The illustrated growing guide
African Violet
Streptocarpus ionanthus
Family Gesneriaceae
Est. zones 10-12
The champion of continuous indoor bloom. A leaf cutting in moist mix makes a whole new plant in two months.
Bright indirect
Moderate water
Moderate growth
None winter chill
From the print shop
Growing african violet? Hang it.
Our Houseplants Vol. 1 collection carries african violet — Streptocarpus ionanthus, print Nº 11, “African Violet.”
16 designsfrom $21.99white or black groundmatte poster, unframed
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Overview
Will african violet suit your garden, and what goes wrong.
Will it thrive where you are?
Enter your ZIP — we look up your USDA hardiness zone (2023 map) and check it against what african violet actually needs.
Hardy inZones 10-12African Violet at a glance
Common african violet problems
- Cyclamen Mites
- Mealybugs
- Crown Rot
- Powdery Mildew
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Growing
Light, water, soil, propagation and the season’s jobs.
How to grow african violet: light, water & soil
How to plant & propagate african violet
When to spray african violet
Growing season. Bottom-water or wick-water to keep leaves dry.
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The year
What african violet asks for, month by month.
The african violet year, month by month
BloomWhat each band means
- Bloom — flowers open — pollinators working, frost on blossoms is the danger.
The african violet year as text
- Jan bloom
- Feb bloom
- Mar bloom
- Apr bloom
- May bloom
- Jun bloom
- Jul bloom
- Aug bloom
- Sep bloom
- Oct bloom
- Nov bloom
- Dec bloom
These are the species' typical months — expect them a few weeks earlier in warm zones and later in cold ones. Watch the plant, not just the calendar.
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Ecology & uses
What it does for the garden, and what it is grown for.
African Violet in the garden system
What african violet is grown for
✓ Not known to be toxicSafe for pets
Edibility, identification, and traditional-use notes here are general reference — not medical or veterinary advice, and not a claim that any plant treats or prevents anything. Medicinal ratings record how strongly a plant features in herbal tradition, nothing more. Never eat or dose a plant you have not positively identified. More on how to use this library.
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Cultivars
Named varieties of african violet, ruled as a catalogue.
Best african violet varieties & cultivars
Hundreds — ruffled, trailing, miniature
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Sources & plant ID
Where the care distinctions come from, and how the plant is filed.
Research basis
Sources behind this profile
No extension citations are attached to african violetyet. The care figures below come from the library's own catalogue rather than a traced primary source.
Plant ID
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Where to buy
Third-party nurseries — not Story Thyme Farms.
Third-party nurseries, not Story Thyme Farms. Prices are theirs.
Story Thyme Farms may earn a small commission from these links, at no cost to you — it never changes what we recommend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
African Violet questions, answered straight.
Is african violet safe for kids and pets?
African Violet is commonly eaten and isn't considered toxic, but "commonly eaten" isn't a guarantee for any particular person or animal — allergies, quantity, and which part you eat all matter. One caveat on this one: Safe for pets. Never eat a plant you haven't positively identified, and check with a vet before letting pets or livestock graze anything new.
How do you propagate african violet?
Stem/leaf cuttings, division, or pups.
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Elsewhere
Where african violet sits in the library.
Monstera
Golden Pothos
Snake Plant
Heartleaf Philodendron