Photo: Philippe HornusCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
African violets Plant Care
Callichilia barteri Stapf
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant has striking lance-shaped leaves with prominent white veins that contrast beautifully against its deep green foliage. Originating from the rainforests of West Africa, Callichilia barteri is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage pattern and elegant appearance in indoor gardens. Its distinctively patterned leaves make it a standout addition to any plant collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for African violets?
Water African violets every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the African violets?
African violets (Callichilia barteri) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Callichilia genus. African violets is native to Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. African violets is also known as variegated African violet.
African violets displays a vining, trailing plant growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. African violets produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors like pink, white, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African violets?
Callichilia barteri requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the African violets Need?
African violets thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African violets 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 violets Prefer?
Callichilia barteri grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. African violets 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 violets?
Well-draining soil mix with high organic content, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for African violets to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African violets?
Feed African violets every 6 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 6 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 African violets?
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 African violets?
African violets can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to no known synonyms plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African violets Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 violets?
African violets is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the African violets Need?
African violets grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. African violets is native to Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In cooler regions, grow African violets as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
African violets 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 Callichilia genus — compare its care with other Callichilia species on PlantoScan.
Callichilia is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
African violets 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: Callichilia barteri Stapf, family Apocynaceae (first published in Fl. Trop. Afr. 4(1): 133 (1902)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: African violets is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Philippe Hornus, 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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