African violet vine Plant Care
Centrostigma occultans Schltr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This rare species is easily recognized by its striking metallic silver leaves, which shimmer in the sunlight. Originally from the evergreen forests of Kenya, Centrostigma occultans is highly sought after by collectors for its unique appearance and stunning foliage.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for African violet vine?
Water African violet vine every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the African violet vine?
African violet vine (Centrostigma occultans) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Centrostigma genus. African violet vine is native to Tropical Africa. African violet vine is also known as Centrostigma.
African violet vine displays an epiphytic, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. African violet vine produces colorful, fragrant blooms in various shapes and sizes.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African violet vine?
Centrostigma occultans requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the African violet vine Need?
African violet vine thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African violet vine 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 vine Prefer?
Centrostigma occultans grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. African violet vine prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African violet vine?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark chips and perlite. Good drainage is essential for African violet vine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African violet vine?
Feed African violet vine every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a African violet vine?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a African violet vine?
African violet vine can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african milk bush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African violet vine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African violet vine, 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 vine?
African violet vine is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, aphids. 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.
Keep exploring plants
African violet vine 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 Centrostigma genus — compare its care with other Centrostigma species on PlantoScan.
Centrostigma is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
African violet vine 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: Centrostigma occultans Schltr., family Orchidaceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 53: 523 (1915)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African violet vine, 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.
- 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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