PetalPal
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African violet

African violet

Saintpaulia

DifficultyModerate
SeasonYear-round (best in spring and fall)
PottedIt can bloom almost all year

Meaning

A lasting love, warmth

A small indoor flower. The fuzzy leaves are the charming part.

Safe for cats and dogs. Any plant can still upset a pet’s stomach if they eat a lot, so keep it out of reach.

Light

Bright, indirect light. A windowsill is fine.

Water

Water from the bottom. Don't wet the leaves.

Temperature

18-26°C, not below 15°C

Feed

Every 2 weeks in bloom, with a weak flower fertilizer

Do this when you get home

  1. Put it by a bright window, out of direct sun
  2. Best to water from the bottom, or along the rim. Drops on the fuzzy leaves leave spots.

Day to day

  • Use room-temperature water. Cold water on the leaves makes white spots.
  • Pull off spent flowers and old leaves at the base
  • In winter, keep it above 15°C

Common questions

White or brown spots on the leaves?

Usually cold water on the leaf, or direct sun. Don't let water touch the leaves.

No flowers?

Not enough light. Move it to a brighter window, or use a grow light.

Plant doctor

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PetalPal

Reminders and a care diary live in the app

Get a nudge when it’s time to water or change the vase water, and keep a diary for each plant, in the PetalPal app. Search “PetalPal” on the App Store or Google Play.