Other Plants In African Violet Family – A Gardener’S Guide To Stunning

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Do you adore your African Violets, with their fuzzy leaves and cheerful, long-lasting blooms? It’s easy to fall in love with them. But have you ever wondered what other gems might be hiding in their family tree? You might be surprised to learn there’s a whole world of stunning, easy-to-care-for relatives just waiting to brighten your home.

I promise that exploring this beautiful plant family, the Gesneriads, is one of the most rewarding journeys a houseplant enthusiast can take. Many of these cousins share the African Violet’s love for similar conditions, making them a perfect next step in your gardening adventure.

In this complete other plants in african violet family guide, we’ll uncover some of the most spectacular relatives you can grow. We’ll dive into their unique personalities, cover a simple care routine that works for almost all of them, and troubleshoot a few common issues. Get ready to find your next favorite houseplant!

What is the African Violet Family (Gesneriaceae)? A Quick Introduction

Before we meet the all-stars, let’s talk about the family itself. The plants we’re discussing belong to a large and diverse group called Gesneriaceae (pronounced gez-nair-ee-AY-see-ee). Don’t worry, you don’t have to remember the name! Just think of it as the “African Violet Family.”

These plants typically hail from tropical and subtropical regions around the world. This is great news for us indoor gardeners because it means they thrive in the same comfortable temperatures and indirect light found in most homes.

While they come in all shapes and sizes—from trailing vines to compact rosettes—many share a few charming traits:

  • Fuzzy Foliage: Many, like the African Violet, have soft, hairy leaves.
  • Unique Flowers: They often produce vibrant, unusually shaped flowers.
  • Easy Propagation: Most are incredibly simple to propagate from cuttings.

Understanding this shared heritage is the first step in knowing how to other plants in african violet family can be grown successfully. If you can keep an African Violet happy, you’re already 90% of the way there!

Meet the Relatives: 5 Must-Know Other Plants in the African Violet Family

Ready to expand your collection? Let’s meet some of the most popular and rewarding members of this incredible plant family. I’ve grown all of these in my own home, and they bring me so much joy.

Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose): The Showstopper

If you want a plant that blooms nearly nonstop, meet Streptocarpus, often called “Streps.” These beauties produce elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers on long, delicate stems that rise above their strappy, tongue-like leaves. They come in every color imaginable, from deep purples and pinks to stunning bi-colors.

Pro Tip: Unlike African Violets, Streps prefer their soil to dry out a bit more between waterings. Wait until the pot feels noticeably lighter before giving it a good soak. This is one of the most important other plants in african violet family tips for success with this specific plant.

Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa): The Velvet Bell

Gloxinias are famous for their huge, velvety, bell-shaped flowers that command attention. A Gloxinia in full bloom is a true spectacle! Their flowers can be single or double and often feature beautiful ruffled edges or contrasting colors.

The key thing to know about Gloxinias is that they grow from a tuber and have a natural dormancy period. After flowering, the leaves will yellow and die back. Don’t panic—it’s not dead! Simply reduce watering, store the pot in a cool, dark place for a couple of months, and then bring it back out to start the cycle again.

Columnea (Goldfish Plant): The Quirky Cascader

Looking for a fantastic hanging basket plant? Look no further than the Goldfish Plant. This trailing Gesneriad has long, cascading stems with small, glossy leaves. Its claim to fame is its flowers—puffy, tubular blooms in shades of red, orange, and yellow that look exactly like leaping goldfish.

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To encourage a flood of flowers, give your Goldfish Plant a bit more light than an African Violet. A spot near a bright east or west-facing window where it gets gentle, direct morning or evening sun is perfect.

Aeschynanthus (Lipstick Plant): The Tropical Beauty

Another trailing superstar, the Lipstick Plant gets its name from its fascinating flowering process. Dark, maroon-colored buds emerge first, and from them, a bright red tubular flower pops out, resembling a tube of lipstick emerging from its case. It’s a delight to watch!

These plants adore humidity. Grouping them with other plants or placing them in a naturally humid room like a kitchen or bathroom will make them feel right at home. They are a perfect example of the wonderful benefits of other plants in african violet family—they bring a touch of the exotic indoors.

Episcia (Flame Violet): The Foliage Star

While most Gesneriads are grown for their flowers, Episcia is all about the foliage. Known as Flame Violets, their leaves are breathtakingly beautiful, with intricate patterns of silver, bronze, green, and pink. They have a creeping growth habit and send out runners, or “stolons,” with baby plantlets at the end, much like a strawberry plant.

These plants love warmth and high humidity, which makes them fantastic candidates for a terrarium. Their small, trumpet-shaped red or pink flowers are a lovely bonus to the spectacular leaves.

Your Comprehensive Other Plants in African Violet Family Care Guide

While each plant has its quirks, the good news is that a single set of rules works for most of the family. Mastering these other plants in african violet family best practices will set you up for success with any new addition.

The Right Light for Happy Blooms

Just like their famous cousin, these plants thrive in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window that provides gentle morning sun is the gold standard. A north-facing window also works well, though flowering might be less prolific. Avoid intense, direct afternoon sun, which can easily scorch their delicate leaves.

Watering Best Practices: The ‘Don’t Drown Me’ Rule

Overwatering is the number one enemy of this plant family. Their fine roots are susceptible to rot if left in soggy soil. Always let the top inch of the soil dry out before watering again. Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.

My favorite method is bottom watering. Place the pot in a saucer of water for 20-30 minutes and let it soak up what it needs from the bottom. This encourages deep root growth and keeps water off the fuzzy leaves, which can cause spotting.

Soil and Potting: A Breathable Home

A light, airy, and well-draining potting mix is non-negotiable. You can buy a pre-made African Violet mix or create your own. A great recipe is one part high-quality potting soil, one part perlite, and one part vermiculite. This mixture holds just enough moisture while allowing plenty of oxygen to reach the roots.

Feeding Your Floral Family

These plants are moderate feeders, especially when they are actively growing and blooming. A balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for African Violets or blooming houseplants is perfect. I recommend the “weakly, weekly” approach: dilute the fertilizer to 1/4 strength and use it with every watering during the growing season (spring and summer).

Common Problems with Other Plants in the African Violet Family (and How to Fix Them!)

Even with the best care, you might run into an issue or two. Don’t worry! Here’s a quick look at some common problems with other plants in the african violet family and their simple solutions.

Problem: Yellowing Leaves

This is usually a sign of overwatering. Check the soil—is it constantly damp? Let it dry out more between waterings. Yellowing lower leaves can also simply be a sign of old age, which is perfectly normal. Just pinch them off.

Problem: No Flowers!

The most common culprit here is insufficient light. Try moving your plant to a brighter location (but still out of direct sun). It could also be a sign that the plant is root-bound and needs a slightly larger pot, or that it needs a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus number (the middle number in N-P-K) to encourage blooms.

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Problem: Powdery Mildew

This looks like a white, dusty coating on the leaves and is a fungal issue caused by stagnant air and high humidity. Improve air circulation around your plants by giving them more space or using a small fan. You can treat existing mildew with a commercial fungicide or a homemade spray of one teaspoon of baking soda in a quart of water.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Growing Tips for Gesneriads

Part of being a great gardener is caring for our planet. Embracing sustainable other plants in african violet family practices is easy and effective.

  • Peat-Free Mixes: Many commercial mixes rely on peat moss, which is not a rapidly renewable resource. Look for “peat-free” potting mixes or those that use coir (coconut fiber) as a base.
  • Water Conservation: Bottom watering not only benefits your plants but also conserves water, as less is lost to evaporation.
  • Natural Pest Control: Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals, treat common pests like aphids or mealybugs with insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are much more eco-friendly other plants in african violet family solutions.
  • Propagate and Share: One of the best parts of this family is how easy they are to propagate. Share cuttings with friends instead of buying new plants, reducing your carbon footprint and spreading the joy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Other Plants in the African Violet Family

Are these plants safe for my pets?

Great news! Most members of the Gesneriad family, including African Violets, Streptocarpus, Gloxinias, and Lipstick Plants, are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. It’s always a good idea to double-check a specific plant with the ASPCA’s list, but generally, this is a very pet-friendly plant family.

How do I propagate these plants?

Propagation is incredibly easy! For most, like Streptocarpus and Gloxinia, you can take a leaf cutting, dip it in rooting hormone, and place it in moist soil. For trailing plants like Lipstick and Goldfish Plants, stem cuttings work best. And for Episcia, you can simply snip off one of the baby plantlets (stolons) and pot it up.

Why are my Streptocarpus leaves getting brown, crispy tips?

This is almost always a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering. The air in our homes is often too dry for them. Try placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water or running a small humidifier nearby. Also, be sure not to let the soil go bone-dry for extended periods.

Can I grow these plants under artificial lights?

Absolutely! In fact, many hobbyists prefer it. Growing under simple fluorescent shop lights or modern LED grow lights gives you complete control over the light your plants receive. It’s the perfect solution for gardeners with low-light homes. Place the lights 10-12 inches above the plants for 12-14 hours a day.

Ready to Grow Beyond the Violet?

Exploring the wider world of Gesneriads is like discovering a secret garden filled with color, texture, and personality. From the nonstop blooms of a Streptocarpus to the quirky charm of a Goldfish Plant, there truly is a perfect plant for every windowsill.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Remember that the same gentle care you give your African Violets will make these relatives feel right at home. Pick one that catches your eye, bring it home, and watch your indoor garden flourish in exciting new ways.

Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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