How Many Types Of African Violets Are There – A Visual Guide To

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever walked into a garden center, spotted the African violet shelf, and felt a little dizzy? You see a sea of fuzzy leaves and vibrant blooms—some with frilly pink edges, others with deep purple, star-shaped flowers, and some with leaves that look like they’ve been dusted with snow. It’s a beautiful sight, but it can also be overwhelming!

You’re not alone in wondering about the sheer variety. It’s one of the most common questions we get here at Greeny Gardener. You look at these little jewels and think, “I want one… but which one?” Don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place.

I promise this guide will demystify the incredible world of these beloved houseplants. We’re going to break down the answer to how many types of african violets are there into simple, easy-to-understand categories. We’ll explore the dazzling array of flower types, the fascinating diversity in their leaves, and the different sizes available, from tiny miniatures to impressive giants.

By the end of this article, you’ll not only have a clear answer but also the confidence to pick out the perfect African violet (or three!) for your home and help it thrive. Let’s dive in!

The Short Answer vs. The Gardener’s Answer: Just How Many Types Are There?

If you want the quick, technical answer, scientists recognize about 20 distinct species of Saintpaulia (the botanical name for African violets) native to the mountains of Tanzania and Kenya. These are the original wild plants from which all others descend.

But that’s not the answer most gardeners are looking for! When we ask this question, we’re really asking about the cultivated varieties, or cultivars. And that number? It’s staggering. There are well over 16,000 registered cultivars, with countless more unregistered ones developed by hobbyists around the world. New ones are created every year!

Trying to learn all of them would be impossible. Instead, expert growers categorize them by their physical traits. Understanding these categories is one of the best how many types of african violets are there tips I can give you. It turns an overwhelming number into a fun and manageable system of identification. Let’s break it down.

A Blooming Rainbow: Understanding African Violet Types by Flower

The bloom is often what first draws us in. African violet flowers are incredibly diverse, and their classification is a great starting point for our how many types of african violets are there guide.

Single & Semidouble: The Classic Beauties

A single flower has the classic five-petal look, just like its wild ancestors. They are simple, elegant, and timeless. A semidouble flower has more than five petals but still has a visible, pollen-bearing stamen in the center. These are perfect for beginners because they are often hardy and bloom profusely.

Double & Frilled: For Lovers of Lush Blooms

If you love a full, rose-like appearance, double flowers are for you. They have so many petals that you often can’t even see the center of the flower. Many of these also feature frilled or ruffled edges, giving them an extra touch of romance and texture. They look incredibly lush and dramatic.

Star-Shaped: Simple and Symmetrical

Unlike the traditional bloom where the top two petals are slightly smaller, star-shaped flowers have five petals of equal size and shape, creating a perfect star. They have a clean, symmetrical look that is very striking, especially in solid, bold colors.

Wasp & Bell: The Uniquely Shaped Wonders

Here’s where things get interesting! Bell flowers are just what they sound like—unopened, bell-shaped blooms that hang delicately. Wasp flowers are even more unique, with very thin, separated, or rolled petals that give them a spidery, exotic appearance. These are definitely conversation starters!

Two-Tone & Multicolored: Painted Petals

This is a broad category covering any flower with more than one color. You’ll see terms like:

  • Fantasy: Streaks or puffs of a different color splashed over the base color.
  • Edged: A thin border of a different color on the petals (often called a “geneva edge” if it’s white).
  • Thumbprint: A spot of color on each petal, looking as if someone pressed their thumb on it.
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Chimera (Pinwheel): The Prized and Unique Pattern

Chimeras are the unicorns of the African violet world. They have distinct stripes of color radiating from the center of the flower, like a pinwheel. They are a result of a genetic mutation and cannot be propagated from a leaf cutting—you have to use a flower stalk or sucker to keep the pattern. This makes them rarer and often more expensive.

It’s Not Just About the Flowers: Exploring Types by Leaf Shape and Texture

An African violet’s foliage is its year-round clothing, and it can be just as stunning as the blooms. Knowing the leaf types is crucial for anyone wanting to truly understand how to how many types of african violets are there and identify their plants.

Plain vs. Quilted: The Texture of the Leaf

The most common type is the plain (or “tailored”) leaf, which is smooth and flat. In contrast, quilted leaves have a puckered, hilly texture between the veins, giving them a lovely, dimensional look. You can also find ruffled or wavy leaves that add even more flair.

Girl vs. Boy Foliage: A Classic Distinction

This is a charmingly old-fashioned naming convention! Girl leaves are characterized by a pale, whitish-green spot at the base of the leaf where it meets the stem. They are often deeply scalloped or lobed. Boy (or standard) foliage lacks this spot and has a simple, pointed shape. Don’t worry—the names have nothing to do with the plant’s gender!

Variegated Leaves: A Splash of Color

Variegated foliage is incredibly popular. This is where you see shades of white, cream, pink, or tan mixed in with the green. There are three main types of variegation:

  • Tommie Lou: The variegation is on the edges of the leaves. This is the most common type and is generally stable.
  • Crown: The variegation is concentrated in the center (crown) of the plant, often appearing on the newest leaves.
  • Mosaic: The variegation appears as speckles or patches all over the leaf surface, creating a beautiful, patterned effect.

Pro Tip: One of the most common problems with how many types of african violets are there, especially variegated ones, is the variegation disappearing. This is often caused by too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer or temperatures that are too warm. Use a balanced fertilizer and keep them in a slightly cooler spot to maintain their color.

Longifolia (Spider) & Holly Leaves: Unique Shapes

Longifolia leaves are long and narrow, creating a spidery or strap-like appearance for the whole plant. Holly leaves are truly unique; they are heavily curled and twisted, resembling holly leaves. They create a dense, sculptural plant that is prized by collectors.

How Many Types of African Violets Are There? A Guide to Sizes

Size matters when you’re planning your indoor garden! African violets are conveniently classified by the diameter of the plant, allowing you to choose one that perfectly fits your space.

Miniature & Semiminiature: Perfect for Small Spaces

These tiny treasures are perfect for windowsills, terrariums, or clustered in a collection. A miniature African violet will not exceed 6 inches in diameter at maturity. A semiminiature is slightly larger, growing to about 6-8 inches in diameter. They are absolutely adorable and allow you to grow a wide variety in a small area.

Standard: The Most Common Size

This is the size you most often see in stores. A standard African violet typically grows between 8 and 16 inches in diameter. They are robust, easy to find, and offer the widest range of flower and leaf types.

Large (Giant): The Showstoppers

If you have the space, a large or “giant” African violet is a magnificent specimen. These plants can grow over 16 inches in diameter, creating a massive, stunning rosette of leaves and a huge bouquet of flowers when in bloom.

Trailers: The Sprawling Beauties

Unlike the other types that grow from a single central point (a single crown), trailing African violets naturally produce multiple crowns and stems. This gives them a cascading or sprawling habit, making them perfect for hanging baskets or wide, shallow pots. They can be found in all size categories (micro, mini, standard).

Best Practices for Your African Violet Collection: A Universal Care Guide

Now that you know the types, let’s talk care. While there are subtle differences, the foundational how many types of african violets are there best practices apply to almost all varieties. This is your essential how many types of african violets are there care guide.

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The Secret to Perfect Lighting

Bright, indirect light is the golden rule. An east-facing window is often perfect. If you only have a south or west window, use a sheer curtain to diffuse the harsh sun, which can scorch the leaves. If you notice your leaves are reaching upwards, it’s a sign they need more light!

Watering Without Worry: The Wick vs. Top-Down Debate

The number one rule is to never use cold water and avoid getting water on the leaves, which can cause ugly brown spots. Water with room-temperature water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Many growers swear by wick-watering, a self-watering system that provides consistent moisture from a reservoir below. It’s a fantastic, low-maintenance method!

Sustainable Soil and Eco-Friendly Feeding

African violets need a light, airy, and well-draining soil mix. Many commercial African violet soils work well. For a more sustainable how many types of african violets are there approach, look for peat-free mixes that use coco coir instead. For an eco-friendly how many types of african violets are there feeding option, use a balanced liquid fertilizer (like 20-20-20, or a specialized violet food) diluted to 1/4 strength with every watering during the growing season.

Frequently Asked Questions About African Violet Varieties

How can I tell what type of African violet I have?

It can be tough without a label! Start by observing its characteristics using this guide. Note the flower type (single, double, star), leaf type (plain, quilted, variegated, girl), and size at maturity. This will help you describe it and narrow down the possibilities. Joining an online gardening forum can also be a huge help!

Are some types of African violets easier to grow than others?

Yes, generally speaking. Standard-sized varieties with plain “boy” foliage and single or semidouble flowers tend to be the most vigorous and forgiving for beginners. Chimeras and some of the more elaborate variegated types can be a bit more finicky about their conditions.

Can I grow different types of African violets together?

Absolutely! One of the great benefits of how many types of african violets are there is creating a collection with diverse colors and textures. Just be mindful of size. Don’t let a large standard plant overshadow and block light from a miniature. Grouping plants of similar sizes works best.

What is an “Optimara” African violet?

Optimara is a large-scale commercial grower of African violets based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are known for developing extremely hardy, resilient, and profusely blooming varieties that are widely available in grocery stores and garden centers. They are a fantastic and reliable choice for new growers.

Your African Violet Adventure Awaits

So, how many types of African violets are there? The answer isn’t a single number, but a doorway into a vast and rewarding hobby. From the classic grace of a single purple bloom to the wild artistry of a variegated, wasp-flowered trailer, there is truly an African violet for every personality and every home.

Don’t be intimidated by the thousands of varieties. Instead, feel empowered by your new knowledge of the main categories. You can now walk up to that nursery shelf with confidence, ready to spot the differences and choose the plant that speaks to you.

Welcome to the wonderful world of African violets. Go find your new favorite plant, and happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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