African violet
Streptocarpus ionanthus · Family Gesneriaceae
Also known as: saintpaulia, violet, streptocarpus ionanthus
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Watering
- Every 5 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Pet-safe
- Yes
Care
Where to put it
A bright windowsill out of direct sun, such as an east-facing kitchen window.
Light
Bright indirect light keeps it flowering. Direct sun marks the leaves.
Watering
Water from below when the top of the compost is dry. Keep water off the furry leaves.
About the plant
Small and free-flowering, it has velvety leaves and purple, pink, white or two-tone flowers almost all year. It is one of the most popular houseplants in the world. Botanists now place it in the genus Streptocarpus.
Origin
Native to the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania and Kenya, on shady, humid slopes.
What it likes
- Bright indirect light, no direct sun
- Watering from the saucer with tepid water
- Temperatures between 18 and 25 °C
What it dislikes
- Cold water on the leaves
- Direct sun
- Soggy compost
Did you know?
It was discovered in 1892 by Baron Walter von Saint Paul, so it was long known as Saintpaulia.
