African violet care guide
Saintpaulia ionantha
Quick answer
Water your African violet when the surface of the soil has dried slightly. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 8 to 12 days · winter - LightBright, indirect light
- Climate16–24 °C (61–75 °F)
- Pet safetyPet-safe (non-toxic)
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 8 to 12 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Keep water off the leaves and especially the crown, because a wet crown can rot. Water at the edge of the pot or from below, and let the excess drain.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
African violet thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it on a north- or east-facing windowsill from spring to autumn, and on a sunnier south-facing one in winter.
Feeding
Feed your African violet every 21 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate16–24 °C (61–75 °F)
Humidity50–70%
During leafy growth, aim for 16–24 °C (61–75 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 15 °C (59 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
African violet is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water an African violet?
Water your African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) when the surface of the soil has dried slightly. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 8 to 12 days.
How much light does an African violet need?
African violet thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it on a north- or east-facing windowsill from spring to autumn, and on a sunnier south-facing one in winter.
Is African violet safe for cats and dogs?
African violet is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Why is my African violet turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources3 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name Streptocarpus ionanthus · synonym
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPosition · soil · moisture · feeding · pests · diseases · cultivation · Light · temperature · humidity · watering · compost · repotting · problems
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlSaintpaulia spp. African-violet pet-safety record · not species-exact for Saintpaulia ionantha
- How we check our plant advice
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