False African Violet Plant Care
Nothovernonia amblyolepis (Baker) H.Rob. & V.A.Funk
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Nothovernonia amblyolepis is a charming plant known for its fuzzy, arrowhead-shaped leaves that are a striking shade of deep green. Originating from the tropical regions of Africa, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its compact growth habit and ease of care.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
50%
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 50% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the False African Violet?
False African Violet (Nothovernonia amblyolepis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Nothovernonia genus. False African Violet is native to Africa.
False African Violet displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. False African Violet produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
How Often Should You Water a False African Violet?
Nothovernonia amblyolepis 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?
Nothovernonia amblyolepis prefers humidity levels of 50–0%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Humidity
50%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a False African Violet?
Well-draining soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. 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 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 False African Violet?
Repot every 1-2 years in early 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 seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purple passion plant 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, whiteflies. 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
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 Nothovernonia genus — compare its care with other Nothovernonia species on PlantoScan.
Nothovernonia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
False African Violet 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: Nothovernonia amblyolepis (Baker) H.Rob. & V.A.Funk, family Asteraceae (first published in PhytoKeys 3: 30 (2011)) — 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.
- 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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