The plant commonly known as the False African Violet is a popular choice for indoor gardening, admired for its delicate flowers and attractive foliage. It is often mistaken for the true African Violet due to their shared family lineage and similar bloom colors. This plant offers a cascade of growth that can quickly fill a hanging basket or spill over the edge of a pot, providing continuous color throughout the year under optimal conditions. Understanding the distinctions between the two plants is important for proper care and appreciating its unique characteristics.
Understanding the Name False African Violet
The designation “False” refers to the plant’s difference in genus from the true African Violet. The true African Violet belongs to the genus Saintpaulia (specifically Saintpaulia ionantha), while the False African Violet is classified as Streptocarpus saxorum. Both plants are members of the same botanical family, Gesneriaceae, a group known for its flowering houseplants.
This shared family connection explains the superficial resemblance, particularly the soft, slightly hairy texture of the leaves and the violet-hued blooms. However, the separation into different genera is based on structural differences in how the plants grow and how their flowers are formed. This taxonomic distinction means their specific needs and physical forms diverge considerably.
Identifying Physical Differences
The most noticeable difference between the two plants is their growth habit. The true African Violet (Saintpaulia) develops as a compact rosette, with leaves growing in a tight, circular pattern from a central crown. In contrast, the False African Violet (Streptocarpus saxorum) exhibits a semi-shrubby, mounding, and trailing habit. Its slender, slightly woody stems allow it to cascade beautifully from containers.
Leaf morphology also offers a clear way to tell them apart. True African Violets possess velvety, rounder leaves. The False African Violet features smaller, elliptic to ovate leaves that are a matt-green color and softer to the touch. These leaves are slightly fleshy and typically grow in whorls of three along the stems.
Flower structure presents another distinct characteristic. The true African Violet has a flat-faced, five-lobed bloom, resembling a traditional pansy shape. The False African Violet produces a lilac-mauve to violet flower with a distinct tubular, trumpet-like structure on a slender stalk. The lower three petal lobes are larger than the two upper lobes, and the tube often presents a white contrast.
Essential Care Requirements
Successfully cultivating the False African Violet relies on providing bright, indirect light, mimicking its native habitat where it grows on rocks and cliffs in East Africa. Placing the plant in a location that receives ample filtered sun, such as an east-facing window, encourages continuous blooming. Direct midday sun should be avoided because the intense light can scorch the fleshy, hairy leaves.
Watering techniques for Streptocarpus saxorum require keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top layer of the potting medium to dry slightly before watering again to prevent root rot. Avoid using very cold water, which can cause spotting on the foliage.
The plant thrives in moderate indoor temperatures, ideally ranging between 60°F and 75°F. It is sensitive to cold drafts, which should be avoided, especially during the winter months. A well-draining potting mix is necessary to accommodate its shallow root system. A mixture containing peat, perlite, and vermiculite provides the proper aeration and drainage.
Propagation is straightforward using stem-tip cuttings, which can be taken at any time of the year. Placing these cuttings directly into a well-drained medium allows them to root easily. Regular feeding with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the spring and summer growing season supports robust growth and prolific flowering.