Collector · flowering

African violet

Streptocarpus ionanthus

Also found as Saintpaulia ionantha

African violet (Streptocarpus ionanthus) is a flowering companion plant. Its care profile below covers light, water, temperature, humidity, substrate, feeding, seasonal care, propagation, and household placement.

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Typical placement: A tropical flowering plant display with the stated light, temperature, water, and drainage conditions
Care: Moderate to attentive · Tropical flowering plant
Everyday size: Usually a tabletop, windowsill, or floor specimen; flowering size varies by species.
Collector class: Collector
Seller listings: No verified seller listed

Botanical identity

One canonical record.

Names, aliases, lineage, and care information are organized here under one companion plant record.

Genus: Streptocarpus
Family: Gesneriaceae
Genetic status: Species
Propagation forms: Stem cuttings, layering, division, or seed depending on the genus
Plant form: flowering
Information checked: 2026-07-31

Household safety

ASPCA-listed non-toxic to cats and dogs

The applicable botanical record is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Eating any plant material can still cause vomiting or gastrointestinal upset.

The ASPCA listing does not establish child or human edibility. Keep decorative plants out of reach and do not ingest.

Read the complete safety guidance

Practical care guide

How to care for African violet

Tropical flowering plant guidance translated into an everyday growing plan.

Moderate to attentive

Light: Very bright light with several hours of gentle sun where tolerated
Water: Water thoroughly as the surface begins to dry; never keep the root ball stagnant
Temperature: Warm during growth and protected from frost (16–30°C)
Humidity: Moderate humidity with good air movement (40–70%)
Potting medium: Rich but free-draining peat-free container mix
Drainage: Fast drainage in a stable container
Feeding: Flowering-plant feed at label rate during active growth and bud development
Pruning and grooming: Deadhead or prune after flowering; remove crossing or weak growth
Seasonal rhythm: Follow the species' flowering cycle; reduce feed and water during slower growth
Propagation: Stem cuttings, layering, division, or seed depending on the genus
Travel planning: Arrange a check within five to seven days during flowering or hot weather
Common watch-outs: Spider mites · Mealybugs · Scale insects · Fungus gnats when the root zone stays too wet · Root rot from poor drainage · Leaf spotting where foliage remains wet without airflow

Care sourcesRoyal Horticultural Society — Houseplants

Safety and placement

A clear household plan

Exact scientific-name ASPCA record located; this statement applies to cats and dogs only.

Pets: The applicable botanical record is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Eating any plant material can still cause vomiting or gastrointestinal upset.
Children: The ASPCA listing does not establish child or human edibility. Keep decorative plants out of reach and do not ingest.
Handling: Normal gardening hygiene: wash hands after handling and avoid eye or mouth contact.
Placement: A reasonable choice for cat- or dog-aware homes when the plant, container, and any support are still placed securely.
If exposure happens: If a person chews the plant, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. For animal exposure, call a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435; urgent breathing, collapse, seizure, or severe swelling requires emergency care.

Safety sourcesASPCA Animal Poison Control — Streptocarpus ionanthus ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database

Plant visual

The companion plant, clearly credited.

Primary identification photograph

The source photograph is retained with its original credit and license.

Photographer: (c) Ewout Knoester, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
License: CC BY-SA 4.0
Original: View photograph source
Botanical source: View identity source

Scenes

See African violet in three settings.

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African violet

Refined living room · Bright architectural entryway · Sheltered patio

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Verified availability only

No verified seller is listed today.

Vendor, price, stock, pre-order, and waiting-list information appears only after the exact listing and seller terms are confirmed.

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