Photo: Cricket RaspetCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
False African violet Plant Care
Codonanthopsis macradenia (Donn.Sm.) Chautems & Mat.Perret
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its stunning elongated, lance-shaped leaves covered in intricate silver markings, Codonanthopsis macradenia hails from the cloud forests of Ecuador. This rare plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique leaf pattern and the challenge of successfully cultivating it in a controlled environment.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for False African violet?
Water False African violet 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 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the False African violet Native To?
What Is the False African violet?
False African violet (Codonanthopsis macradenia) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Codonanthopsis genus. False African violet is native to Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Panamá, and mainly grows in subtropical biomes.
False African violet displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. False African violet produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
How Often Should You Water a False African violet?
Codonanthopsis macradenia 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 False African violet Need?
False African violet thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing False African violet in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the False African violet Prefer?
Codonanthopsis macradenia grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. False African violet 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 False African violet?
Well-draining, peat-based soil mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for False African violet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a False African violet?
Feed False African violet every 2 months 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 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a False African violet?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. 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 False African violet?
False African violet can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to codonanthopsis anisophylla plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the False African violet Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list False African violet, 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 False African violet?
False African violet is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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 False African violet Need?
False African violet grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. False African violet is native to Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Panamá, and mainly grows in subtropical biomes. In cooler regions, grow False African violet as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
False African violet 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 Codonanthopsis genus — compare its care with other Codonanthopsis species on PlantoScan.
Codonanthopsis is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
False African violet thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Codonanthopsis Species
Other Codonanthopsis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Codonanthopsis macradenia (Donn.Sm.) Chautems & Mat.Perret, family Gesneriaceae (first published in Selbyana 31: 153 (2013)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list False African violet, 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.
- Photo: Cricket Raspet, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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