Pale leaves and few flowers

Not enough light. Move to brighter indirect light or add a grow light.

Ring spots or pale blotches on leaves

Cold water or sun hitting wet leaves. Use room-temperature water and keep water off the foliage.

Overwatering or water sitting in the crown. Water from the bottom and let the soil surface dry between waterings.

Reaching for light. Give brighter, more even light and rotate the pot regularly.

Houseplants

A compact, pet-safe bloomer with fuzzy leaves and clusters of velvety flowers that can appear nearly year-round.

The free tool tailors timing to your climate and lets you save this plant.

Light

Bright, indirect

Where to put it

Bright indirect light, such as a north or east window. Good steady light is what keeps it flowering.

Watering

About weekly, whenever the top of the soil feels dry.

Soil mix

A light, airy African violet mix, or potting mix cut with perlite and a little peat.

Pot

A small pot with drainage; they bloom best when slightly pot-bound. Self-watering violet pots work well.

Repotting

Every 6–12 months to refresh soil, usually keeping the same small pot size.

Propagation

Root a healthy leaf with its stalk in water or moist soil; baby plantlets form at the base. Easy.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Pale leaves and few flowers. Not enough light. Move to brighter indirect light or add a grow light.
Ring spots or pale blotches on leaves. Cold water or sun hitting wet leaves. Use room-temperature water and keep water off the foliage.
Mushy crown or stems. Overwatering or water sitting in the crown. Water from the bottom and let the soil surface dry between waterings.
Long stretched leaf stems. Reaching for light. Give brighter, more even light and rotate the pot regularly.