Light: African violets and their relatives are one of the few flowering interior plants that handle low light. In fact, gesneriads tend to be happiest in medium to low light.

Temperature: 60-80 F

Humidity: medium to high; avoid drafty areas

Water: Water when the top 2” of potting mix is dry. Check your plant weekly. Try to use a self-watering pot or water from the bottom of the container. Gesneriad leaves are sensitive to water temperature.

Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger container (1-2” increased diameter or depth). Use a general purpose potting mix.

Fertilizing: Incorporate fertilizer into your watering cycle once per month March through September. There are several violet fertilizers designed specifically for gesneriads out on the market.

The gesneriads include many favorites—Streptocarpella & lipstick plant—to name a couple.

(Listed in order of commonality…)

• Foliage burn from high light levels.

• Foliage damage from cold water temperatures.

• Fungus gnats

Are violets pet safe?

Yes

Do I need to water African violets and other gesneriads from the bottom or can I water overhead?

There are 2 main reasons I suggest watering gesneriads from the bottom.

1. Some gesneriads have leaves that are sensitive to water temperature. Water that is cooler than the leaf temperature can leave spots on the leaves.

2. African violets and other gesneriads can be sensitive to crown rot when water sits in the central growing point.