African Violet Vine Plant Care

African Violet Vine (Scutinanthe brunnea) belongs to the Burseraceae family within the Scutinanthe genus. African Violet Vine is native to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. African Violet Vine is also known as Leather-leaf Vine.

African Violet Vine displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. African Violet Vine produces small clusters of white, fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Violet Vine every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

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.

Scutinanthe brunnea tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. African Violet Vine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African Violet Vine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Violet Vine every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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.

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

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Violet Vine is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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

African Violet Vine can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune African Violet Vine 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 shrub in one year.

African Violet Vine is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African Violet Vine can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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

African Violet Vine is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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.

African Violet Vine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. African Violet Vine is native to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow African Violet Vine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.