Houseplants
African Violet
Streptocarpus ionanthus
Blooms nearly year-round on a windowsill if you master one skill: watering from below.
- Typical watering
- Every ~6 days
- Light
- bright indirect
- Difficulty
- moderate
Care tips
- Bottom-water with room-temperature water; cold drops spot the leaves
- Keep soil barely moist - check every 5-7 days
- An east window or grow light 30 cm above works well
- Feed at quarter strength every 2 weeks to keep blooms coming
- Snap off spent flower stalks at the base
Common questions
How often should I water an african violet? +
A healthy indoor african violet typically wants water every 6 days or so. Treat that as a starting cadence, not a rule — pot size, light, and season all shift it, so check the soil before you pour.
How much light does an african violet need? +
An african violet does best in bright indirect light. If it stretches, fades, or stalls, adjust its spot before changing anything else.
Is an african violet toxic to cats or dogs? +
The african violet is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA plant lists — still best kept out of chewing range.
Typical guidance for a healthy african violet — your own conditions (and your vet, for animals) come first.
Related guides
- Air Plant No soil, no pot - just a weekly bath and a good shake-dry keep it going.
- Alocasia Polly Sculptural arrowhead leaves that demand warmth, humidity, and forgiveness for winter dormancy.
- Anthurium Glossy heart-shaped blooms that keep coming for months if the humidity stays up.
- Areca Palm Feathery pet-safe fronds that ask mainly for steady moisture and no cold feet.
- Arrowhead Plant Starts as a tidy clump of arrow leaves, then reveals its true self: an enthusiastic vine.
- Baby Rubber Plant Thick glossy leaves hold their own water reserve, making neglect part of the care plan.