African violet Plant Care

African violet (Tinnea aethiopica) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Tinnea genus. African violet is native to Ethiopia. African violet is also known as Cape primrose, Streptocarpus aethiopicus.

African violet displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. African violet produces small purple tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African violet every 4–7 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 thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Tinnea aethiopica tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. African violet prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for African violet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African violet 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African violet is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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 can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 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 is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African violet can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spanish moss plant care, which shares the same genus.

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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.

African violet grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. African violet is native to Ethiopia. In cooler regions, grow African violet as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.