Amazing African Violets

African violets come in a spectacular variety of leaf types, flower shapes, colors and sizes. You'll find lots of information about caring for them at the African Violet Society of America. This variety, ‘Pixie Blue’ (L. Lyon, hybridizer), is a miniature trailer with single flowers.

African violets are considered miniatures if they are 6" or less in diameter and semi-minis grow up to 8" in diameter. While standards range from 8" to 16", they are considered large if they're over 16" in diameter. Trailing types have long runners that branch and spread; they can grow in hanging baskets or shallow pots. 'Persian Prince’ (S. Sorano, hybridizer), shown here, is a miniature with so-called girl, or scalloped, leaves. Girl leaves are usually fleshier than boy leaves, which are solid green. 

The botanical name for African violets is Saintpaulia; the plants are native to eastern Africa. This miniature, Optimara ‘Rose Quartz’ (Holtkamp, hybridizer), has glossy, hairy, medium green leaves and pink blooms. African violets are often called America's favorite houseplants.

'Lonestar Snowstorm' is a standard African violet (R. Nicholas, hybridizer). Its white blooms are called "sticktite," which means that they don't drop from the bloom stem when they fade. African violets need good air circulation to help prevent disease, but don't put them in a drafty spot.