African Violet Streptocarpus
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called African Violet:
Previously known as:
- Saintpaulia
- Phonetic Spelling
- strep-toh-KAR-pus
- Description
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This popular house plant produces beautiful flowers atop delicate stalks in various colors. The round leaves are fleshy with soft hairs. It propagates easily through leaf cuttings.
Needs warm indoor temperatures, high to medium light intensity and high humidity. African violets adjust well to the warm temperatures and dry air of homes. While they require good light, direct sunlight is not necessary. Windows facing north or east provide favorable light conditions and are preferable to those exposed to midday and afternoon sunshine during summer. The sunnier, warmer windows are better in the winter. The best temperatures for African violets are about 60° F at night and up to 80 to 85° F during the day.
The most common problem for African violets is over watering. Use soil that allows water to run out freely. Water more frequently but use less water in each watering. Most violets are now grown in pasteurized soilless mixes.
VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Saintpaulia
- Family:
- Gesneriaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Leaf Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Africa
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 9 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 9 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Habit/Form:
- Mounding
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 11b, 11a, 12a, 12b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Winter
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Flowers are borne in small panicles just above the foliage.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Fleshy
- Velvety
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Orbicular
- Peltate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Description:
- Attractive dark green, thick, hairy leaves with long petioles. They are orbicular in shape and may appear shiny.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Wet Soil
