Difference Between Violet And African Violet – Your Complete Guide To

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood in a garden center, admiring a sweet little purple flower, and felt a bit confused? Is it a “true” violet, the kind that pops up in lawns, or one of those fuzzy-leaved African violets that grace so many windowsills? You’re not alone in this common gardener’s puzzle!

It’s a mix-up that happens all the time. While they share a name and a beloved purple hue, these two plants are about as related as a housecat and a tiger. They come from different continents, belong to completely different plant families, and—most importantly for us gardeners—require completely different care to thrive.

I promise, by the time you finish this guide, you’ll be an expert. We’re going to break down every key difference between violet and african violet, from their leaves and flowers to their ideal growing conditions. You’ll learn exactly how to tell them apart at a glance and provide the perfect care for whichever one you choose to grow.

Let’s dig in and clear up the confusion for good!

More Than Just a Name: Uncovering the Botanical Divide

The first and most fundamental difference is their family tree. Understanding this helps explain why their needs are so distinct. Think of it as knowing their origin story.

True violets, the kind you might find peeking through your lawn in spring, belong to the Viola genus. This is a huge family (Violaceae) with over 500 species, including pansies and johnny-jump-ups. These are hardy plants, often native to temperate climates across the Northern Hemisphere. They are tough, resilient, and built for the outdoors.

African violets, on the other hand, belong to the Saintpaulia genus, within the Gesneriaceae family. This family also includes beautiful houseplants like Gloxinia and Cape Primrose. As their name suggests, they are native to the tropical, humid mountains of Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa. They are tender, warmth-loving plants that evolved to live indoors in most parts of the world.

So, right from the start, we have a hardy outdoor perennial versus a delicate indoor tropical. This is the core of our difference between violet and african violet guide.

A Visual Showdown: How to Difference Between Violet and African Violet by Sight

Okay, enough with the Latin! The best way to tell these plants apart is by simply looking at them. Once you know what to look for, the differences are striking. Here are the most obvious visual cues.

The Telltale Leaves

The leaves are often the quickest giveaway. Seriously, once you see it, you can’t unsee it!

  • African Violet Leaves: These are the star of the show even when the plant isn’t blooming. They are typically thick, fleshy, and covered in fine, soft hairs, giving them a distinct velvety or fuzzy texture. They grow in a low, flat circle called a rosette.
  • True Violet Leaves: These leaves are generally smooth, thin, and have a classic heart shape. They lack that signature fuzziness of their indoor namesake and feel more like a typical garden leaf.

A Closer Look at the Flowers

While often both purple, the flower structures are quite different. This is one of the best difference between violet and african violet tips for positive identification.

  • African Violet Flowers: They have what botanists call radial symmetry, meaning the petals are arranged in a circle around a central point. They typically have five petals and grow in clusters on a single, delicate stalk that rises from the center of the plant. You’ll also notice bright yellow anthers right in the middle.
  • True Violet Flowers: These flowers have bilateral symmetry, meaning you could fold them in half for a mirror image, but they aren’t circular. They have five petals, but they are arranged irregularly: two pointing up, two to the sides, and one larger one at the bottom. Each flower grows on its own individual stem.
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Growth Habit and Stature

How the plant grows tells you a lot about where it belongs.

  • African Violets: These are compact plants that grow in a tight rosette. They stay small and tidy, making them perfect windowsill companions. They do not spread or form a groundcover.
  • True Violets: Many species are known for their spreading habit. They send out runners (rhizomes) underground and can quickly form a dense, beautiful groundcover in a garden bed or lawn. They have a much more “wild” and rambling growth style.

The Ultimate Difference Between Violet and African Violet Care Guide

This is where knowing the difference truly matters. Giving an African violet the care intended for a true violet (or vice-versa) is a recipe for a very unhappy plant. Let’s create a clear difference between violet and african violet care guide to ensure both your indoor and outdoor friends flourish.

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much!)

African Violets: They crave bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled light on a forest floor. A spot near an east-facing window where they get gentle morning sun is perfect. Direct southern or western sun will scorch their delicate, fuzzy leaves in a heartbeat.

True Violets: These are much more versatile. Most species thrive in partial shade, like the conditions under a tall tree. However, many varieties can handle full sun as long as they get enough moisture. They are classic woodland and garden bed plants.

The Art of Watering

Watering is probably the most critical difference and where many new gardeners go wrong. Following these difference between violet and african violet best practices is key.

African Violets: There are two golden rules: never use cold water and never get the leaves wet. Cold water will shock the roots and cause ugly white rings to form on the leaves. Wet leaves, especially on the central crown, can lead to rot. It’s best to water from the bottom by placing the pot in a saucer of room-temperature water for 30 minutes, or by using a watering can with a very narrow spout to apply water directly to the soil. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.

True Violets: These outdoor plants are far less fussy. They appreciate consistent moisture in the soil, especially when they are getting established in your garden. You can water them from overhead with a hose or watering can without any issue.

Soil and Feeding Needs

African Violets: They need a special potting mix. Standard potting soil is too heavy and will suffocate their fine roots. Use a light, airy, and well-draining mix specifically formulated for African violets. They also prefer to be slightly root-bound in their pots, which encourages blooming.

True Violets: In the garden, they are adaptable but do best in rich, well-drained soil amended with compost. They aren’t picky and will grow in a wide range of garden loams.

Common Problems with Violet and African Violet: A Troubleshooting Guide

Every plant has its challenges. Here’s a quick look at some common problems with violet and african violet and how to solve them.

African Violet Woes

  • Problem: Powdery white spots on leaves or stems.

    Solution: This is powdery mildew, often from poor air circulation or wet leaves. Remove affected leaves and ensure you’re not splashing the foliage when you water.
  • Problem: The center of the plant is mushy and brown.

    Solution: This is crown rot, almost always caused by overwatering or water sitting on the crown. It’s often fatal, which is why proper watering is so crucial.
  • Problem: The plant won’t bloom.

    Solution: The most common culprits are not enough light or a need for fertilizer. Move it to a brighter location (still indirect!) and feed it with a balanced fertilizer formulated for blooming houseplants every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

True Violet Troubles

  • Problem: They are taking over my garden!

    Solution: This is a sign of a happy plant! Many Viola species spread vigorously. You can manage them by digging up and dividing the clumps every few years or installing a root barrier.
  • Problem: Leaves are being eaten by small insects.

    Solution: Aphids and spider mites can sometimes be an issue. A strong spray of water from the hose can dislodge them, or you can use an insecticidal soap for heavier infestations.
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Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gardening Practices

One of the great benefits of difference between violet and african violet knowledge is applying eco-friendly practices to both. A sustainable approach helps your plants and the planet.

For your African violets, consider making your own eco-friendly difference between violet and african violet potting mix using alternatives to peat moss, such as coco coir. Peat bogs are vital ecosystems, and reducing our reliance on peat is a great sustainable step. Furthermore, propagating African violets from a single leaf cutting is a fantastic, waste-free way to create new plants to keep or share!

For true violets, the benefits are even greater. Many species of Viola are native plants that serve as crucial food sources for local pollinators, including several species of fritillary butterflies. Planting them supports your local ecosystem. Dividing your clumps and sharing them with neighbors is a wonderful, sustainable difference between violet and african violet practice that builds community and green spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions About Violets and African Violets

Are true violets edible?

Yes, many species of true violets (Viola) are edible! The flowers make a beautiful and tasty addition to salads, desserts, and drinks. The leaves can also be eaten raw or cooked. However, African violets (Saintpaulia) are NOT edible and should not be consumed.

Can I grow a true violet indoors?

It’s very difficult. True violets are hardy perennials that require a period of cold dormancy in the winter to thrive and bloom properly. They are much happier living outdoors in the garden.

So I definitely can’t plant an African violet in my garden?

That’s correct. As a tropical plant, an African violet will not survive the temperature fluctuations, direct sun, and cold weather of an outdoor garden in most climates. It is strictly a houseplant.

Why are my African violet leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can be a sign of a few things. The most common cause is overwatering. It can also be from too much direct sunlight (leaf scorch) or, if it’s the older, outer leaves, it might just be the natural end of their life cycle.

Embrace the Beauty of Both

So there you have it! The mystery is solved. While they may share a common name, the hardy, outdoor-loving true violet and the delicate, fuzzy African violet are two entirely different, yet equally wonderful, plants.

The key takeaway from this difference between violet and african violet guide is simple: one is a resilient garden gem, the other is a charming indoor companion. One loves the shade of an oak tree, the other loves the filtered light of a kitchen window.

Now that you know how to tell them apart and understand their unique needs, you can grow either—or both!—with confidence. Whether you’re cultivating a carpet of purple in your backyard or a cheerful pot of fuzz on your desk, you have the knowledge to help them flourish. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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