nearly year-round with the right conditions—good light, regular feeding, and just enough water.

Potting and repotting
African violets like to be a little root-bound. Don’t rush to repot unless the plant has clearly outgrown its container or the soil has broken down. Most violets thrive in small, shallow pots—typically no more than one-third the diameter of the plant’s leaf span. Repotting once a year is a good rule of thumb to refresh the soil and remove older outer leaves.

Terracotta pots can wick away too much moisture, so many violet lovers opt for plastic or glazed ceramic. Self-watering pots designed for violets are also available and can make care even easier, especially for gardeners with many plants.

Propagation fun
One of the most delightful things about African violets is how easily they propagate. A single healthy leaf can grow an entire new plant. Simply snip a mature leaf with a short stem, dip it in rooting hormone (optional), and plant it in moist potting mix at a slight angle. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity and place it in bright, indirect light. In 6–10 weeks, tiny baby leaves will appear at the base. Once the new plantlets are large enough to handle, they can be gently separated and repotted.

Common pitfalls
African violets are resilient, but a few problems can crop up:
Crown rot: Usually caused by overwatering or water sitting in the crown of the plant. Always avoid wetting the center.
Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation and avoid overcrowding.
Leaf spotting: Caused by cold water or intense sunlight.
No blooms: Often due to insufficient light or too much nitrogen in the fertilizer.
Paying attention to these small signals can help keep your plant thriving.

Why we love them
African violets bring a touch of old-fashioned elegance to modern spaces. Their velvet leaves and joyful blooms add life to windowsills, desks, and kitchen counters, and their compact size makes them perfect for small homes or apartments. Perhaps best of all, they’re plants that reward attentiveness but forgive small mistakes—a satisfying combination for gardeners of all levels.

So, if your houseplants need a little more personality—or if your grandmother’s violet still sits in your memory—consider adding a few African violets to your collection. You may be surprised by how much joy they bring to your everyday routine.

Further Reading:
You Can Grow African Violets by Joyce Stork
African Violets: The Complete Guide by Karen Gavrilov
Houseplants for a Healthy Home by Jon VanZile (includes African violets and other low-maintenance bloomers)

Conclusion: A blooming tradition
Growing African violets connects us to a rich horticultural tradition while offering everyday pleasure. These plants aren’t just beautiful—they’re an exercise in mindfulness and a testament to patience. Tending to an African violet can be as simple as refilling a saucer or trimming a faded bloom, but the reward is often a flush of flowers and a sense of accomplishment that brightens the entire room.

Whether you’re rekindling an old gardening love or discovering violets for the first time, give them a sunny spot, a bit of attention, and a chance to charm you. You might just find yourself joining the generations of gardeners who’ve made space in their hearts—and windowsills—for these remarkable little plants.

If you have questions about your home garden or landscape, reach out to Gene Fox, Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Email Gene at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call (252) 946-0111. Master Gardeners are available on the Greenline Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to assist with your horticultural needs. Don’t forget to check out the Beaufort County Master Gardeners Facebook page for additional resources.