African Violets: February’s Timeless Houseplant Treasure

Few houseplants blend beauty, charm, and year-round bloom like African violets. With their velvety leaves and vibrant blossoms, these classics bring cheer to winter and early spring — making them a perfect choice for Chalet Home & Garden’s 2026 February Plant of the Month. 

Native to the cloud forests of eastern Africa — especially Tanzania — African violets (genus Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia) were introduced to Europe in the late 1800s by Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire and quickly captured the hearts of plant lovers worldwide. 

These compact, shade-friendly plants are not true violets but are cherished for their ability to bloom in the home almost anytime under the right conditions. Their enduring appeal is reflected in active collector communities and a long tradition of breeding new cultivars.  

African violets have exploded in variety, offering endless color, form, and leaf styles. While thousands of named cultivars exist (over 16,000 listed by the African Violet Society of America), here are a few of the most exciting styles popular with growers in 2025–2026: 

• myViolet Series — Developed for prolific flowering and vivid bi-color blooms, these varieties are bred to produce more flowers per plant than many standard types. 

• EverFloris “Space Violets” — A fascinating series developed from seed that spent years in orbit, resulting in vigorous plants with large, continuous blooms. 

• Southern Belle Series — Known for delicate bell-shaped blossoms in soft pastels, ideal on tabletops or shelves.  

• Variegated leaf forms and ruffled petals — these give dramatic contrast and texture in any indoor display.
• Miniatures and semi-miniatures — perfect for windowsills and small spaces.

Tip: Collections like Optimara’s assorted packs make an easy way to start or expand your African violet display.  

African violets thrive with bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh direct sun which can scorch leaves. If natural light is limited, fluorescent or LED grow lights can easily supplement.  

Use a light, airy potting mix designed for African violets or one with peat, perlite, and vermiculite. Choose pots with good drainage — clay or plastic works well depending on humidity. 

African violets benefit from balanced, water-soluble fertilizer — such as 20-20-20 — diluted to half strength every time you water during the growing season. Some growers also use blends with higher phosphorus (“bloom boosters”) for more flowers.  

While generally resilient, African violets can face: 

Disease

• Root and crown rot — fungal diseases from excess moisture.

• Leaf spots — often due to splashed water or pathogens. 

Pests

• Mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and thrips are among the common visitors. 

• Control early with insecticidal soaps, alcohol swabs, or neem oil for light infestations.

Isolate new plants for a few weeks to ensure they’re pest-free before introducing them to your collection. 

African violets remain beloved for several reasons: 

• Year-round flowering under proper care. 

• A huge diversity of colors, forms, and leaf types — from pure whites and deep purples to bi-colors and variegated foliage. 

• Compact size suits apartments and small spaces.

• A rich history of hobbyist and collector communities worldwide, including shows and societies dedicated just to these plants.

Whether you’re a new plant parent or a seasoned collector, African violets offer continuous beauty and a rewarding growing experience. 

Shop our African Violet collection and other flowering indoor plants in store.