Streptocarpus ionanthus

Common Names

African Violet, Violeta Africana, Cape Primrose

Summary

Cape Primrose is native to eastern and southwestern Tanzania in East Africa and grows as a lithophytic rosulate herb, forming a dense rosette of velvety dark green leaves with purple undersides and fine white down, it bears trumpet-shaped flowers on a spike year-round, usually with five irregular petals and bright yellow stamens, with flower colors varying by variety from violet-blue to pink, white, purple, blue or red, and some cultivars featuring bicolored leaves, for cultivation this tropical houseplant prefers bright indirect light and loose, well-draining soil, water from the base to soak the root ball and allow the surface to dry between waterings, avoiding soggy conditions, repot annually or when it outgrows its pot, using a slightly larger container, maintain temperatures around 60–80°F and provide high humidity, for example by placing pots on a dish with moist clay balls, propagation is commonly by leaf cuttings, and fertilization with flowering-plant fertilizer every two weeks during active growth supports bloom, plants are commonly grown indoors and valued for year-round color, with several cultivars available and not toxic to pets or humans.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-9 inches

Spread

6-9.5 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 11a-12b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade; full sun, partial sun, and full shade are also listed.

Soil Type

Well-draining loamy soil with high organic matter; pH slightly acidic to neutral.

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Bloom Color

Blue, Pink, Purple, White

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Leaf cuttings, Division, Stem cuttings