Kenya Violet Streptocarpus ionanthus

The African Violet is an evergreen tropical perennial herb to 15 cm.  A very popular potted houseplant that is easily distinguished from other desktop plants by its rosette of fuzzy leaves with long petioles and by its flowers in anthocyanin pigments, which are water-soluble vacuolar pigments that, depending on their pH, may appear red, purple, blue, or black.

As it is rarely grown outdoors, it prefers interior sites with bright, filtered light and moist soil, however, allow the surface to dry before watering, occasionally immerse.  It thrives in high humidity, so mist with tepid water when not in flower.  It also requires high fertility medium for continued rebloom. It is intolerant of dry air or very cold water.   

Consistent temperatures will also contribute to the plants health.  If the nighttime temperature is allowed to dip below 60 degrees, the plant will become stunted as temperatures rise and can experience a long recovery period.  Maintaining a temperature between 60 and 80 degrees is optimum.  

It is vest grown in a mixture of 23 parts sphagnum peat moss, 2 parts vermiculite and 1 part perlite.  This mixture will allow the water to pass through quickly.  Add lime to balance the acidity of the peat moss.  Plant with the crown above the surface with the soil pressed around it.  Good drainage is essential.  Allowing water to sit on the surface can cause the plant to decay.  When watering, water from the bottom while keeping the leaves dry.  Watering the leaves can leave spots or rings.  

Plants mature in 2 to 5 years.

Leaves on the African Violet are referred to as lobes.  A low to medium maintenance plant, the removal of dead or yellowed leaves will maintain a beautiful specimen.  

Quick ID

• Flowers are in anthocyanin pigments
• Leaves are in basal rosettes & emerge from center
• Inflorescence is a compound dichasium
• Leaves are pubescent with red, pink, or purple undersides

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Generally disease free.  Insects that may damage this plant include vine weevil, thrips, mealybugs, mites and glasshouse leafhoppers. Overwatering is the number one issue with this plant.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common African violet diseases and insect pests.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.