Can African Violets Grow Outside in Garden?

18.09.2024 - 12:47 / balconygardenweb.com / Editorial Team

African violets have stunning velvety blooms in an explosion of colors and patterns. More popular in the 60s, they are making a comeback as chic and vintage houseplants that thrive indoors!

Perhaps you wonder if they can grow outside with the same vigor but have seen mixed reviews that are confusing you. Find your answers in this guide!

In theory, if you can replicate their ideal growing conditions outdoors, there’s no reason why they wouldn’t survive there. But how well can one do this, and what are these “ideal growing conditions?”

Before we get into their needs, it’s important to note that the only wild they are found in is a tiny biodiverse spot in Tanzania threatened by deforestation. While popular as indoor houseplants, these floral divas are quickly going extinct in nature!

So, why do we call them divas? Despite their resemblance to violets and the name, these plants belong to an entirely different genus—Saintpaulia—which is shockingly sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, light, humidity, and water.

Native to the tropical climes of Tanzania and Kenya in eastern Africa, saintpaulias are hardy to USDA Zones 11-12 and thrive in mild temperatures of 60-80 F (15-26 C). They grow well in warmth, dappled sunshine, and consistent watering. But let’s dig into the details.

Beneath the forested canopies of their native habitat, plenty of shade, filtered sunshine, humidity, and constant weather and conditions enable them to flourish. They grow well outdoors in Tanzania or in places with similar growing conditions.

But it’s obviously difficult to replicate massive tropical trees and identical ecosystems in North America’s continental and temperate climes. This is the main reason why African violets thrive indoors but bomb