African Violet Vs False African Violet – Which Blooming Beauty Is

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood in a garden center, captivated by two gorgeous, fuzzy-leaved plants with delicate violet-like flowers? You pick one up, then the other, and think, “Wait… are these the same?” It’s a moment almost every plant lover has. You’re not alone in this beautiful botanical puzzle!

I’m here to be your friendly guide and clear up the confusion for good. While they look like twins at first glance, the true African Violet and its charming cousin, the False African Violet, are distinct plants with unique personalities and needs.

Promise yourself this: by the end of this guide, you’ll not only know exactly how to tell them apart but also which one is the perfect match for your home and gardening style. We’ll dive deep into the african violet vs false african violet debate, exploring their looks, care needs, and even how to make more of them for free!

Let’s unlock the secrets to these two stunning houseplants and get you growing with confidence.

Meet the Contenders: A Tale of Two Violets

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s properly introduce our two lovely contenders. Understanding their background is the first step in our comprehensive african violet vs false african violet guide.

The true African Violet (whose scientific name is Saintpaulia ionantha) is a classic houseplant beloved for generations. Hailing from the tropical rainforests of Tanzania, it’s a member of the Gesneriad family—a group of plants known for their stunning and often unusual flowers. They’ve been hybridized for decades, resulting in thousands of varieties with different flower colors, shapes, and leaf patterns.

Then we have the False African Violet (Streptocarpus saxorum), also known as the Cape Primrose. Don’t let the name “false” fool you; its beauty is 100% genuine! It also belongs to the Gesneriad family, which explains the family resemblance. Native to the same regions of Africa, it shares a similar love for warmth and humidity but expresses it in a completely different way.

Think of them as cousins with different lifestyles. One is a tidy homebody, and the other is a free-spirited adventurer.

The Definitive African Violet vs False African Violet Identification Guide

Ready to become an expert spotter? When you know what to look for, the differences become crystal clear. Here’s how to tell these two apart with just a glance. This is the core of understanding how to african violet vs false african violet identification works.

Leaf Shape and Texture

The leaves are your first and most reliable clue. Take a close look at their shape and feel.

  • True African Violet: The leaves are typically rounded or heart-shaped, fleshy, and have a distinctively soft, velvety fuzz. They often have a “quilted” texture and grow in a tight, symmetrical circle from a central point.
  • False African Violet: The leaves are more elliptical or oval-shaped and feel softer and slightly succulent. They are still fuzzy, but they grow opposite each other along sprawling stems, not in a flat rosette.

Growth Habit: Rosette vs. Trailing

How the plant grows is the biggest giveaway. This single difference will dictate where you place it in your home.

  • True African Violet: This plant has a classic rosette growth habit. All the leaves emerge from a central crown, creating a neat, flat, and compact plant. This makes them perfect for windowsills, shelves, and tabletops where they can show off their perfect symmetry.
  • False African Violet: This one is a trailer! It sends out long, arching stems that cascade gracefully over the side of the pot. This trailing nature makes it an absolute showstopper in hanging baskets or on a plant stand where its stems have room to drape.

Flower Form and Presentation

Both produce beautiful flowers, but how they present them is different.

  • True African Violet: The flowers appear in clusters on short, sturdy stalks that rise from the center of the leafy rosette. They come in a rainbow of colors—purple, blue, pink, white, and even multi-toned varieties.
  • False African Violet: The flowers dangle individually at the ends of very long, delicate, wiry stems called peduncles that extend far beyond the foliage. The blooms are typically a lovely lavender-blue color with a white throat and a distinct, hooded shape.

The Ultimate African Violet vs False African Violet Care Guide

Now that you can tell them apart, let’s talk about how to keep them thriving. While their needs are similar, a few key differences in care will make all the difference. Following these african violet vs false african violet best practices will guarantee happy, blooming plants.

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Lighting Needs: Finding the Sweet Spot

Light is food for plants, and getting it right is crucial for both.

A true African Violet is the queen of bright, indirect light. An east-facing window that gets gentle morning sun is perfect. A north-facing window also works well. Keep it out of direct, harsh afternoon sun, which will scorch its delicate leaves, leaving brown spots.

A False African Violet also loves bright, indirect light but is a bit more adaptable. It can handle slightly brighter conditions than its cousin, but direct sun is still a no-go. If you see the leaves turning pale green or yellow, it might be getting too much light.

Watering Wisdom: The Key to Happy Roots

Here’s where their care really diverges. How you water is one of the most important african violet vs false african violet tips I can share.

True African Violets are notoriously fussy about water on their leaves. Cold water can cause permanent spots on the foliage, and water in the central crown can quickly lead to deadly crown rot. The best practice is bottom-watering:

  1. Place the pot in a saucer or bowl of room-temperature water.
  2. Let the plant soak up water through its drainage holes for about 20-30 minutes.
  3. Once the top of the soil is moist, remove it from the saucer and let any excess water drain away.
  4. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

The False African Violet is much more laid-back. You can water it from the top like most other houseplants. Just be sure to aim for the soil and avoid drenching the foliage. It also prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. Its forgiving nature makes it a great starting point for beginners!

Soil and Feeding Best Practices

Both plants need well-draining soil to prevent root rot, but their specific preferences differ slightly.

Your true African Violet will be happiest in a special African Violet potting mix. These mixes are light, airy, and contain ingredients like peat moss and perlite that provide the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage. Feed it every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer formulated for African Violets, which is typically higher in phosphorus to encourage blooms.

The False African Violet is less picky. A high-quality all-purpose potting mix amended with some perlite for extra drainage will work just fine. Feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every month during spring and summer.

Propagation Tips: How to Make More of Your Favorite Violet

One of the greatest joys of gardening is creating new plants from the ones you already love. Luckily, both of these beauties are easy to propagate!

Propagating True African Violets

The classic way to propagate an African Violet is from a single leaf cutting. It feels like magic!

  1. Choose a healthy, mature leaf from the middle of the plant.
  2. Cut the stem (petiole) at a 45-degree angle, leaving about an inch of stem attached to the leaf.
  3. Place the stem into a small pot of moist potting mix, burying it up to the base of the leaf.
  4. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a mini-greenhouse, and place it in bright, indirect light.
  5. In a few weeks to a couple of months, tiny new plantlets will sprout from the base of the stem!

Propagating False African Violets

Thanks to its trailing stems, the False African Violet is even easier to propagate. You’ll be using stem cuttings.

  1. Snip a 3-4 inch piece of healthy stem from the end of a trail.
  2. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
  3. You can place the cutting in a glass of water until roots form, or plant it directly into moist potting mix.
  4. It will root quickly, and you’ll have a new plant in no time. This is a great way to make a leggy plant fuller!

Solving Common Problems with African Violet vs False African Violet

Even the best gardeners run into issues. Don’t worry—most are easy to fix! Here’s a look at some common problems with african violet vs false african violet and how to solve them.

Why Aren’t My Plants Blooming?

This is the most common question! For both plants, the number one culprit is usually insufficient light. Try moving your plant to a slightly brighter location (but still indirect light!). The second reason is often a lack of nutrients. If you haven’t been fertilizing regularly, now is the time to start.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Both plants can occasionally attract common houseplant pests like mealybugs or spider mites. Inspect your plants regularly and treat any infestations early with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

The true African Violet is particularly susceptible to powdery mildew (a white, dusty coating on the leaves) and crown rot if overwatered or if water is left on the leaves. Good air circulation and proper bottom-watering are your best defenses.

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Leggy Growth and What It Means

If your true African Violet develops a long, bare “neck” over time, it’s a natural part of aging. You can fix this by repotting it. Gently remove the plant, scrape the neck lightly to encourage new roots, and bury it deeper in the pot so the lower leaves rest on the soil line.

For a False African Violet, leggy growth (long, bare stems with leaves only at the tips) usually means it’s stretching for more light. Move it to a brighter spot and prune the leggy stems back to encourage bushier growth. And remember, you can propagate those cuttings!

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gardening with Violets

Part of being a great gardener is caring for our planet, too. You can easily apply sustainable african violet vs false african violet practices to your indoor garden.

  • Choose Peat-Free Soil: Look for potting mixes that use sustainable alternatives to peat moss, like coco coir. This helps protect fragile peat bog ecosystems.
  • Conserve Water: Bottom-watering, a necessity for true African Violets, is also a fantastic water-saving technique for other plants. It ensures water goes directly to the roots without waste.
  • Propagate and Share: Creating new plants from cuttings is the ultimate eco-friendly african violet vs false african violet practice. It reduces waste, saves money, and allows you to share your love of plants with friends!
  • Go Organic: Use organic fertilizers or homemade compost tea to feed your plants naturally, avoiding synthetic chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions About African Violet vs False African Violet

Which one is better for beginners?

Hands down, the False African Violet (Streptocarpus saxorum) is more forgiving and therefore better for beginners. Its tolerance for top-watering and slightly more variable conditions makes it an easier plant to start with. The true African Violet requires a bit more precision, but don’t let that scare you—it’s incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it!

Can I grow them outdoors?

In most climates, both are considered houseplants. They are tropical plants that cannot tolerate frost or direct, harsh sunlight. They can be moved to a shady porch or patio during the warm summer months, but they must be brought back inside before temperatures drop.

Are they toxic to pets?

Here’s some fantastic news for pet owners! Both the true African Violet and the False African Violet are non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. This is one of the best benefits of african violet vs false african violet—you can enjoy their beauty without worrying about your furry friends.

Why are the leaves on my African Violet getting brown spots?

This is almost always caused by cold water splashing on the leaves. The temperature shock damages the cells, leaving a permanent mark. Always use room-temperature water and be careful to apply it only to the soil, which is why bottom-watering is so highly recommended.

So, Which Violet Will You Choose?

We’ve journeyed through the beautiful world of these two look-alike plants, and now you’re armed with all the knowledge you need. The choice between the african violet vs false african violet really comes down to your space and your style.

If you love perfect symmetry, a dazzling array of colors, and have a spot on a bright windowsill, the classic True African Violet is calling your name. It’s a timeless beauty that rewards careful attention with stunning displays of flowers.

If you’re looking for something a bit more wild and free, a plant that will cascade beautifully from a hanging basket with whimsical, dancing flowers, then the easy-going False African Violet is your perfect match. It offers a similar aesthetic with a more relaxed attitude.

No matter which you choose, you’re bringing a touch of delicate, enduring beauty into your home. They are both wonderful, rewarding plants that will bring you joy for years to come. Go forth and grow!

Rimon Chowdhury
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