African violet care guideSaintpaulia ionantha
Compact; year-round flowering. Ranked #49 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water African violet when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that's typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
African violet is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most African violet problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Mushy leaf bases · Crown rot · Yellowing outer leaves · Soft brown petioles. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Limp drooping leaves · Dull grey leaves · Slow growth · Faded leaf color. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetySafe with cats and dogs
Pet-safe. African violet is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Browse all pet-safe houseplants →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
Discovered in 1892 in Tanzania by Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, who sent the seeds to his father's botanic garden in Germany.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for African violet based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a African violet?
Water your African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer, that's typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter, slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a African violet need?
African violet is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
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 are my African violet's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a African violet, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for mushy leaf bases, crown rot, or yellowing outer leaves. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are limp drooping leaves, dull grey leaves, or slow growth instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.