African violet tree Plant Care

Asteropeia multiflora Thouars

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant's striking red and yellow variegated leaves are its most distinctive visual feature. Originally from Madagascar, Asteropeia multiflora is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and beautiful foliage, making it a prized addition to any collection.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for African violet tree?

Plant African violet tree in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the African violet tree Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the African violet tree?

African violet tree (Asteropeia multiflora) belongs to the Asteropeiaceae family within the Asteropeia genus. African violet tree is native to Madagascar. African violet tree is also known as bushveld saucerberry, wild jasmine.

African violet tree displays a slow-growing, small tree growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. African violet tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a African violet tree?

Water a young or newly planted African violet tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the African violet tree Need?

African violet tree thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African violet tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the African violet tree Prefer?

Asteropeia multiflora tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. African violet tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a African violet tree?

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for African violet tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a African violet tree?

Feed African violet tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a African violet tree?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African violet tree is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a African violet tree?

African violet tree can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a African violet tree?

Prune African violet tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a African violet tree in Winter?

African violet tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a African violet tree?

African violet tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to asteropeia amblyocarpa plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the African violet tree Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list African violet tree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the African violet tree?

African violet tree is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the African violet tree Need?

African violet tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. African violet tree is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow African violet tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

African violet tree is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Asteropeia genus — compare its care with other Asteropeia species on PlantoScan.

Asteropeia is part of the Asteropeiaceae plant family — browse all Asteropeiaceae genera and species.

African violet tree thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Asteropeia multiflora Thouars, family Asteropeiaceae (first published in Hist. Vég. Îsles Austral. Afriq. 3: 51 (1807)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African violet tree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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