African violet Streptocarpus ionanthus
African violet (Streptocarpus ionanthus) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Gesneriaceae family, native to Usambara and Nguru mountains (Tanzania) and coastal Kenya. It grows 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 13 °C (55 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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African violet at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Gesneriaceae |
| Mature height | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.8–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 13 °C (55 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–39 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Usambara and Nguru mountains (Tanzania) and coastal Kenya |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is African violet toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with African violet
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about African violet
- How far apart should I plant African violet?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does African violet need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does African violet need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is African violet?
- It tolerates about 13 °C (55 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does African violet flower?
- About 26–39 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks.
- Is African violet poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
- What grows well with African violet?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for African violet. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, IUCN
Notes and assumptions
- Formerly Saintpaulia. Mostly a houseplant; outdoors only in warm, shaded humid spots. Several wild forms are threatened.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Flame violet (episcia) Episcia cupreata
- Lipstick plant Aeschynanthus radicans
- Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant) Ramonda myconi
- Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea) Haberlea rhodopensis
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans